April 14, 2022

Building Omaha & OPS Shine Spotlight on Bright Careers in Electrical Industry

Night school was in session for several local high school students and their parents who gathered at the Omaha Public Schools Career Center to learn about career opportunities within the electrical industry.

Kevin Wetuski, training director of Omaha’s Joint Electrical Apprenticeship and Training Committee (JAPC), in affiliation with Building Omaha’s popular apprenticeship program, provided information on educational opportunities and fielded questions from those in attendance. Journeyman Jon Folker of Commonwealth Electric Company of the Midwest was also on hand to share stories from the industry. 

 

What did participants learn during the evening’s presentations?

  • Students “earn as they learn,” meaning they receive a salary while getting on-the-job training from a skilled journeyman.
  • For a comprehensive education, students attend class, also taught by a skilled journeyman, two nights a week.
  • Programs of study are either three years (residential) or five years (commercial).

 

Students and their parents also asked some great questions during the Q&A session:

  • Are the coursework and hands-on work compatible? YES, THE TWO ARE DESIGNED TO COMPLEMENT EACH OTHER.
  • Do I have to buy my own tools? YES, AND WE RECOMMEND SAVING $100 FROM EACH PAYCHECK EARMARKED FOR TOOLS SO YOU HAVE A FULL SET UPON GRADUATION.
  • What is the admission process? THERE IS AN INTERVIEW AND A TEST. YOUR SCORE DETERMINES HOW QUICKLY YOU GET INTO THE PROGRAM.
  • Why is Building Omaha’s apprenticeship program better than its competitors, such at Metropolitan Community College? IT IS FREE, AND YOU GET PAID TO LEARN.

 

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the electrical industry is currently experiencing a boom and will continue to expand until at least 2028. Employment of electricians is expected to grow 10%, faster than other skilled trades. 

Now is an exciting time to enter the electrical industry. We invite you to come check out our 56,000-square foot, state-of-the-art electrical training center and talk to our apprenticeship program directors about your future with Building Omaha.

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National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) and International Brotherhood of Electrical Works (IBEW) partner to form Building Omaha, a nonprofit organization that provides customers with the highest level of trained professionals in the electrical industry. Building Omaha is committed to serving its community beyond the job site. It has forged a strong partnership with OPS, believing that education is the path to a successful future.