ELECTRI International and American Apprenticeships Work have partnered to offer a national Project Management Apprenticeship program! The NECA/ELECTRI Project Management Apprenticeship provides aspiring electrical project managers with the technical expertise, leadership abilities, and business acumen needed to work on large-scale electrical projects successfully.
This program combines related-technical instruction, on-the-job learning, and real-world project management scenarios to prepare apprentices for the complex challenges of the electrical construction industry.
Over 52 weeks, apprentices will gain skills in project planning, financial management, documentation, safety, and team leadership, equipping them with the tools to lead projects from inception to closeout efficiently.
The program is divided into several key sections, each focusing on different aspects of project management, from foundational knowledge to advanced skills, with special emphasis on business and data skills to equip them for lifelong career development in the 21st century.
Concentrate on business growth—
we’ve got the rest covered.
+
Related Technical Instruction Overview
Project Management Fundamentals (Weeks 1-26)
- Introduction to Project Management – The role of the electrical project manager, preplanning, scheduling, and safety.
- Operational & Resource Management – Managing materials, tools, crews, project controls, and job site safety.
- Documentation & Communication – Job logs, communication strategies, contract management, and submittal tracking.
- Financial & Quality Management – Job cost control, cash flow management, quality assurance, and handling change orders.
- Advanced Project Techniques – BIM integration, prefabrication, conflict resolution, client relations, and claims management.
- Project Closeout & Workforce Relations – Finalizing projects, workforce management, and labor relations.
PMI CAPM Curriculum (Weeks 26-50)
- Project Leadership & Risk Management – Leadership principles, risk mitigation, and project execution strategies.
- Planning & Execution – Scheduling, budgeting, and team coordination for project success.
- Quality & Risk Management – Ensuring quality control and managing risks effectively.
- Project Changes & Closure – Handling project changes and applying lessons learned for future improvements.
etA Industry Knowledge (Weeks 1-30)
- Electrical Foundations – Safety protocols, conductor basics, and installation techniques.
- National Electrical Code (NEC) – Overview of the 2023 NEC and electrical planning standards.
- Construction Drawings & Blueprint Reading – Interpreting electrical blueprints and construction documents.
Data Skills Curriculum (Weeks 27-46)
- Data Analysis & Visualization – Utilizing spreadsheets for data-driven decision-making.
- Business Metrics & Forecasting – Applying Excel modeling and metrics analysis for project planning.
Business Skills Curriculum (Weeks 1-52)
- Communication & Time Management – Effective teamwork, public speaking, and time management strategies.
- Professional Writing & Presentations – Developing technical documents and delivering engaging presentations.
- Leadership & Professional Development – Enhancing productivity and leadership capabilities.
Takeoff, Estimating & Document Management (Weeks 9-34)
- Bluebeam Revu Training – Document management and measurement using Revu.
- Electrical Industry Estimating – Estimating wiring, equipment, and project costs.
+
Qualities of a Strong Apprentice Candidate
- Eagerness to Learn – A strong desire to develop new skills, particularly in project management and the electrical industry.
- Adaptability & Open-Mindedness – Willingness to embrace new concepts and apply them in real-world situations.
- Interest in the Electrical Field – A foundational curiosity about electrical construction, even if technical skills are still developing.
- Commitment to Safety – An awareness of workplace safety, with a readiness to deepen understanding and apply best practices.
- Problem-Solving Mindset – A proactive approach to challenges, with a willingness to learn structured problem-solving techniques.
- Communication Growth – An openness to improving verbal and written communication skills over time.
- Team-Oriented Attitude – A collaborative mindset, understanding that project success depends on teamwork and leadership development.
- Basic Organizational Skills – The ability to manage time and responsibilities effectively, even before mastering advanced scheduling or budgeting.
Apprentices are selected for their potential to grow into skilled project managers. They are not expected to start with advanced expertise, but rather with the right mindset, enthusiasm, and commitment to learning.
+
Qualities of an Effective Mentor/Manager
- Extensive Industry Experience – Mentors bring hands-on experience in electrical contracting, offering apprentices real-world insights and guidance.
- Clear & Effective Communication – They set clear expectations, provide constructive feedback, and ensure apprentices understand their responsibilities.
- Problem-Solving Leadership – Experienced in troubleshooting, mentors teach apprentices how to analyze and resolve challenges in the field.
- Lead by Example – They model a strong work ethic, professionalism, and strict adherence to safety protocols, shaping apprentice behavior.
- Time & Project Management – Mentors help apprentices develop efficiency by prioritizing tasks, staying on schedule, and managing budgets.
- Coaching & Patience – While not formal educators, mentors have the patience to guide apprentices through learning curves, offering support as they adapt.
- Accountability & Encouragement – They hold apprentices to high standards while providing the necessary support and motivation for their success.
Great mentors bridge the gap between training and real-world application, fostering growth, confidence, and industry readiness in apprentices.
+
Download Program Flyers & Presentations
