Special Systems Apprenticeship

Our Telecommunications Technician Apprenticeship program prepares you to enter the growing telecommunications sector.

Special Systems Telecommunications Technician Apprenticeship Program

The Telecommunications Technician Apprenticeship Program is maintained by IEC (Northern New Mexico Independent Electrical Contractors), a contractor member organization. NNMIEC has conducted its telecommunications technician apprenticeship program since 2007 under standards approved by the New Mexico State Apprenticeship Council and the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Apprenticeship.

The telecommunication technician apprenticeship covers the following areas.

  • Basic Electrical Theory
  • Structured Cabling
  • Audio Visual
  • Intercom and Public Address
  • Fire Alarm
  • Nurse Call
  • CATV
  • CCTV Access
  • Security
  • Fiber Optics
  • Safety

What Makes IEC’s Program So Successful?

  • IEC’s three-year program curriculum is recognized by the US. Department of Labor’s Office of Apprenticeship.
  • The NNMIEC’s telecommunication technician apprenticeship program is also recognized by the Department of Veterans Affairs, which allows the apprentice/veteran to access their GI Bill benefits.
  • 160 hours of classroom training per year. This includes lectures, demonstrations, labs, and homework. Each student must pass a comprehensive final before graduating to the next level.
  • 6,000 hours of on-the-job training throughout the program.
  • Dedicated professional staff to assist apprentices in progressing through the program.
  • Gives support to third-year apprentices in obtaining ES3 or ES7 licenses before their graduation.

Through this combination of education, training, and hands-on experience, students not only learn an understanding of theory, operation, and code, they also learn how to develop management and leadership skills.

Please Contact Us for additional details about applying for our apprenticeship program.

Special Systems Telecommunications Apprenticeship FAQ

Following are frequently asked questions about our IEC Special Systems Telecommunications Apprenticeship Program. If you have additional questions, please contact us.

WHAT IS A TECHNICIAN?

A technician is a skilled tradesperson who combines electrical theory with the knowledge of the operating characteristics of electrical equipment and devices. Along with this knowledge and the necessary job skills, this individual safely and correctly wires commercial, industrial, residential, and other types of building facilities. Thus, the technician performs a service that enables the consumer to use electrical energy for such purposes as audiovisual, intercom, public address, fire alarm, nurse call, CATV, CCTV access, security, and fiber optics.

WHY BECOME A TECHNICIAN?

Technicians earn high hourly wages and experienced men and women are always in demand. Many who complete their apprenticeship move up the career ladder as estimators, supervisors and superintendents. You might even own your own company someday.

WHAT IS THE APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM FOR TECHNICIANS?

The apprenticeship program is a combination of classroom and on-the-job training over a three-year period of time. The program is designed to provide the apprentice with the necessary theory and practical training to earn the status of the technician. For completion, 450 hours of classroom instruction and 6,000 on-the-job training hours are required. Those apprentices, who satisfactorily complete the requirements, will receive a Completion Certificate from the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions, State Apprenticeship Council (SAC), and the National IEC.

WHAT ARE THE JOB OPPORTUNITIES?

During the training period, the apprentice will be employed by special systems contractor members of the association. After the training period and when the apprentice has achieved technician status, job opportunities will exist locally and nationally. The demand for a technician’s services will be in direct proportion to attitude and eagerness to produce quality, useful work.

WHAT PAY CAN AN APPRENTICE EXPECT?

The minimum pay an apprentice can expect is 50% of the hourly rate of pay for a special systems technician. This rate is determined by the Apprenticeship and Training Committee and approved by State Apprenticeship Council (SAC). The apprentice has the ability to receive hourly pay increases for every 1000 hours worked when successfully completing the corresponding semester of related classroom instruction with a minimum of 75% grade, and attending the required number of related classroom instruction hours throughout the training. When the apprentice has successfully completed the apprenticeship program they will have their ES7 or ES3 license.

IS THERE A COST TO THE APPRENTICE?

Apprentices are required to purchase text books and their tools.

WHO CAN APPLY TO THE PROGRAM?

Any person at least 18 years of age can apply. The Apprenticeship & Training Committee will review results of the applicant’s educational background, references and conduct record, and whatever related work experience they may have, if any.

WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS TO APPLY?

To qualify for an interview and to be placed on the ranking list, applicants must meet the following requirements. IEC charges a $20.00 fee for the application.

  • Applicants must be at least 18 years of age.
  • Complete an application provided by the sponsor and accurately respond to all questions and items including statements that indicate they are able to perform the essential function of the trade.
  • Submit a valid ID.
  • Applicants are responsible for reliable transportation to the employer’s place of business, job site, and classroom-related instruction.

Please Contact Us for additional details about applying to our apprenticeship program.