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One-Year U.S. Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeship Program
NECA/ELECTRI International and American Apprenticeships Work have partnered to offer a national Project Management Apprenticeship program! This program 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.
The NECA/ELECTRI Project Management Apprenticeship, is a one-year, non-bargained apprenticeship designed to develop skilled project management professionals in the electrical industry. The program follows a structured approach, integrating on-the-job training with industry-specific education to build foundational project management skills.
As a U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP), this apprenticeship follows a nationally recognized training model that blends hands-on experience with formal instruction and provides:
Maintaining RAP status strengthens credibility with educators and workforce development partners while preserving key benefits for apprentices and NECA contractors.
NECA/ELECTRI partners with American Apprenticeships Work (AAW) to manage the program. AAW ensures the apprenticeship meets DOL standards, provides ongoing support to apprentices and employers, and facilitates a structured learning experience.
The program lasts 52 weeks and covers:
The curriculum also emphasizes business and data skills to support long-term career development.
The program blends on-the-job training with online instruction, requiring approximately 5 hours per week of Related Technical Instruction (RTI):
RTI averages 10% of the apprentice’s workweek, providing flexibility to complete training within standard work hours. However, learning may take longer in the initial months as apprentices get accustomed to the structure and develop an approach that works best for them.
Apprentices who are completely new to the industry may require extra time to work through the curriculum, as they are encountering many of the concepts for the first time. Employers and mentors should be prepared to provide additional support and guidance during this phase to help apprentices build confidence and competency.
We utilize a variety of training platforms tailored to the industry, such as NECA and electrical Training Alliance (eTA) training, as well as resources outside the industry, including training from the Project Management Institute and other professional development courses. All training is delivered as online, on-demand instruction.
Most courses are webinar-style, consisting of different modules and individual assignments. Additionally, there is a group project component where apprentices collaborate with others through online meetings.
Yes, apprentices will have access to a comprehensive collection of training materials for future reference.
Yes, all lessons are recorded and available for apprentices to revisit as needed.
The NECA/ELECTRI Project Management Apprenticeship is available exclusively to NECA contractor companies, and they are responsible for selecting and enrolling their apprentices. Individuals cannot enroll on their own—they must be sponsored by a participating NECA contractor.
The NECA/ELECTRI Project Management Apprenticeship is designed to create new opportunities and career pathways in the electrical industry by helping individuals grow into project management roles. The program supports contractors in developing new talent while ensuring the industry’s skilled workforce remains strong.
Ideal candidates include:
This apprenticeship serves as a training pathway for future project leaders, helping NECA contractors develop talent from within while complementing the industry’s broader workforce development efforts.
Cohorts launch monthly, but contractors should enroll at least 2-3 months before their desired start date to allow enough time for onboarding.
For example, to join the June cohort, enrollment should be completed before April.
Contractors can enroll as many apprentices as they can effectively support. However, placement is determined on a first-come, first-served basis, so early enrollment is recommended.
Contractors can complete the enrollment form or contact Tim Speno at [email protected] for assistance or more information.
Once a contractor submits the form:
Yes! The program is designed to fit into the regular work schedule. Learning happens online and on-the-job—not in a traditional classroom setting.
Training is hands-on and integrated into their work. It’s more than just watching videos—the apprentice will complete quizzes, activities, and real-world assignments. Regular discussions with the coach, mentor, and peers help connect learning to daily tasks.
Each month, apprentices will review what they learned with their coach and mentor. In these meetings, they will share key takeaways and real-world examples of how they applied the skills on the job.
Apprentices work on real projects at the company and complete at least one team-based assignment. In the final quarter, they complete a capstone project to showcase their project management expertise.
The program is flexible. The fourth week of each cycle provides time to catch up, and their coach and program support team are available to help.
Yes! Apprentices participate in bi-monthly NECA/ELECTRI speaker sessions featuring industry leaders. There are also optional monthly community discussions to exchange insights with fellow apprentices.
Upon completion, apprentices earn a nationally recognized USDOL Certificate of Apprenticeship validating the training in electrical project management.
This is a learn-by-doing program. Instead of just taking courses, apprentices apply what they learn in real-world settings and receive feedback from experienced professionals.
The apprentice’s manager/mentor, an employee of the sponsoring company, plays a key role in their development. They must dedicate at least one hour per month to one-on-one meetings, offering guidance, addressing challenges, and supporting skill-building.
AAW assigns a dedicated coach to each apprentice to provide guidance, ensure accountability, and support progress throughout the program.
The investment is $15,000 per apprentice, covering training, coaching, and program resources. Employers are responsible for both training costs and wages.
NECA/ELECTRI and AAW are exploring grant and tax credit opportunities. However, employers should be prepared to cover the full cost if external funding is unavailable.
NECA contractors have the opportunity to apply for the 2026 Wesco Cares Credit, designed to support the development of apprentices enrolled in the NECA/ELECTRI Project Management Apprenticeship.
IMPORTANT: THE WESCO CARES CREDIT IS ON A FIRST-COME-FIRST-SERVED BASIS. THE WESCO CARES CREDIT IS NOT GUARANTEED AND IS SUBJECT TO APPROVAL, IN WRITING FROM NECA. Funds will only be available to those applications that receive formal approval in writing from NECA after the enrollment process has been submitted, and the apprentice has been enrolled. Each company may receive credits for up to three apprentices per calendar year, awarded on a first-come-first-served basis while funds last.