Historical Overview
Imperial Irrigation District (IID) first entered into state apprenticeship programs in January of 1994, implementing an Electrical Lineperson Apprenticeship Program (LAP).  In the winter of 2004, the Division of Apprenticeship Standards (DAS) approved six new apprenticeship programs, to include the following trades: Electrician, Generation Mechanic, Meter Technician, Relays Technician, SCADA/Telecommunications Technician and Substation Electrician. For existing journey level employees, IID offers the only recognized Journey Upgrade Program in the state of California.  

Format
Each of the seven apprenticeship programs is a combination of on-the-job-training (8,000 hours), augmented by eight, college-level courses (648 hours/32credits), culminating over a period of 48 months.  The related coursework is offered after normal working hours and each apprentice must maintain a 2.0grade point average.  Additionally, each apprentice must maintain all work-related certifications (i.e. CPR, Pole Top Rescue, Class A, etc.), adhere to all safety processes and attend all “other” required training sessions.  To assure consistency, all apprentices receive a comprehensive performance evaluation every six months. 

Since IID is a power utility, the first four classes are the same for every apprentice introducing the students to fundamentals of electricity, transmission and distribution systems.  Upon completion of the fourth class (104) each apprentice must successfully pass a senior apprentice exam, with a score of no less than 80%.  Once they have been promoted to senior apprentices, each student will diversify into trade-specific coursework.  

Finally, after fulfilling all coursework and on-the-job-training, the senior apprentice will be administered a comprehensive journey exam, in their specific area.  Training histories, educational records and a formal recommendation of “promotion” to journeyman is then forwarded to the Division of Apprenticeship Standards (DAS), who audits and issues all state journeyman cards. 

Note: Journeyman trade cards issued by the State of California are recognized throughout North America and Europe!   

Admission to the Program
All “indentured” apprentices must be fulltime, regular employees of the Imperial Irrigation District.  Non-apprentices may enroll in the first four classes, receiving general credits. 

All interested candidates must submit a completed IID Employment Packet to Human Resources.  A printable version can be found by clicking HERE.