FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

No prior electrical experience is required. This program is designed to introduce individuals to the electrical trade and prepare participants for potential entry into a registered apprenticeship program.

Applicants must meet the basic eligibility requirements:

• Texas residency
• At least 18 years of age to participate
• High school diploma or GED
• Valid driver's license (Texas license required based on program policy)
• Reliable transportation

We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds who are committed to pursuing a career in the electrical industry.

Meeting the minimum eligibility requirements does not guarantee acceptance. Selection is based on available seats, completion of the application process, and program criteria, which may include additional screening steps.

A GED is fully accepted and meets the education requirement. High school diplomas and GEDs are treated equally during the admissions review process.

Applicants must be at least 18 years old to participate in the in-person training. Specific age requirements are validated in the application process and require you to be 18+ to proceed. If you are not yet 18, we encourage you to apply once you meet eligibility for an upcoming cohort.

Applicants must be current Texas residents at the time of participation. Once Texas residency is established, you are welcome to apply for an upcoming cohort.

A valid driver's license is required in accordance with program policy, along with reliable transportation. Electrical work often requires travel to job sites, and participants must be able to commute consistently and on time.

Reliable transportation means you have consistent access to transportation that allows you to travel to training and job sites daily and on time.

This may include:

• Your own vehicle
• A family vehicle you have regular access to
• A dependable carpool arrangement
• Public transportation (where available and reliable)

Participants must be able to attend training without attendance disruptions.

Individuals pursuing employment in the electrical trade must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Employment eligibility may be verified during apprenticeship and/or hiring processes.

Participation in in-person training may require compliance with site-specific policies, including drug screening and/or background checks, particularly if training occurs at facilities with controlled access requirements.

In addition, registered apprenticeship programs and signatory contractors may require drug screening, background checks, and verification of work eligibility as part of their selection or employment processes. Requirements vary by location and employer.

Participants will be informed of any applicable requirements prior to the start of their cohort.

PTSI Electrical College is part of AMP (Apprenticeship Multiplier Pathway), connecting you to the broader IBEW-NECA electrical training and apprenticeship industry. Through AMP, programs like the PTSI Electrical College provide different pathways to build skills, demonstrate readiness, and prepare you to pursue apprenticeship opportunities.

The program provides structured instruction and hands-on exposure intended to prepare individuals for potential entry into a registered apprenticeship program. The AMP consists of 60 hours of pre-requisite online training, 130 hours of in-person training, and up to 120 hours of post-training coursework.

No. This is a pre-apprenticeship program and is not itself a registered apprenticeship program.

In-person training location, schedule, and cohort dates vary. Specific details are provided to selected participants prior to the start date.

The in-person training is a full-time commitment. Participants should expect full training days that mirror industry work schedules. Attendance, punctuality, and active participation are required throughout the program.

We recommend the pre-requisite coursework is worked on at least 5 hours per week. You will have access and the ability to spend more time on this as needed. This is designed to be self-paced learning, you are in charge of how quickly you get through this.

Due to the full-time and intensive nature of the program, outside work commitments may interfere with successful completion. Participants are expected to prioritize attendance and performance during the 14-day period.

Due to the accelerated format, consistent attendance is critical. Excessive absences, tardiness, or failure to meet program standards may result in dismissal from the in-person training. Participants will receive program expectations and policies prior to the start date.

Participants are expected to maintain professional behavior, follow safety protocols, and adhere to all program policies. Failure to meet conduct or safety standards may result in removal from the program.

The electrical trade can involve standing for extended periods, lifting materials, climbing ladders, and working in various environments. Participants should be prepared for a physically active training experience.

Safety principles and jobsite expectations are emphasized throughout the in-person training. Participants are expected to follow all safety requirements at all times.

There is no tuition cost to selected participants. Participants may be responsible for personal expenses such as transportation and daily needs unless otherwise specified. Additional program details will be shared during the acceptance process.

In-person training is a component of AMP and not employment. Participants should plan accordingly, as wages are not paid for training time. If any participant support or stipends are offered, those details will be communicated to selected participants.

Specific equipment or material requirements will be communicated to accepted participants prior to the start date.

Program details regarding instructional materials, training resources, and any provided items will be shared with selected participants prior to the start date.

After completing the 130-hour in-person training, participants continue with up to 120 hours of post-training coursework before pursuing entry into a registered electrical apprenticeship program. Admission into an apprenticeship program is determined by the local Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (JATC) and is not guaranteed.

Completion of the PTSI Electrical College does not guarantee acceptance into a registered apprenticeship program. Apprenticeship selection processes are administered separately by local Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committees (JATCs).

PTSI Electrical College is operated by ProTech Skills Institute (PTSI) as part of the broader IBEW-NECA training ecosystem. The Texas program is delivered with training partners, including the BlackRock Future Builders and Quanta Services at the Lazy Q training facility in La Grange, Texas.

PTSI Electrical College is also part of AMP (Apprenticeship Multiplier Pathway), which connects programs that provide different pathways for individuals to prepare for and pursue IBEW-NECA apprenticeship opportunities.

Apprenticeship selection and placement decisions are made independently by local IBEW-NECA Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committees (JATCs) in accordance with their own standards and selection procedures.