Mentorship Program

Total Time: 6 Hours

1. Welcome & Orientation (30 min)

• Introduction to the course goals and structure
• Get to know the mentee’s background and goals
• Review safety expectations and working environment

2. Introduction to Electrical Contracting (1.5 hrs)

• Industry Overview: Residential, commercial, and industrial sectors
• Role of an Electrician/Contractor: Apprentice → Journeyman → Master → Contractor
• Career Paths & Specializations: Lighting, automation, service work, construction, etc.
• Industry Trends: Smart homes, solar, EV charging, energy efficiency

3. Safety and PPE Essentials (1.5 hrs)

• Electrical Hazards Overview
• OSHA & NEC Safety Requirements
• PPE: Gloves, glasses, voltage-rated tools, arc-flash gear
• Lockout/Tagout (LOTO): Live demo or walkthrough of procedure

4. National Electrical Code (NEC) Intro (1 hr)

• Why NEC matters in daily work
• Key code articles (e.g., Article 210 – Branch Circuits, Article 250 – Grounding)
• Using the codebook effectively (hands-on practice finding articles)

5. Real-World Safety Scenarios (1 hr)

• Review electrical accidents or hazards from the field
• Walkthrough of a mock jobsite to identify potential hazards

6. Reflection and Q&A (30 min)

Total Time: 6 Hours

1. Intro to Tools & Equipment (1.5 hrs)

• Hand Tools: Wire strippers, screwdrivers, pliers, tape measures
• Power Tools: Drills, impact drivers, saws
• Specialty Tools: Conduit benders, multimeters, fish tape
• Tool safety, maintenance, and proper storage

2. Hands-On Tool Practice (1 hr)

• Measure and strip wire
• Test voltage and continuity with a multimeter
• Practice bending 90° conduit bends

3. Basic Circuit Setup & Wiring Theory (1.5 hrs)

• Wire types (THHN, Romex), ampacity, and insulation
• Circuit components: Breakers, switches, outlets, ground bars
• Grounding and bonding basics

4. Wiring Practice (2 hrs)

• Wire a single-pole switch circuit
• Install a basic receptacle and test continuity
• Labeling, box fill, and securing cables properly

Total Time: 6 Hours

1. Intro to Electrical Troubleshooting (1.5 hrs)

• Reading wiring diagrams
• Diagnosing common issues (open neutral, reversed polarity, tripped breakers)
• Using testers to find faults (circuit tester, voltage pen, etc.)

2. Troubleshooting Practice (1.5 hrs)

• Simulate real-world scenarios: Dead outlets, flickering lights, tripping breakers
• Teach isolation techniques to narrow down the problem

3. Estimating & Project Management Basics (1.5 hrs)

• Creating material and labor take-offs
• Using software/spreadsheets for estimates
• Permitting, inspections, and scheduling
• Jobsite organization and workflow

4. Client Communication & Team Dynamics (1.5 hrs)

• Handling change orders and scope creep
• Writing professional estimates/invoices
• Working with GCs, other trades, and apprentices
• Dealing with conflicts and delays on the job

Total Time: 6 Hours

1. Starting an Electrical Contracting Business (1.5 hrs)

• Steps to become a licensed contractor
• Business registration, insurance, and bonding
• Creating a simple business plan

2. Money Management (1 hr)

• Setting hourly rates
• Invoicing & collecting payment
• Managing cash flow and keeping expenses in check

3. Marketing & Networking (1 hr)

• Building a local presence: Website, Google, Facebook, Yelp
• Referral strategies, business cards, branding
• Joining local organizations or trade associations

4. Career Pathways & Licensing (1 hr)

• Journeyman and master licensing process
• Continuing education requirements
• Union vs non-union career paths
• Certifications: OSHA 10/30, NFPA 70E, EV charger install, etc.

5. Wrap-Up & Mentorship Review (1.5 hrs)

• Q&A Session: Answer final questions, discuss career planning
• Hands-On Final Review: Let them demonstrate what they’ve learned
• Provide Resources: NEC book, trade school suggestions, YouTube channels, apps (like Electrical Calc Elite, Ugly’s Reference)
• Personal Feedback: Give specific tips based on their strengths and areas for growth