Program Information
Metropolitan's Apprentice Mechanical and Electrical Operations Technician Programs are formal structured training programs developed by MWD in collaboration with Santiago Canyon College. The purpose for these programs is to provide entry to journey-level skills training to Metropolitan's workforce in the technical, vocational, and trades occupations using a combination of structured on-the-job training, related classroom instruction, and home study. The MWD Joint Apprenticeship & Training Committee (JATC) supervises the program administration. The JATC is a ten-member management and labor body.
Methods and Means of Training Delivery
The primary method of training delivery will be accomplished in-house using qualified apprenticeship instructors. The training will be delivered at various locations throughout Metropolitan's service area. Training may also be delivered through other methods and means to include:
- Available and applicable community college courses of instruction
- Third party and vendor provided training related to the course curriculum
- Other apprenticeship programs by mutual or contractual agreement
Related and Supplemental Instruction
The related and supplemental instruction provides the academic component of apprenticeship training through a variety of delivery methods including instructor managed classroom lecture/lab sessions, interactive multimedia, and home study. Related and supplemental instruction classes will be held during the apprentices’ normal working hours for an average duration of 80 hours per 6-month period of apprenticeship. All home study is to be performed by the apprentice during non-working hours.
On-The-Job (OJT) Work Progression Hours
Work progression hours are categories of work the apprentices engage in throughout the term of their apprenticeship in order for them to gain the requisite experience to become a well-rounded journey worker. The work progress hours are estimated hours, only. The total number of hours accrued in each category can vary to a certain extent; however, it is the intent of the MWD JATC that each apprentice obtain the indicated number of hours in each of these categories. Team managers will be responsible for assigning work that will provide a rotation between these categories for each of their apprentices. In some cases, apprentices will be placed on temporary assignment on another team in order for them to gain the required work experience.
Completion
Successful completion of the apprenticeship program (1) leads to journey worker status with the State of California, (2) satisfies requirements for a Certificate of Achievement through Santiago Canyon College, and (3) satisfies major requirements for an associate degree through Santiago Canyon College.
Application Process
Apprenticeship opportunities, when available, will be at the pre-apprentice classification or entry-level. The pre-apprentice period is a probationary or trial period of approximately six months duration. The objective of the pre-apprenticeship period is to prepare new workers to enter into a four-year apprenticeship program in the electrical or mechanical maintenance fields. Pre-apprentice candidates must successfully complete the probationary period to include the required supplemental instruction to be eligible for advancement into either four-year apprenticeship program. Inquiries regarding apprenticeship program opportunities at MWD can be made by accessing Metropolitan's internet website at mwdh2o.com and clicking on "Careers.” All applicants will be notified on the status of their application. Qualified candidates will be notified and scheduled to take the entrance exam. Successful exam candidates will be scheduled for an interview and placed on an eligibility list for final interviews.
- Must be 18 years of age
- Possess a high school diploma or GED
- Possess a valid driver’s license
