About our program
Founded in 1946, the Kalamazoo Electrical Training Alliance (KETA) offers a valuable pathway to a rewarding career. Apprentices gain skills that will serve them throughout their professional journey. Today’s motivated apprentices have the potential to become tomorrow's leaders—supervisors, contractors, estimators, and superintendents—helping guide and mentor others in the trade. We offer a 5 year, Inside Wireman, apprenticeship program.
Additional Benefits of the KETA program are:
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Competitive wages with scheduled increases
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Employer-paid health insurance
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Safe working conditions
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Guaranteed pension benefits
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Accreditation with the U.S. Department of Labor & Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training
Mission Statement
The Kalamazoo Electrical Training Alliance’s primary mission is to develop the most skilled, responsible and responsive Electricians and Technicians for the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local Union 131 and the National Electrical Contractors Association, Kalamazoo Division, Michigan Chapter. We are dedicated to building professionals who have the expertise, character and sense of teamwork to bring value to the clients they serve, the union they represent and the contractors who employ them.
What is an apprentice?
An apprentice is a worker who gains expertise in a skilled trade through structured, supervised on-the-job training combined with classroom instruction. Apprentices are active members of the workforce, earning wages while developing valuable skills. Apprenticeship programs typically last up to five years. Upon completion, an apprentice becomes a journeyperson, fully qualified to perform the trade and receive full compensation for their expertise. Apprenticeships offer a pathway to becoming a skilled tradesperson—a vital "natural resource" for the industry. Craftspeople turn the ideas and theories of engineers and scientists into practical, tangible results in the field.
why participate in an apprenticeship?
An apprenticeship is comprehensive career preparation. It not only provides training for a specific role but also teaches a broad set of related skills, preparing you for opportunities across the entire industry. After completing your apprenticeship, you'll have the flexibility to work in the electrical field anywhere in the country, thanks to the skills you've developed. Apprenticeships also help you build personal strengths and independent decision-making. Both labor and management see apprenticeships as a foundation for developing future supervisors, managers, and industry leaders.
what does it mean to be apprentice?
Becoming an apprentice typically involves signing a formal agreement known as an indenture. This apprenticeship agreement is a legally recognized contract that outlines the responsibilities of all parties involved: the employer, the union, the registering agency, and the apprentice. The indenture specifies key details, including:
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The specific trade to be learned
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The required number of on-the-job training hours
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The required number of hours for related classroom instruction