Apprenticeship Programs

Associate of Applied Science Degree

• Electrical Apprenticeship Option
• Machinist Apprenticeship Option
• Plumbing Apprenticeship Option

Certificate of Completion

• Electrical Apprenticeship Option
• Machinist Apprenticeship Option
• Plumbing Apprenticeship Option

Electrical Lineworker Certificate

(575) 527-7591

Apprenticeship programs provide training through a combination of learning experiences, both on the job and in the classroom. These programs are approved by the State Apprenticeship Council and the U.S. Department of Labor. Apprentices typically spend at least 2000 hours per year learning on the job as paid employees of a sponsoring organization, and a minimum of 144 hours per year in related classroom instruction. The term of an apprenticeship depends on the job being learned. For most highly skilled crafts, such as electrician, plumber, or machinist, it is four years. Once an apprentice has completed the program and passed the appropriate examinations, (s)he is considered a journeyperson.

DACC provides the related classroom instruction for the above apprenticeship programs, sponsored by businesses and organizations in the community.

Electrical Lineworker Option New Mexico electric cooperatives and private firms that perform electrical line work often find it difficult to fill vacancies. DACC’s Electrical Lineworker Program is a one-year certificate program designed to provide students with the technical background and the manual skills necessary for careers in the installation and maintenance of electrical power cables. Because the career is physically challenging, it is necessary to be in good physical condition. Students must be able to lift up to 100 pounds, work in awkward positions, and demonstrate good eye hand coordination.

As part of the required curriculum, students will be required to work as a cooperative education student with a New Mexico electric cooperative
or a private firm that performs electrical line work.

Associate Degree (66 credits)

NOTE: The check marks ✔ in this section pertain only to the certificate program, described in the next section. Courses appearing in italics are identical to those offered at New Mexico State University Las Cruces (main) Campus.

Certificate (42-48 credits)

To earn a certificate in any of the three areas listed for the associate degree—electrical apprenticeship, machinist apprenticeship, or plumbing apprenticeship—a student takes only those courses in the preceding section that have a check mark (✔), and takes no courses listed under “General Education Requirements” or “Related Requirements.”

Electrical Lineworker Certificate Option (29 credits)

The Electrical Lineworker Certificate Option has its own separate requirements that are listed here.

NOTE: Students not possessing a commercial drivers license (CDL) will be required to take OEAT 130, Intro. to Transportation Industry (3 cr.), during the spring semester and OEAT 131, Class A CDL (6 cr.), during the first summer session.