Frequently Asked Questions

Apprenticeship Program

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is this Ace University Apprenticeship Program legit or just something Ace made up?

The Ace University Apprenticeship Program is registered with the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Apprenticeship for the states of Georgia, Tennessee, and North Carolina as part of the National Apprenticeship System in accordance with the basic standards of apprenticeship established by the Secretary of Labor. We use Mike Holt’s Electrical Apprenticeship Program Based on the 2020 NEC curriculum that was developed with the goal of providing the knowledge required to become a competent journey worker (journeyman) electrician.

How long is the program?

The program is for a total of 4 years and is broken down into 624 hours of classroom instruction and 8,000 hours of On-The-Job (OJT) training for skills assessments.

How often will classes be held?

Classes will be held one night each week. Depending upon which Level of Apprenticeship class you are taking, the night your class is held could vary. For example: Level One students may attend Tuesday nights and Level Two students may attend Wednesday nights. We do not hold classes on Friday through Sunday or during regular work hours. The weekly class will be 2-3 hours.

When do classes start and end each year?

Classes start the third week in January each year and end around late October. There will be occasional breaks for holidays and in between class quarters throughout the year.

Is there a way to accelerate the program and finish in less than 4 years?

Yes, if you have more than 2 years of verifiable experience, you can request to take the final exam for Level One, Level Two and Level Three. You cannot exempt Level Four and you would still be required to prove 8,000 hours of OJT to graduate even if you skipped Level One, Two or Three.

How much will it cost me?

The tuition is free to you as an Ace Employee. Books are $200 per year. A $10 weekly payroll deduction is available. When you graduate the program, Ace will refund to you all the money you paid for books!

Is the Apprenticeship Program approved by the VA for the GI Bill or VA Benefits?

Yes. Ace’s Program was approved for apprenticeship training by the Department of Veterans Service under the provisions of Section (3687), Title 38, US Code toward the objective of Electrical (Electrician) Training Program. A veteran apprentice can use their GI Bill benefit and receive a tax-free monthly stipend while participating in Ace’s apprenticeship program. Post-9/11 GI Bill recipients may receive up to $83 per month for books and supplies in addition to their VA housing stipend. For more information about education benefits offered by VA, visit https://www.va.gov/education/about-gi-bill-benefits/.

Are classes in person or online with a real teacher?

Both. Students who are near an in-person class may be required to attend in person depending upon their work schedule/grades. Students who are not near a classroom (or who have been otherwise approved for online classes by their Division Manager) will attend class online. Online classes are done through MS Teams Meetings (similar to Zoom). Students are required to have their books with them and have their cameras on during class.

I do not have a computer. Do I need one?

Yes. You will need a desktop or laptop computer and internet access. If you are attending classes in-person, you will still need a computer as the assignments and tests are on-line. Due to system requirements for MS Teams Meetings and viewing content on the Mike Holt Capacitor, tablets and cellphones should not be used for apprenticeship classes. If you would like to purchase a Dell laptop ($600 each) using payroll deduction ($15 per week until paid), email aceuniversity@aceelectric.net.

Do I get a pay raise for the different levels of Apprenticeship that I complete?

The Department of Labor requires Ace’s Program to use a wage progression scale for apprentices. Which means that the Program is required to make sure Apprentices make at least the minimum required pay for the Level of Apprenticeship. We review the student’s pay at each level of the Program to make certain they are meeting the required pay for an Apprentice. As you expand your theoretical and technical knowledge toward becoming an electrician, your leadership will be engaged in evaluating your skills along the way. Ace greatly values our Apprentices as our “Next Generation” of skilled electricians and potential leaders.

Is this training program available in Spanish?

No. Unfortunately, the Mike Holt Electrical Apprenticeship curriculum is not available in Spanish. Ace University does provide free access to Babbel, a fun and easy way to learn languages online. To sign up, email aceuniversity@aceelectric.net.

When I graduate, will I be a licensed Journeyman Electrician?

No, but you can be! Each state has different licensing requirements for electricians. If you would like to receive a state license after you graduate, we can help you apply and provide you with resources to pass the exam.