And the Sponsors and Gift Donors Who Helped Make Their Graduation Celebration Memorable

Watch highlights from the WECA Arizona Commercial Electrical Apprenticeship Class of 2024 Graduation:



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Please join us in congratulating the WECA Arizona Commercial Electrical Apprenticeship Class of 2024 on their graduation!

WECA celebrated our graduates' hard work and accomplishments with a graduation ceremony on February 8th at the Doubletree Suites by Hilton Hotel in Phoenix.

The graduation was emceed by WECA Arizona Apprenticeship Manager and Lead Instructor Keith Smart, who ensured the evening proceeded seamlessly. WECA was also pleased to have Don Black (CEO), John Berkhoel (Director of Apprenticeship Training and Facilities), Wendy Flanagan (Director of Apprenticeship Operations), Bob Bartlett (Regional Manager of Business Development, Outreach, and Arizona Operations), and LaKeal Morris (Sacramento-based WECA Commercial Electrical Apprenticeship instructor) on hand to help hand out diplomas, grad gifts, and celebrate.

Relive the WECA Arizona Commercial Electrical Apprenticeship Class of 2024 graduation celebration through some recollections below:

Don Black: “It is always inspiring and a pleasure to attend a WECA graduation. Arizona’s graduation was especially wonderful, as many of the graduates spoke during the ceremony. It is rewarding to hear how wonderful their experience was and how grateful they are to have been a part of WECA and the gratitude they show towards their sponsoring employer.”

Keith Smart: “It was an amazing night in seeing the progression from apprentice to journeyman. It was an emotional night filled with the excitement and anticipation of the next step in each new journeyman’s life and career. It is an honor to be part of their lives, even if only for a short time.”

Wendy Flanagan: “It was great to see so many of the grads and their loved ones and the contractors that sponsored them at the event. Everyone was excited, and you could feel the energy in the room. Many of the grads chose to say a few words and hearing them thank their contractors, families, WECA, and Keith especially, was quite moving.”

Bob Bartlett: “The graduation was a resounding success, with a jubilant atmosphere among graduates and their families and friends. Many graduates shared their personal achievements and reflections upon receiving their certificates. Notably, those who had transferred from other programs highlighted the superior quality of WECA’s training compared to our competitors. One graduate remarked that the differences between WECA and the other training organization were substantial—like comparing day and night.”

Congratulations to the WECA Arizona Commercial Electrical Apprenticeship Class of 2024! Thank you for being part of the WECA family and exemplifying WECA excellence in Arizona. We are proud of your hard work and dedication and look forward to seeing the collective impact you will continue to have on Arizona’s commercial electrical industry. 

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Some snaps from the evening:

























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Thank you to the WECA Arizona Commercial Electrical Apprenticeship Class of 2024 Sponsors and Gift Donors for their generosity and support:



Our sponsors and gift donors helped make the graduation a night to remember for our graduates and their families!
 

Volts Level Sponsors

Corbins

K2 Electric

 

Amps Level Sponsor

Fluor

 

Watts Level Sponsors

PCL Construction

Switchgear Solutions Inc.
 

Gift Donors

Milwaukee Tool

Klein Tools

IDEAL Industries

 

Women in Construction Week 2025 is March 2nd-8th!

You're Invited to WECA's Phoenix and Sacramento Open Houses in Celebration of Women in Construction Week 2025

Please Join Us or Share This Invite with Someone Who Should Attend

When: March 6th from 3:30 to 5:30 PM

Where: 2750 South 18th Place, Suite 100, Phoenix, AZ 85034

RSVP for the Women in Construction Week 2025 Phoenix Open House



Download a WECA Arizona WIC Week 2025 Open House flyer

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When: March 4th from 3:00 to 4:30 PM

Where: 3695 Bleckely Street, Rancho Cordova, CA 95655

RSVP for the Women in Construction Week 2025 Sacramento Open House



Download a WECA CA WIC Week 2025 Open House flyer

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This March, WECA is celebrating Women in Construction Week 2025 with open houses at our Phoenix training facility and Arizona HQ and our Sacramento-area training facility and California HQ.

Join us at these open houses to learn how to get involved in WECA's electrical apprenticeship and training programs, get tours of WECA's training facilities and labs while meeting the WECA team and networking with women in the field, and celebrating women in the electrical workforce.

We encourage you to pre-register for the events to secure your spot, though we will accept walk-ins on the day of the event. However, pre-registration will allow you to receive event reminders and updated event information.

Not for you? Please share this invitation with someone you know!

 

Foundation for Fair Contracting Offering Prevailing Wage and Labor Compliance Conferences and Webinars in 2025


 

Content courtesy of the Foundation for Fair Contracting

If you are interested in improving your success when working on public works construction projects, make a plan to attend one of the Foundation for Fair Contracting's upcoming prevailing wage and labor compliance conferences and/or webinars.

Please save the following dates on your calendar. All conferences and webinars will be co-hosted with the California State Labor Commissioner's Office.

Thursday, March 13, 2025

Prevailing Wage/Labor Compliance Webinar
 

Thursday, June 5, 2025

Prevailing Wage/Labor Compliance Conference (Live Event)
 

Wednesday, July 16, 2025

Prevailing Wage/Labor Compliance Webinar
 

Thursday, September 11, 2025

Prevailing Wage/Labor Compliance Webinar
 

Thursday, October 9, 2025

Prevailing Wage/Labor Compliance Conference (Live Event)
 

Register to attend the conference or webinar of your choice

Learn Strategies to Tackle Tariffs and Price Increases at Associated General Contractor (AGC)'s Feb. 27 Webinar "The Art of Dealing with Tariffs"


 

Content courtesy of AGC

AGC Member Price: $79 | Non-Member Price: $129

Join us Thursday, February 27th at 3PM ET to proactively minimize your risks related to tariffs, price increases, and supply chain disruptions. Tariffs jeopardize your business, register now to proactively protect your bottom line.

The Trump Administration has issued three executive orders to impose new tariffs on imports from Mexico, Canada, and China. Additional tariffs are expected in the coming weeks; just the threat of tariffs can significantly impact costs and supply-chain availability. Donald Trump wrote the book on the "Art of the Deal." This webinar will write your playbook on how to equip your company with tactics to mitigate the cost and disruption impacts caused by new tariffs.

Our expert speaker panel will provide strategies and specific tactics to protect your business and understand the big picture. You will learn how to address tariffs in your existing contracts and how to bid and negotiate contracts on future work. Significantly, this webinar will explain in detail how a well-drafted price escalation clause is the best approach to address this uncertain situation. The presentation will also evaluate other contract avenues, including choice of law and force majeure provisions. You will learn how to fairly allocate these risks among owners, general contractors, trade contractors, and suppliers. By registering for this webinar, you will be in a better position to utilize contractual best practices to safeguard your projects against new tariffs.

Register today

WECA is pleased to announce our new Industry Partnership with HazTek, the largest construction safety consulting firm in the United States, and our continued working relationship with HazTek Account Executive Samantha Miller.

HazTek provides on-site safety professionals and tailored safety solutions to contractors across the country. For electrical contractors, HazTek offers flexible, reliable safety support that helps meet compliance requirements, reduce incidents, and keep projects on schedule.

Miller recommends that WECA Member Contractors utilize HazTek’s solutions if they are looking for the following:

• On-Site Safety Support When You Need It
  • Electrical contractors often face fluctuating project demands, making it difficult to maintain full-time safety staff without adding unnecessary overhead. HazTek provides on-site safety professionals—such as safety managers, coordinators, and technicians—who integrate with your team and support your projects for as long as you need them. Whether you require short-term coverage for a specific job or long-term safety management across multiple sites, HazTek can supply experienced professionals to meet your needs.
• Expertise in Electrical Safety Compliance
  • HazTek’s team is experienced in critical areas of electrical safety, including Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures, NFPA 70E compliance, and arc flash safety. We help ensure that electrical contractors meet OSHA standards and project-specific safety requirements, reducing the risk of costly incidents and compliance issues. Our professionals also conduct site audits, hazard assessments, and incident investigations to maintain safety standards throughout your projects.
• Flexible and Cost-Effective Solutions
  • By offering project-based safety support, HazTek helps electrical contractors control costs while maintaining high safety standards. You can scale safety resources based on project demands without the financial burden of hiring and laying off full-time staff. If a project ends early or safety needs change, we adjust accordingly, providing flexibility that aligns with your operations.
• Training and Compliance Assistance
  • In addition to on-site safety management, HazTek offers a range of safety training programs, including OSHA 10/30, NFPA 70E, and custom courses tailored to your team’s needs. We assist with compliance reporting, job hazard analysis, and safety program development, ensuring your company stays ahead of regulatory requirements and maintains a strong safety culture.
• Why Choose HazTek?
  • HazTek helps electrical contractors maintain safety compliance without disrupting project timelines. Haztek professionals integrate with your team to support your existing safety culture and processes, offering flexible solutions that adapt to your business needs.

If HazTek’s solutions sound like a good fit for your company, please reach out to Samantha Miller, Account Executive, by email at smiller@haztekinc.com or via phone at (480) 280-9899.
 

Here Were Some of Your Apprentices in Action

First year, second semester





















Second year, second semester

















Fourth year, first semester

 

A report from cybersecurity firm ReliaQuest found that spearphishing, an attack personalized to a victim, is an increasingly prominent threat for construction contractors.

By: Matthew Thibault

Dive Brief:

• The cyber threat contractors face shows no signs of waning as 481 construction organizations were listed on data-leaking websites used by ransomware attackers in 2024, a 41% increase year over year, according to a report from Tampa, Florida-based cybersecurity technology company ReliaQuest.
• The report noted that phishing continues to be a thorny problem for builders as well. Spearphishing, or a phishing attempt personalized to a victim, was the most prominent vector of attack and accounted for nearly one in five incidents, ReliaQuest said. Internal spearphishing was second, where a compromised account within the organization attacks other users in the enterprise.
• Credential exposure is also a primary threat for builders. According to data fromReliaQuest’s cybersecurity protection product, GreyMatter, credential exposure incidents now account for 75% of all construction alerts, per the report. The number is an 83% increase from the previous year.

Dive Insight:

In light of the research, ReliaQuest predicted that phishing attacks, cloud exploitation and attacks via infostealers — a type of malware designed to compromise user credentials — will rise in 2025. Once credentials are published and sold, threat actors can gain access to sensitive data or deploy additional malware.

“The construction sector’s susceptibility to cyber threats and its critical need to maintain operational continuity makes it a prime target for malicious actors,” John Dilgen, cyber threat intelligence analyst for ReliaQuest and the report’s author, wrote. “The diverse range of attacks targeting the sector underscores the urgent necessity for organizations to implement strict security measures and digital risk protection (DRP) strategies.”

To protect themselves, contractors need to be on alert. One of the metrics ReliaQuest used to measure performance is known as “mean time to contain a threat” or MTTC. On average, companies in the construction industry contain a threat within about five hours. However, companies that used automation and artificial intelligence had times closer to five minutes.

According to the report, builders should also:

• Audit cloud accounts and resources rigorously.
• Pay close attention to cloud permission levels that could grant extensive access.
• Enforce the principle of least privilege for all third parties and contractors.
• Enable multifactor authentication for accounts.
• Implement a digital risk protection strategy to continuously monitor for exposed credentials.

Read the full Construction Dive bulletin here (registration may be required).

 

WECA is pleased to reintroduce our members to our Industry Partner, Simpro Software. Get reacquainted with Simpro Software below:

A Brief Overview of Simpro Software’s History

Simpro was founded in Brisbane, Australia in 2002 with the goal of providing a comprehensive software solution for the trades and field service industries. Today, Simpro has grown into a global leader, serving over 8,500 customers and managing more than 14 million jobs annually across industries such as electrical, HVAC, plumbing, and security.

Simpro’s Services and Solutions

Simpro offers an all-in-one, cloud-based field service management platform designed to streamline operations for trade and field service businesses. Our solutions include job management, scheduling, asset tracking, estimating, invoicing, inventory management, and reporting. With Simpro, businesses can automate repetitive tasks, improve team productivity, and drive growth by gaining full visibility into their operations.

Simpro’s Services and Solutions vs. Their Competitors’ Services and Solutions

Simpro differentiates itself through its comprehensive approach, integrating job management, field mobility, and operational insights into one platform. Unlike competitors that may focus solely on specific functions like financial management or CRM, Simpro offers a holistic solution tailored for trade businesses. Features like real-time data synchronization, automated workflows, and scalability ensure that Simpro meets the needs of growing businesses. Additionally, Simpro’s mobile app empowers technicians in the field with access to critical job information.

How WECA Members Can Benefit from Simpro’s Services and Solutions

WECA members can benefit from Simpro by streamlining their operations, reducing manual processes, and improving both efficiency and profitability. Simpro helps contractors manage complex projects, maintenance contracts, and service jobs with ease. With features like automated quoting, invoicing, and real-time communication between office and field teams, Simpro enables contractors to focus on growing their businesses while delivering excellent service to their customers.

Why Simpro Partners with WECA

Simpro recognizes WECA as a leading association for electrical and low-voltage contractors, industries that align closely with Simpro’s core customer base. By partnering with WECA, Simpro aims to provide its innovative solutions to a network of contractors who are committed to excellence, safety, and growth. This partnership represents an opportunity to support contractors as they navigate industry challenges and adopt new technologies to stay competitive.

Will SimPro provide any discounts to WECA Member Contractors?

As Los Angeles recovers from the devastating wildfires—local trade and field service businesses are facing the dual challenge of rebuilding their own operations while supporting the massive reconstruction efforts ahead. In response, Simpro, is offering a 50% discount on software fees for the first 12 months to any new California-based customers. (See the next section, immediately below, for further details.)

Want to Utilize Simpro’s Services and Solutions? Here’s How:

WECA members interested in utilizing Simpro’s services and solutions can contact Joey Commons, Account Executive, at johanna.commons@simpro.us. Additionally, Simpro’s team is happy to provide demos, answer questions, and discuss how Simpro can support your business’s needs.

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Simpro Software Resources for Southern California WECA Members Affected by the Wildfires:

“During this challenging time, as Los Angeles works to recover from the catastrophic wildfires, Simpro is standing strong with the community.

We are offering support by:

·        Pledging $50,000 to help Simpro customers affected by the fires.

·        Offering a 50% discount on software fees for the first 12 months to any new California-based customers.

If you’re a California business or customer affected by the fires, please visit our website to learn how we can support you.”

Please join us in congratulating those re-elected and newly elected to the 2025 WECA Board of Directors!

Serving a three-year term:

Jason Blum

Tim Bosley

John Pavletich

Leslie Schlaegel

View the complete rosters of the WECA Boards of Directors and Trustees

 

Please join WECA in congratulating WECA Arizona Member Contractor K2 Electric on making the Phoenix Business Journal's 2024 Arizona Corporate Excellence (ACE) Fastest Growing Companies list!

K2 Electric announced the honor on social media, stating:

"K2 Electric is thrilled to announce that we ranked No. 8 on the Phoenix Business Journal's 2024 Arizona Corporate Excellence (ACE) Top Fastest Growing Company list! This recognition highlights the dedication, innovation, and teamwork that drive our success. Thank you to our incredible team for making this achievement possible."

Use WECA's Job Board to Find Qualified, Well-Trained Employees



WECA's Electrical and Low Voltage Industry Job Board is designed to help connect individuals seeking employment in the electrical and low voltage industries with the WECA Member Contractors who want to hire them.

Our job board currently serves California, and exists for:

• Talented electricians
• Low voltage technicians
• Electrician Trainees
• Industry employees (including office personnel)
• And the Member Contractors who want to hire them

Access this free, no-obligation service provided by WECA to post a position to help you find your next great employee today!

You can also view active resumes as part of your Member Contractor benefits.

Post a job today!

WECA Government Relations Director Rex Hime Celebrates WECA Relationship with the Central Valley Business Federation (BizFed)

An Ally in Advocating for Fair and Open Competition in the Construction Industry

WECA's Government Relations Director Rex Hime helped the Central Valley Business Federation (BizFed) celebrate their successful 2024 at their Holiday Lunch and Board Meeting in Visalia, CA in December.

Rex reflected on BizFed's successful year in the following statement:

"Co-chairing both BizFed Central Valley's Advocacy Committee and PAC this past year has been a pleasure. BizFed Central Valley is a great ally to WECA, acting as a megaphone advocating for fair and open competition in the construction industry, along with business issues across the board. Happy to be involved with a powerful group of movers and shakers and looking forward to the battles in 2025!"

Important Information for California Member Contractors Regarding Accommodations for WECA Students and Apprentices Affected by Wildfire Evacuation Orders and Power Outages
 

For California Member Contractors:

If you employ Apprentices, Electrician Trainees and/or Journeyperson Continuing Education students who have been affected by the California wildfires or power outages, and you have any questions or concerns about their progress, please contact WECA for clarification about accommodations for your employees' situations at 877-444-9322.

Please watch your email closely for further updates from WECA as the wildfire situations change; apprenticeship classes at our WECA facilities in Southern California are not affected at this time.

For Electrician Trainees and Journeyperson Continuing Education students affected by wildfire evacuation orders and/or power outages:

WECA will accommodate course make-up requests for currently enrolled Electrician Trainees and Journeypersons, in addition to course refunds or transfers, and waive all associated fees for those whose homes are affected by fires or evacuations. Please contact WECA at 877-444-9322 to get started.

Please note the following information for WECA students affected by power outages:

WECA is still running all scheduled GetWired webcasts, GetWired labs (whether scheduled for onsite or online), Live Online 2-Day Exam Prep classes, and all other instructor-led class instances at this time. Students should plan to attend class as normal.

Students who are unable to attend a scheduled webcast due to a power outage at their residence, and who cannot attend the class instance from an alternate remote location (which is encouraged), can contact WECA to arrange a class make-up. WECA will cross-check the student's address with outage maps or otherwise request proof of the outage before accommodating the make-up; this accommodation is for students living in power outage areas only.

Please contact WECA at 877-444-9322 if you must miss a scheduled webcast due to an outage and wish to request a make-up class instance.

Please watch your email closely for further updates from WECA; if the power outage maps are expanded, classes may be further affected.

In November, WECA Arizona and WECA Arizona founding Member Contractor Corbins attended the 62nd annual David B. Hollis Outstanding Apprenticeship awards ceremony in Litchfield Park, AZ to celebrate WECA Arizona Commercial Electrical apprentice and Corbins employee Cody Cole receiving a 2024 Outstanding Apprentice of the Year award.

Congratulations, Cody -- we are proud of you for representing WECA excellence in Arizona!

During National Apprenticeship Week 2024, WECA offered Open Houses at many of our apprenticeship training facilities in California and Arizona, and participated in an Apprenticeship Summit in Utah.

Please enjoy this video with one last look at our Open Houses--attendees had the opportunity to learn about the apprenticeship path to becoming an electrician and the many benefits of being in a WECA program. Additionally, participants got a preview of what WECA classes are like through guided tours of our learning labs and classrooms, featuring the latest learning technologies. 

Southern California electrical contractors: Learn about the benefits of training your employees through WECA's San Diego Commercial Electrical Apprenticeship program. 



 

Dear WECA Member Contractors,

There's only one day left to cast your ballot for the 2025 WECA Board of Directors. If you are the primary contact for your organization with WECA, and have not yet voted, please check your inbox for your ballot.

Please cast your ballot by 11:59 PM, December 13, 2024.

Thank you to all our members who have already voted!

The WECA staff would like to thank the members of the 2024 WECA Board of Directors for their continued commitment to the merit shop electrical industry member contractors and their employees.

Support WECA Graduates by Sponsoring This Event

Dear WECA Member Contractors, Industry Partners, and Supporters,

WECA is proud to announce the Arizona Graduating Class of 2024!

Our Commercial Electrical Apprentices in the Class of 2024 have successfully completed their education with WECA.

Help us honor their achievement with your sponsorship of their graduation event on:

Saturday, February 8, 2025 from 6:30 to 9:30 PM

The Grand Ballroom

DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Phoenix Airport

320 North 44th Street

Phoenix, AZ 85008

Help us make their graduation memorable--your sponsorship can allow you and members of your team to attend the graduation event, which is especially meaningful for grads if you're their contractor. Plus, you can meet WECA instructors and staff, other member contractors, and electrical industry supporters as well. Sponsorship packages at different levels may include tickets to attend the graduation, ads in the graduation program, recognition of your sponsorship during the ceremony, mention of your support on our website, in our newsletters, and over social media.   

Please consider the sponsorship opportunities at the link below, and thank you for your support of electrical training, apprenticeship, and workforce development for Arizona!

Sincerely,

The WECA Graduation Team

Reserve your sponsorship package