January 16, 2008 > Chabot College Apprenticeship Program graduates first class of students Chabot College Apprenticeship Program graduates first class of students Submitted By Julia Dozier Chabot College is pleased to report the graduation of its first class of students in a new apprenticeship program designed to train low voltage electricians who install and maintain fire, security and health (hospital) alarm systems. The apprenticeship program was created in response to AB 931, which requires certification for this industry. College staff has worked in tandem with Western Burglar and Fire Alarm Association (WBFAA) since 2001 to develop the program, which is a three year, full-time commitment that combines weekly classroom instruction with on-the-job training. The California Community College Chancellor's Office approved the program to work in partnership with Chabot College, and classes began in 2004. As a result, the first graduating class of the Western Burglar and Fire Alarm Association's Unilateral Training Committee's (WBFAA UATC) Fire/Life Safety Apprenticeship Program was recognized at the California Alarm Association Winter Convention in San Francisco in December. The WBFAA apprenticeship program is the first California statewide apprenticeship program to be offered. Currently the program has seven classroom sites (Anaheim, San Diego, Riverside, Salinas, Livermore, Sacramento and Glendale) with additional sites to be added as demand increases. Additionally, an online program is being developed to enable apprentices to study the theory portion of classes via distance education and attend quarterly labs for the hands-on component of the program. This mode of delivery will be especially useful to apprentices living outside of urban areas with less access to the classrooms. For more information, please call (510) 723-6700 or visit www.chabotcollege.edu.