It has been an exciting year so far for our Dubak U Apprentices!
Level 1 have just completed their first module, Hand Bending, averaging over 90% as a group. This module also required performance tasks where apprentices were each required to bend various field applicable bends to industry standards, cut and thread Rigid Metal Conduit, bend and glue PVC. So far this year, Level 1 apprentices have spent more than 100 hours bending pipe in class. They are now onto Electrical Theory. Apprentices will work with our Dubak U specific training boards learning to draw, number, and wire numerous simple control circuits. They will learn to recognize and understand the components of series, parallel, and series-parallel circuits along with Electron Flow and Conventional Flow theories. This module is the foundation for understanding how electricity and circuits work, how to be safety, and how to properly install and terminate conductors and devices.
Level 2 has just completed AC Theory, by far the toughest module of the four-year curriculum. Apprentices have learned how alternating current is generated, how the sine wave is formed, how inductors and capacitors affect an AC circuit, and basic transformer theory. The class averaged over 92% as group setting the bar high for future apprentices. Level 2 starts Motor Theory and Applications on Monday where the focus shifts to how motors function, how they are controlled, and how their coil connections change the properties of the motor. The three primary types of DC motors, the industry workhorse three-phase squirrel-cage motor, the wound-rotor motor, the synchronous motor, and various single-phase motors are all discussed in this module. Apprentices will also learn about VFDs, motor enclosures and frame design, Wye and Delta connections, and the NEC requirements for motors. No rest for Level Two as they move into another challenging topic.
Level 3 is working on Conductor Selections and Calculations. In their previous module they learned about Branch Circuit and Feeder Calculations. This determines the load on a variety of different circuits and requires knowing the NEC requirements for the numerous applications out there. It is the precursor for the current module. Level 3 apprentices have learned to effectively navigate the NEC to determine overcurrent protection and conductor requirements for motors, arc and resistance welders, electric heat, commercial cooking equipment, signs, water heaters, and more. They are able to apply derating factors and calculate voltage drop to properly select conductors required by the NEC. Test this week before moving on the Practical Applications of Lighting where apprentices will learn to classify lighting by type of service and location and select lighting systems for the various applications in the field.
The new school year is just under way, but Dubak U apprentices are already deep into the core principles required for all successful electrical craft professionals.