How does online training work?

Students “meet” online for class on a designated night of the week, where they are taught live by an IECNY Instructor. Class is once a week from 5-9pm (Eastern Time).

Curriculum & Tuition

Curriculum and tuition is the same as our in-class apprenticeship program.

Requirements for Online Students

Please Note: Preference for this program is given to individuals who live or work at least 40 miles or more from the IECNY Buffalo campus.

• A personal computer (PC or Mac); tablets and cell phones will not work.
• High speed Internet (preferably the ability to connect via Ethernet cord, not wireless).
• A quiet place to take the class (no coffee shops or public wifi, library is okay).
• A web camera so that exams can be proctored. Will be offered for purchase through IECNY.
• A headset (not available for purchase through IECNY).
• A microphone is optional.

Software for PCs & Macs

• Up to date PC or Mac Computer.
• Most recent Browser update, i.e. Chrome, Safari, Firefox, or Internet Explorer.

Bandwidth Requirements

• Minimum Bandwidth Requirement (Upload and download speed should be same or close).
• Audio only classes – 256 kbps @ each attendee end (512 kbps recommended).
• Audio & Video classes – 512 kbps @ each attendee end (1 Mbps recommended).
  • Technical quality of the class depends on user behavior.
  • Additional bandwidth required for Screen Sharing and Audio/Video sharing. A normal YouTube video requires 512 kbps internet connection speed for buffer free experience.

Other Requirements

• Most recent update for Flash player (to check Flash player version, visit http://kb2.adobe.com/cps/155/tn_15507.html)
• Most recent update for Java Runtime Environment (JRE)

Application Process

Individuals interested in beginning the Apprenticeship Training Program at IECNY must follow the instructions below.

1. Pre-Register for the Apprenticeship Program. This pre-registration is simply to let IECNY know of your interest in our program. This does not constitute enrollment or acceptance into the program.

2. You will be notified when Open Enrollment begins. During Open Enrollment, you will be directed to complete our enrollment packet. A completed enrollment packet includes:

• Completed Application
• NYS Driver's License
• Social Security Card OR Birth Certificate
• High School Diploma or Equivalent
• 2 Letters of Personal Reference
• Non-Refundable Application Fee

3. Once your completed enrollment packet has been submitted, IECNY will schedule you for your TABE assessments.

4. A face-to-face interview will be scheduled.

5. For final acceptance into the program, an Apprentice Agreement (between you and IECNY) and Signatory Agreement (between employer and IECNY) need to be signed. If you are not employed by an electrical contractor, we will assist in connecting you with Contractor Members. You cannot be accepted into the program without employment with an electrical contractor.

When Do Classes Start?

A class starts each semester - with either an August or January start date.