Sustainability & Resilience
Heidi Moore-Guynup
Director Tribal and Government Affairs
Matthew Marshall
Director of Energy Resilience and Business Development
Madison Hunt
Climate Resilience Specialist
Ysabelle Yrad
Sustainability Specialist
Molly Lowney
Coastal Development and Sustainability Fellow
Co-designed by the four Tribal Nations above, the Pre-Apprenticeship for Low-Voltage Electricians Program is an early career pathway training program that helps prepare Tribal members in northern California to enter and succeed in a full apprenticeship program and other advanced training programs in the electrical field. The program braids hands-on technical training with cultural values and workplace readiness modules. Moreover, there are several pathways to electrical careers – this program supports Tribal members in identifying barriers and increasing access to quality careers that honor their communities and the environment. The training is offered by the Blue Lake Rancheria, in partnership with the Hoopa Valley Tribe, Karuk Tribe, and Yurok Tribe.
Low-voltage electricians install, maintain, and repair many of the systems we use every day, including utilities, internet (broadband), and phones, and can serve as a springboard to specialized careers in the electrical industry. The electrical trade is also a rapidly growing field across northern California for residential and commercial systems. Electricians are a highly respected profession in increasing demand our electrified world.
About the Program
Check back soon for information about when and how to apply for 2026 program cohorts, which will begin in July. You can sign up for email notifications about future program opportunities below.
Previous Trainings
Dates: July 29 - August 21, 2025
The program is a four-week hybrid course, which will include evening virtual sessions each Tuesday and Thursday, 5-7pm PST, and one in-person required extended weekend in Blue Lake, California on Friday August 15 – Sunday August 17, 2025.
The program is approximately 48 hours total and includes a self-paced OSHA 10 certification online.
Participants will receive:
- The skills needed and preparedness for applying to a registered apprenticeship in the electrical field
- $3,000 stipend for attendance and participation in full program
- Your own personal tools and safety equipment (TBD; e.g. tool bag, basic tools, personal meter, safety glasses, gloves, etc.)
- Accommodations at Blue Lake Hotel and travel expenses for in-person weekends covered by program
- CPR/First Aid training
- OSHA 10 (Basic Workplace Safety)
- Knowledge of support services available to succeed upon completion of the program
During the Program, You will Learn/Program Preview:
- Introduction to Construction Math
- How to Use Hand & Power Tools
- How to Read Construction/Electrical Construction Drawings
- Introduction to Electrical Circuits
- Understand How to Work with and for Tribal Nations
- Introduction to Union Work
- How to Build a Rewarding Career in the Electrical Field
- How to Achieve Readiness to Thrive in the Workplace
The Program also includes hands-on demonstrations and job site visits, such as a tour of the Blue Lake Rancheria solar microgrid during the in-person weekend.
You will learn from experienced electrician trainers, workforce development service providers, subject matter experts, and other guest speakers, including instruction from the Meskwaki Nation Apprenticeship Program, as well as guest speakers from the Blue Lake Rancheria, Hoopa Valley Tribe, Karuk Tribe, Yurok Tribes, Citizen Potawatomi Nation, Nez Perce Tribe, Yakama Nation, Cowichan Tribes, and more.
Who Should Apply
Applicants must commit to the full program, including the in-person weekend and virtual schedule. Preference for admission into the program will be given to Tribal members. Individuals who are interested in the program, particularly those who would like to work with and for Tribal Nations in Northern California or disadvantaged and disconnected job seekers, will be considered (specifically, young adults ages 18-25, racial and ethnic minorities, women, disadvantaged youth, veterans, and formerly incarcerated individuals).
How to Apply
Program is limited to 25 applicants. Tribal affiliation is preferred. Applicants who wish to go through the program must be prepared to participate in a screening process which will test their interest, English and Math competency, physical agility, teamwork and leadership skills.