Blue Lake Rancheria (BLR) recently hosted 24 trainees in the InterTribal Pre-Apprenticeship for Low-Voltage Electricians Program for an in-person training weekend at BLR from August 15th to August 17th. The Pre-Apprenticeship program was made possible by an interTribal effort from BLR, Hoopa, Karuk, and Yurok Tribes. Additionally, the Meskwaki Tribe in Iowa assisted with the online instruction for the trainees. The online training was also bolstered by guest speakers from Hoopa Valley Public Utilities District, Yakama Power, the Electrical Workers Local Labor Union, Tribal staff of Citizen Potawatomi Nation, Cowichan Tribes, Nez Perce Tribe, and Tribal Employment Rights Offices. This one-of-a-kind opportunity was made possible through a joint effort from all of these organizations and Tribes.
During the in-person training weekend, trainees learned how to use different kinds of manual and power tools, and they learned how to install switches, circuits, and more. After learning online, trainees were able to implement these lessons by building a live demonstration wall, and by working together to hook up different electrical switches and circuits. Now that the pre-apprenticeship has concluded, all of the trainees have received their stipend of participation, support and assistance with their next career step, and built cohort relationships. Congratulations to all of the Pre-Apprenticeship for Low-Voltage Electricians graduates!
Originally Published: 10/3/2025