Construction Electronic Systems Technology

Effective: Fall 2023
Certificate of Achievement Program Map
🖶 Printer Friendly Report

This apprenticeship program map for the 2024-2025 catalog year provides an overview of the required courses.You must be accepted into the apprenticeship by the Program Sponsor.

Apprenticeship Programs at Chabot College are an excellent way to earn a certificate and/or an associate degree while also gaining real-world, paid work experience in the occupation. The requirements and expectations vary depending on the apprenticeship program. Classes also vary by program, with some offered in person, online or off-campus.

I'm ready to get started.What do I do next?

  1. Apply to be an apprentice for the program you are interested in www.chabotcollege.edu / academics / apprenticeship
  2. Meet with a Chabot College counselor to review and plan general education courses (for associate degree programs only) www.chabotcollege.edu / counseling
Program Description

Electronic System Technicians (ESTs) install, connect, calibrate and service products that carry voice, video, audio, and data within a structure. Some ESTs work with fire and security alarm systems; others work with telecommunications equipment such as business telephone systems and computer networks.

The Associated Builders and Contractors San Diego (ABCSD) Apprenticeship program is a state and federally recognized construction training program. Apprenticeship Career and Technical Education (CTE) combines paid on-the-job training and work experience with formal classroom instruction. Apprentices are employed by a company where they receive hands-on training, and attend classes in the evening to study theory and participate in hands-on technical training.


What can I do with this major?

All Apprentices start off with an hourly wage (based on the prevailing wage in the county in which the work is performed) and in some cases, a fringe benefit package and the wages increase based on advancement within the program. Upon completion of the apprenticeship program, the graduate may be employed at the journey level by contractors. The median California wage for exiting students is $49,306 (2022 LMI data), and the median hour wage for electricians is $35 (Bay Area 2022 LMI data).


Learning and Career Pathway

    Icon Key

    = Critical Course = Prerequisite for Other Courses = Prerequisite Required = Required for Major GE = General Education

    CEST 9795 is a work experience course that may be taken each term for the apprentice to receive credit for working.

    Semester 1

    4 units

    CEST 9701
    Introduction to Construction Electronic Systems Technician I

    3 units
    This course provides the Construction Electronic Systems Technician apprentice with instruction in the following areas: Basic safety, including accident prevention, lockout/tagout, trenching and lifting safety, firefighting, and electrical safety guidelines. Measurements and calculations, including units of imperial and metric measure, decimal and fractional numbers. Use of hand and power tools. Reading and care of blueprints. Rigging safety, equipment, crane hand signals, estimating size and weight of load. Methods used to move equipment and materials. Student must be a registered State indentured apprentice.
    Course Details:

    CEST 9795
    Occupational Work Experience - Construction Electronic Systems Technician

    1 unit
    College supervised on-the-job training. Apprenticeship work experience in an occupation related to student’s apprenticeship program. Cooperative effort of the work supervisor, student, Joint Apprenticeship Training Council (JATC) or Program Sponsor, and instructor to achieve work-based learning objectives. Students must be enrolled in an apprenticeship program. Within the academic term, students must complete 54 hours of paid or non-paid work for 1.00 unit. Students can earn a maximum of 14 units of Work Experience.
    Course Details:

    Semester 2

    4 units

    CEST 9702
    Introduction to Construction Electronic Systems Technician II

    3 units
    This course provides the Construction Electronic Systems Technician apprentice with instruction in basic principles of electrical safety and hazard procedures, including working with toxics and vapors. Students are also provided with instruction in techniques used to hand bend conduits and install anchors and supports. Additional instruction included an introduction to basic electrical theory and test equipment, the use of National Electric Code (NEC) boxes, fittings and conductors, and the interpretation of related electrical blueprints and commercial/industrial/residential symbols, diagrams and schematics used for wiring. Student must be a registered State indentured apprentice.
    Course Details:

    CEST 9795
    Occupational Work Experience - Construction Electronic Systems Technician

    1 unit
    College supervised on-the-job training. Apprenticeship work experience in an occupation related to student’s apprenticeship program. Cooperative effort of the work supervisor, student, Joint Apprenticeship Training Council (JATC) or Program Sponsor, and instructor to achieve work-based learning objectives. Students must be enrolled in an apprenticeship program. Within the academic term, students must complete 54 hours of paid or non-paid work for 1.00 unit. Students can earn a maximum of 14 units of Work Experience.
    Course Details:

    Semester 3

    4 units

    CEST 9703
    Intermediate Construction Electronic Systems Technician I

    3 units
    This course provides the Construction Electronic Systems Technician with instruction in mathematics related to the trade and electronic theory, including common electrical formulas, quantities, units, and analyzing the operation of electrical circuits. Standard electronic measurement tools, such as multimeters, wattmeters, and megohmeters, and techniques for their use. Alternating Current (AC) and Direct Current (DC) electrical systems and grounding, and blueprint reading related to the trade. Application of wire, cable, and their termination. Student will learn applicable codes and standards and how to determine which codes and standards apply for a given application. Student must be a state registered apprentice in this trade.
    Course Details:

    CEST 9795
    Occupational Work Experience - Construction Electronic Systems Technician

    1 unit
    College supervised on-the-job training. Apprenticeship work experience in an occupation related to student’s apprenticeship program. Cooperative effort of the work supervisor, student, Joint Apprenticeship Training Council (JATC) or Program Sponsor, and instructor to achieve work-based learning objectives. Students must be enrolled in an apprenticeship program. Within the academic term, students must complete 54 hours of paid or non-paid work for 1.00 unit. Students can earn a maximum of 14 units of Work Experience.
    Course Details:

    Semester 4

    4 units

    CEST 9704
    Intermediate Construction Electronic Systems Technician II

    3 units
    This course provides the Construction Electronic Systems Technician with instruction in types of cabling, switches and relays, terminating conductors, low-voltage codes and standards, and computer cabling applications. Installation, configuration, and troubleshooting of computer networking appliances. Study of fiber optic theory, devices, and systems. Basic theory, installation, and operation of wireless communication systems. Student must be a registered State indentured apprentice.
    Course Details:

    CEST 9795
    Occupational Work Experience - Construction Electronic Systems Technician

    1 unit
    College supervised on-the-job training. Apprenticeship work experience in an occupation related to student’s apprenticeship program. Cooperative effort of the work supervisor, student, Joint Apprenticeship Training Council (JATC) or Program Sponsor, and instructor to achieve work-based learning objectives. Students must be enrolled in an apprenticeship program. Within the academic term, students must complete 54 hours of paid or non-paid work for 1.00 unit. Students can earn a maximum of 14 units of Work Experience.
    Course Details:

    Semester 5

    4 units

    CEST 9705
    Advanced Construction Electronic Systems Technician I

    3 units
    This course provides the Construction Electronic Systems Technician with instruction in wire and cable selection, advanced buses and networks, fiber optic installation, cable and satellite television systems, and wireless communications. Students will learn the components, cabling, and installation techniques specific to audio, video, broadband, and digital communication systems. Student must be a state registered apprentice in this trade.
    Course Details:

    CEST 9795
    Occupational Work Experience - Construction Electronic Systems Technician

    1 unit
    College supervised on-the-job training. Apprenticeship work experience in an occupation related to student’s apprenticeship program. Cooperative effort of the work supervisor, student, Joint Apprenticeship Training Council (JATC) or Program Sponsor, and instructor to achieve work-based learning objectives. Students must be enrolled in an apprenticeship program. Within the academic term, students must complete 54 hours of paid or non-paid work for 1.00 unit. Students can earn a maximum of 14 units of Work Experience.
    Course Details:

    Semester 6

    4 units

    CEST 9706
    Advanced Construction Electronic Systems Technician II

    3 units
    This course provides the Construction Electronic Systems Technician with instruction in site survey, job planning and documentation, maintenance and repair, supervision of fire and security alarm systems. Students will plan, install, commission, and troubleshoot commercial and residential networking systems. Students will integrate CCTV and access control components into working systems. Student must be a registered State indentured apprentice.
    Course Details:

    CEST 9795
    Occupational Work Experience - Construction Electronic Systems Technician

    1 unit
    College supervised on-the-job training. Apprenticeship work experience in an occupation related to student’s apprenticeship program. Cooperative effort of the work supervisor, student, Joint Apprenticeship Training Council (JATC) or Program Sponsor, and instructor to achieve work-based learning objectives. Students must be enrolled in an apprenticeship program. Within the academic term, students must complete 54 hours of paid or non-paid work for 1.00 unit. Students can earn a maximum of 14 units of Work Experience.
    Course Details:
    Total Units: 24 units
    This program map is not a guarantee of course availability or financial aid applicability.