A work in progress for two years, the York Electricians' new training center will be revealed to visitors this week.

York Electricians is a union of 300 local electrical workers who also help provide training to prospective electrical workers.

The group has spent $350,000 since 2010 renovating and upgrading equipment for its new 13,000-square-foot facility, which is designed to train electrical workers at 555 Willow Springs Lane in East Manchester Township.

State-of-the-art classrooms and labs are among the additions on display from 1 to 4 p.m. Thursday during an open house that aims to both reveal upgrades and advertise the center.

"We want to get the word out to the public about the opportunities here," said Matthew Paules, business manager for the local electricians' union IBEW 229. "Our goal is to showcase our training programs and educate the public and private sector construction users why we're the best choice."

Each year, York Electricians enrolls between 50 and 60 apprentices into its training program, which includes 200 hours of class time for five years and 10,000 hours of on-the-job training.

"It's the best training in the industry and doesn't cost a penny," Paules said.

The training is free to apprentices, who are chosen after an application process, he said. Tuition is paid by internal funds garnered through payroll deductions of 70 cents per hour from electrical workers' wages.

"Apprentices get great pay and great benefits at no cost," Paules said. "It's a great opportunity for York and Adams County residents looking for a trade that will earn a sustaining wage. And in today's economy, that's extremely important."

-- Candy Woodall can also be reached at cwoodall@york dispatch.com.