lectricians union training is great way to pursue your career as an electrician. The hands-on experience as well as the classroom work is phenomenal!
The National Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (N.J.A.T.C.) is perhaps the largest apprenticeship and training programs of its kind.
The joint program between IBEW and NECA has clearly demonstrated the most cost effective way to train qualified craft workers.
What is the program about? The program, known as apprenticeship combines on the job experience with instructor-lead classes. You will earn an attractive wage for every hour that you spend on the job.
Are there fees associated with the program? The classes are tuition free, the only cost
to the apprentice is the text books (approx. $450) and the required electrician tool list.
How much will you earn?
That depends on the program you choose and your locality. Some of the
programs take three years to complete, one takes five; but you can
expect to earn between $80,000 and $150,000 during the course of your
apprenticeship.
What other benefits do you get? You will have an excellent wage rate, paid family health insurance, a retirement plan, state of the art training, a safer working condition, advancement opportunities and of course, a career with the future!
Minimum Requirements:
*All diplomas or an official GED certificate which must include your graduation date must be in your possesion when filing
the application. An embossed notary seal on the translated document is
required.
**You must show proof of having successfully completed Algebra with a passing grade of “C” or better from any of the following:
***Applicants should have reliable transportation
Note: If you do not have the required algebra credit or are unable to get verification, the JATC will accept the TECH MATH course offered by the NJATC. Just to let you know, the registration fee for this course is $125.00 and it includes the NJATC's textbook, Building a Foundation in Mathematics and the NJATC calculator. FYI, you will have 4 months to complete
the course.
Applicants meeting the minimum requirements will be scheduled for a two part aptitude test consisting of Reading Comprehension and Mathematics. The test will take about two and a half hours to complete. There will be a short break between the Algebra and Functions Test and the Reading Comprehension Test.
| Name of Test | Number of Items | Number of Minutes |
|---|---|---|
When will You know The Results?
Approximately two to four weeks after you take the test, your local JATC will get the results and will notify you. If you didn't pass the test, you will need to wait six months to re-take it.
If you pass the written test, an Oral Interview will be
conducted. The combination score (written and oral interview) will place
the applicant in the pool of eligible candidates. you will receive an overall ranking. Your name will be placed on an eligibility list for up to two years.
Some apprenticeship programs have additional basic requirements such as drug testing, a physical examination, security background check, or a valid driver’s license.
Tip For JATC Applicants:
For anyone that wants to get into the apprenticeship, it is highly recommended that you study Algebra before taking the entrance exam. Get a tutor if you are having difficulties. Getting a good score will put you in better position in the waiting list. Scoring high on the entrance exam will give you an edge over someone else.
I recommend you get the union apprenticeship eBook. It gives a more detailed explanation on how to qualify for electrician apprenticeship.
NJATC Offers 4 Specialty For Apprenticeship:
Outside Lineman
A lineman works on outside wiring attached to utility poles. In this job
you may work from a bucket truck or you might have to climb utility
poles, therefore you should be in good physical condition to even
consider this profession. In addition, you will have to work in all
kinds of bad weather repairing downed power lines. This is an important
and dangerous job. An apprenticeship is required that could last for up
to five years. This is to make sure you will be safe around high voltage
lines when working solo. This is a high paying electrical career since
the job is risky, and the working conditions unpleasant at times.
Inside Wireman
An inside wireman is similar to a residential wireman except in this
case you would work on commercial or industrial buildings. With this job
you would be responsible for wiring the lighting and heating systems
and connecting them to the outside power line. In addition you would
work on fire alarms, security systems, and anything else that requires
hooking into the power supply of the building. This electrical career
requires that you learn a wide variety of skills and become proficient
with the craftsmanship of your trade.
Telecommunication Installer/Technician
An installer technician works along side the inside wireman and is
responsible for installing low voltage wiring in the building. This
includes data lines and phone lines. With new construction, installers
usually put low voltage wires in before the light fixtures or heating.
Other times an installer technician may have to rewire existing
buildings when the owner wants to upgrade a phone system or install new
computer workstations. This electrical career requires that you keep
current with new trends and standards in the telecommunications industry
as well as general construction.
Residential Wiremen
An electrical career as a residential wireman is ideal if you enjoy
working with your hands and enjoy the construction industry. A
residential wireman installs the wiring system of a home. With this job
you could install electrical systems in new houses or you might upgrade
outdated wiring in older homes. The working conditions are pleasant as
most of the work is done indoors, however the job is physically
demanding as it involves climbing ladders, bending and lifting. This
field of employment requires an apprenticeship of about four years in
order to fully learn the trade. In fact, as an electrician you should be
committed to lifelong learning in order to maintain your license and
stay abreast of the latest advances in technology.
Job Outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, job growth is favorable for those working towards an electrical career. These jobs are expected to outpace other occupations as far as demand goes because of the need to upgrade existing structures and to keep pace with new construction. In addition, many baby boomer electricians and linemen will be retiring from the workforce over the next couple of decades which will open up many new job opportunities.
Important Links!
N.J.A.T.C. - This is where you will find the electrician union training center in your area.
I.B.E.W. - Labor Union that represent electricians, linemen, and
telecommunication workers.
N.E.C.A. - National
Electrical Contractors
Association works to ensure its members create and maintain systems that
are effective, safe, and environmentally friendly