There are four specialty areas where you will find electrical workers:

• Inside Wireman- install the power, lighting, controls and other electrical equipment in commercial and  industrial buildings.

• Residential Wireman- specialize in installing all of the electrical systems in single-family and multi-family houses or dwellings.

• VDV Installer Technician- install circuits and equipment for telephones, computer networks, video distribution systems, security and access control systems and other low voltage systems.

• Outside Linemen- install the distribution and transmission lines that move power from the plant to a factory, a business, or home.

These programs are managed by Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committees (JATCs) that consist of an equal number of contractors and union representatives. Through joint management, contractors and unions are able to adapt the curriculum and training to ensure the contractor’s workforce can meet the changing needs of the construction industry. This curriculum offers a unique educational opportunity in which students gain specific skills and knowledge needed for a trade (e.g. pipefitting, boilermaker or carpentry). Training combines an average of 2,000 hours of on-the- job training hours plus 160 classroom hours per year.

Along with the unique opportunity to “earn while they learn” during their on-the-job training, apprentices receive over 200 hours of classroom training each year.

All apprentices complete a 5-year apprenticeship program which is registered, in compliance, and approved by the Bureau of Apprenticeship (U.S. Dept. of Labor). The program covers the entire spectrum of residential, commercial, and industrial electrical installations. The curriculum includes a wide range of education in areas such as:

• Electrical Theory

• Solar Energy

• Lighting and Power Distribution

• Industrial Controls

• Communication Equipment

• Testing Equipment

• High Voltage Distribution

• The National Electrical Code

Apprentices also cover specialized areas such as:

• Instrumentation

• Communications (Networks)

• Programmable Logic Controllers

• Computers

• Fire Alarm Systems

• Welding

• Job Site Management & Supervision

The five years of school also include First Aid, CPR, and OSHA Training—this allows the apprentice to be aware of safety concerns and to have the ability to act accordingly in an emergency situation.

A commercial/industrial apprentice is paid a percentage of what a Journeyman Electrician earns, with the percentage determined by the apprentice’s progress in training.

You will start at 40% of Journeyman scale. The pay will increase to 45% of Journeyman scale at 1,000 hours of work, and 50% at 2,000 hours of work, plus satisfactory completion of the 1st year of school. Pay increases are not automatic, but are dependent upon progress and cooperation in training.

Raises will be at:

• 3,500 hours

• 5,000 hours

• 6,500 hours

• 8,000 hours, plus satisfactory completion of school each year

In joint apprenticeship programs, the only cost to the student is the price of the books and materials (which you may keep upon completion of the program), with no tuition fees. There is a mandatory fee for the Vanderburgh County Apprenticeship License, typically between $15 and $20. In addition, you will be required to purchase a set of personal hand tools that are necessary for the trade. You will receive a list of required tools during your first class session.

Apprenticeship programs in the union construction industry are unique because they are jointly funded by the unions and the contractors and therefore, translate into a FULL TUITION SCHOLARSHIP for students interested in a career in the union building trades. It is important to note no tax dollars are used to fund these apprenticeship programs.

Do you think you have the aptitude and skills necessary to complete a rigorous 5-year apprenticeship program? If you meet the following requirements, you could be on your way to a rewarding career. (The actual application process may vary by specialty.)

• Must be 18 years of age;

• Have a high school diploma with Official school transcript; OR, have a GED with program completion documentation;

• A valid driver’s license;

• Proof of completing at least two semesters of Algebra with a C or better, or completion of the NJATC Tech Math course; and,

• Be a legal residenct of IBEW Local Union 16 jurisdiction (visit this link for coverage information)

There is a non-refundable $30 processing fee for each application to be paid by check or money order at the time of application.

Paper applications will be available at the JATC office from 8:00 AM until 11:30 AM and 1:00 PM until 4:00 PM CST Monday through Friday, except those days that fall on recognized holidays.

Individuals may also ask for an application be sent to them. (You may visit the JATC Contact page to request the Apprenticeship Application Form.)

The NECA/IBEW Electrical JATC will not discriminate against apprenticeship applicants or apprentices based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), sexual orientation, genetic information, or because they are an individual with a disability or a person 40 years old or older.

The NECA/IBEW Electrical JATC will take affirmative action to provide equal opportunity in apprenticeship and will operate the apprenticeship program as required under Title 29 of the Code of Federal Regulations, part 30.

Please familiarize yourself with the application requirements below:

INSIDE Program Application Requirements

Residential Program Application Requirements

Additionally, applicants may now apply ONLINE!

Visit this link for details.

Yes! Those apprentices who graduate from the commercial/industrial J.A.T.C. Program can earn up to 58 semester hours of college credit. To qualify, you must complete 5 years of inside apprenticeship, which includes a minimum 8,000 on-the-job training hours, and 5 years of classroom curriculum. This accreditation is from the American Council on Education (ACE). Many colleges in the state of Indiana (and throughout the United States) accept these credits.

In addition to the (ACE) accreditation, graduates receive an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Apprenticeship Technology (emphasis on Electrical) from Ivy Tech Community College. Click here to learn more.