Applying for Apprenticeship

What is a Union Electrician Apprentice?

A worker, under an indenture agreement, who learns a trade by working on the job with journeyman supervision and classroom instruction. The apprenticeship is to include not less than 8,000 hours of reasonably continuous work, plus classroom instruction to cover 960 hours of related training.

What We Do

At the Eastern Idaho Electrical JATC we train Craftsmen to build the Electrical Infrastructure of Tomorrow.  Due to the unique Commercial and Industrial Work base in Southeast Idaho, participants of our program have consistently received exposure to more facets of the industry than participants of state sponsored Electrical Apprentice programs and other JATC’s nationwide.

While the average electrical consumer perceives an “Electrician” as the person called to fix the outlet in the bathroom when their hair dryer no longer works, or summoned when it’s time to build the home of their dreams; the scope of the job far surpasses the black/white/green wire of the Romex which wires your home.

Being privy to a pool of Electrical Contractors, some the largest in Idaho, you will find yourself working anywhere from nuclear facilities and large industrial and commercial food processing plants, to building shopping malls, power substations and traffic signal lights.

Being hosted by a relatively small local electrical union, IBEW Local #449 members have had to step up and meet the challenges of an ever-changing industry in such a diverse work environment.  Where the job title of “Journeyman Wireman” carries with it additional titles such as: Welder, Heavy Equipment Operator, and Concrete Worker to Cable Splicer, Instrumentation Technician and even Programmer.

Completion of our program brings with it the responsibilities of living up to a reputation that will precede you not only tomorrow, but in the years to follow as you find yourself working on large construction projects outside of Idaho.  Following those who have gone before leaving large footprints for you to fill.  The Eastern Idaho JATC is here to provide you with the training you need today and tomorrow to step up and meet the challenge.

How We Do It

Proficiency in a skilled trade is attained by completing an apprenticeship. Apprenticeships consist of a combination of schooling and supervised on-the-job training. The Eastern Idaho Electrical JATC currently utilizes a nationally recognized training program developed by the Electrical Training Alliance. The program’s on-going development has led to the creation of an internationally recognized apprenticeship, a model for other countries to be envious of.  And one that has been dually recognized by the American Council on Education which makes credit recommendations of 52 semester hours towards an associates degree in applied science or bachelor’s degree in applied technology.

What Are My Expenses?

There are a few costs that you should consider, such as:

• Tools
• Books
• Transportation
• Special Clothing for Harsh Environments
• Dues & Working Assessments
• Application Fee

What are the Wages & Benefits?

Apprentices are provided with good wages and benefits, which include:

• Health Insurance
• Pension & Retirement Plans
• Multi-Employer Labor Pool
• No Tuition for Related Training
• Guaranteed Constant Wage Rates

 

Sample Wages & Benefits Based on Estimated Journeyman Rate of $36.97 Hour *All figures are approximate and subject to change

% of Journeyman Rate Minimum OJT Hours *Wages per hour *Estimated Union Benefits Total 1st Term –  50% 0-1,000 $18.49 $9.45 hr $27.94 hr 2nd Term – 55% 1,000-2,000 $20.33 $9.51hr $29.84 hr 3rd Term – 60% 2,000-3,500 $22.18 $9.57 hr $31.75hr 4th Term – 65% 3,500-5,000 $24.03 $9.62 hr $33.65 hr 5th Term – 70% 5,000-6,500 $25.88 $9.68 hr $35.56 hr 6th Term – 80% 6,500-8,000 $29.58 $9.78 hr $39.37 hr

 

Step 1 – How Do I Qualify?

Applicants must show proof of the following:

• Be at least 18 years of age
• AND must be a high school graduate or have received a GED
• AND must have completed on full credit of high school algebra with passing grades or one post-high school algebra credit with passing grade of “C” or better

(Undisputable Documentation is required by official transcript showing courses and grades from High School and/or College. Official transcripts must be sent directly to the JATC by your high school/college, either through the mail or by secure email. They are signed, dated, and embossed or stamped by the school registrar)

• AND possess a valid Driver’s License
• AND have completed an application with the above documentation attached before the cutoff date

 

If you do not meet the Algebra Requirement:

If you do not have the required Algebra needed to make application, you have a few options:

• Take the NJATC Tech Math course and provide the documentation needed of having passed the course with a 75% or higher. The website for this class is: http://electricaltrainingalliance.org/Learning/OnlineTechMath

OR

• Take an Algebra class at a college of your choice. Please keep in mind that the school must be accredited by a State Education Agency and you must receive a passing grade. Once completed, an official transcript must be submitted to receive credit.

Individuals that have the following documented, do not need to meet the requirement of High School Graduation/GED, Algebra:

• A minimum of 2,000 hours of electrical construction work experience recognized by the State of Idaho Division of Occupational Licenses (signed, notarized certificate from DOPL required).

Individuals that have the following documented, will qualify for a direct interview with our Selection Committee:

• A minimum of 2,000 hours for direct interview or 4,000 hours may qualify for direct entry of electrical construction work experience recognized by the State of Idaho Electrical Division (copy required)

OR

• An honorably discharged veteran, as long as application is submitted within 5 years of discharge date. (DD214 required)

Step 2 – Applications 

All applications are completed online. Please find the link to the online application by scrolling to the bottom of this page.

A $25.00 Application Fee is required.

You will be prompted to pay the $25.00 fee (plus card processing fees), during the online application process. You will also be prompted to download the required documentation listed above along with a resume, letters of recommendation, and/or a DD214 showing any related military training.

All applications and required documentation must be completed and returned to the JATC Office to be considered for this current application period.

The deadline for application is as follows:

1^st Quarter Selection:  February 28

2^nd Quarter Selection:  May 31

3^rd Quarter Selection:  August 30

4^th Quarter Selection:  November 30

*Application expires after 90 days from receiving the application

Step 3 – Aptitude Test

The Aptitude test covers Algebra and Reading Comprehension. Qualified applicants will be notified of the Aptitude Test Date, time and location. All applications must be completed and returned with required documentation to qualify for the next Aptitude Test.  You must bring a valid Driver’s License with you to the Aptitude Test for identification purposes. A score of 5 or above must be obtained to proceed to the oral interviews.

 Step 4 – Oral Interview

Applicants who qualify for an oral interview will be notified of the interview date and time. Applicants will be interviewed by a committee representing both NECA and IBEW. The committee will consider such attributes as:

  *Education *Ability/Skills *Work Experience *Reliability *Interest *Attitude *Judgment *Cooperation

 Step 5 – Ranking & Indenturing

Based on the interview, applicants will receive an overall ranking score. Applicants will then be ranked on a list according to this final score. As new positions become available in the apprenticeship program, names will be taken off the list in the order that the names appear.

Applicant names will remain on this list for up to 1 years. If you have not been selected within the 1-year period, you may reapply at the end of the 1-year period. However, you may request to re-interview AFTER 90 days if you have made significant changes to your qualifications such as education or related work experience.

Prior to being indentured, applicants selected from the pool of interviewed applicants must be at least 18 years of age, possess a valid Driver’s License, and will be required to pass a drug test before an indenture agreement can be signed. 

If accepted into the program you may request credit for previous work experience you obtained. Proper documentation will be required. The Committee’s decision will be final.  

 

Applicant Selection Area

The Eastern Idaho Electrical JATC selects applicants from the following Idaho counties:

* Bannock * Bear Lake * Bingham * Blane * Bonneville * Butte * Caribou * Camas * Cassia * Clark * Custer *   * Franklin * Fremont * Gooding * Jefferson * Lemhi * Lincoln * Madison * Minidoka * Oneida * Power *              * Teton * Twin Falls *