No one wants to be a bench warmer. This is just as true in athletics as it is in the working world. Not only is sitting on the sidelines no fun, it can also be costly. In order to learn new skills, gain experience, earn a living and prepare for future success, you have to be in the game.
That’s certainly true in building a rewarding career as a union electrician. That’s why the Warren and Youngstown JATCs have developed an apprenticeship program that’s designed to get promising young electricians on the field. And pay them at the same time.
Union electrician apprentices in the Warren and Youngstown JATC programs work alongside journeymen electricians on working job sites during their training, while earning a paycheck.
Read parts 1-3 in our series.
Part 1: 12 Reasons to Become a Union Electrician
Part 2: College isn’t for everyone, but a good career opportunity is
Part 3: Excellent pay and no experience necessary
Earn while you learn
As a union electrician apprentice you earn-as-you-learn. The JATC program includes generally 40 hours of paid work per week alongside journeymen electricians on real construction sites, and two to three nights per week in classroom settings.
Instead of waiting years to gain hands-on experience while accruing student loan debt, apprentices earn generous paychecks and are eligible for health and pension benefits right from day-one.
The apprenticeship program lasts three to five years, and includes on-the-job training with knowledgeable, professional electricians and classroom instruction.
All apprentice pay rates are based on a percentage of the Journeyman rate at the time of indenture. The agreement provides a national pension and healthcare. Upon completion of a probationary period, a local pension and profit sharing plan will become effective.
Construction sites are our classrooms
While in the field on real projects, electrical apprentices will plan, assemble and install all electrical apparatuses, equipment, fixtures and wiring used in electrical systems for maintenance, renovation and new construction projects. Other tasks may include installation, connecting and troubleshooting of electrical machinery, control devices, industrial equipment and signal communications systems.
We offer two apprenticeship programs:
- Inside/Commercial/Industrial
This five-year program includes a minimum of 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 900 hours of classroom instruction. Starting wage is a percentage of the Journeyman wage, and advancement corresponds with satisfactory progress on both on the job reports and academics. The probationary period is 1,000 hours (generally the first year of training). Minimal administrative and textbook fees are determined annually. Upon indenture, apprentices will be required to purchase the tool package.
- Residential
This three-year program includes a minimum of 4,800 hours of on-the-job training and 480 hours of classroom instruction. The probationary period is 1,000 hours (generally the first year of training). Administrative and textbook fees are determined annually. Upon indenture, apprentices will be required to purchase the tool package.
For more information on the JATC program, including videos of recent and current apprentices, and how to get in the game, visit ATradeThatPays.com.