Apprentice Program
The WMEJATC (hereafter the Committee), is a joint effort between the West Michigan Chapter of the National Contractor’s Association (NECA) and Local 275 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW).
We are part of a national program through the National JATC, the oldest and largest electrical apprenticeship in the world. NJATC programs provide training to over 40,000 apprentices annually. Please visit www.njatc.org.
We have two programs registered with the United States Department of Labor, a 5-year time-based program that leads to Journeyman Inside Wireman status upon completion and a 4-year competency-based program that leads to Journeyman Construction Electrician status upon completion.
5 Year Time-Based Program
Those selected for and participating in this program will attend school for 900 hours (180 hours per year) and must successfully complete all related training. Subjects include DC Theory, AC Theory, Blueprint Reading, Motor Control, Conduit Bending, National Electrical Code, Safety, and many more.
They also must accumulate 8000 hours of on-the-job training while working for our signatory contractors. This will be done under the supervision of qualified journeymen and master electricians. During this time your wages will be based upon a percentage of the Journeyman scale, starting at 40% as a new 1st year and rising to 80% as a 5th-year apprentice as you gain experience and training. Those completing this program will attain the status of Journeyman Inside Wireman.
4 Year Competency-Based Program
(Construction Wireman)
Those selected for and participating in this program must accumulate 8000 hours of on-the-job training while working for our signatory contractors. This will be done under the supervision of qualified journeymen and master electricians. During this time your wages will be based upon a percentage of the Journeyman scale, starting at 45% as a new CW1 and rising to 65% as a CW4 as you gain experience and training.
As you gain experience on the job, there will be a series of competencies for you to achieve through on-the-job experience and related training. Each step of the way through the program you will be tested on each competency until you complete the program. Those completing the program will attain the status of Journeyman Construction Electrician.
Transfer Between Programs
Anyone wishing to transfer from one of our programs to the other may submit a request to the Committee. Approval is based upon spaces available, work reports, training records, as well as other considerations per our Standards.
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