Programs
At West Michigan Electrical JATC, we offer two U.S. Department of Labor–registered apprenticeship programs — Inside Wireman and Construction Wireman — designed to prepare you for a successful career in the electrical trade.
Inside Wireman Program
Earn while you learn through 8,000 hours of paid, on-the-job training with one of our signatory contractors, under the supervision of licensed journeymen and master electricians.
Alongside your work, you’ll complete 720 hours of classroom instruction (180 hours per year) covering:
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DC and AC Electrical Theory
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Blueprint Reading
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Motor Controls
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Conduit Bending
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The National Electrical Code (NEC)
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Electrical Safety
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And much more
$17.92
Starting
Apprentice Wage
$35.85
Ending
Apprentice Wage
$39.83
Post-Graduation
Starting Wage
Apprentices start at 45% of journeyman wages in year one, progressing to 80% by year four.
Upon completion, you’ll earn Journeyman Inside Wireman status.
Construction Wireman Program
This track also includes 8,000 hours of supervised on-the-job training, but advancement is based on demonstrated skills and competencies, not class hours.
As you gain hands-on experience, you'll be assessed on core job skills and tested on each competency along the way. Wages range from 45% to 65% of the journeyman rate as you move from CW1 to CW4. Graduates of this program earn the title of Journeyman Construction Electrician.
Entry & Transfers
Most new apprentices begin in the Construction Wireman program for 6–12 months. Based on performance and program availability, you may apply to transfer into the time-based program. Qualified applicants may also be placed directly into the time-based track, depending on demand.
$17.92
Starting
Construction Apprentice
$35.85
Licensed Construction Electrician
Equal Opportunity Pledge
The Trustees of the JATC and the employers participating with the WMEJATC are Equal Opportunity Employers who will not discriminate against apprenticeship applicants, apprentices, or employees based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), sexual orientation, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or age (including individuals 40 years old or older), in accordance with State and Federal laws. They will take affirmative action to provide equal opportunity in apprenticeship and will operate the program as required under Title 29 of the Code of Federal Regulations, part 30.
Requirements
There are basic requirements and minimum qualifications for the program that you must meet. All must be completed within 30 days of starting your application.
Minimum Qualifications
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Complete online application
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Be a minimum of 18 years of age at the time of registration. (May apply at 17)
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Possess a valid Michigan Driver's License
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Provide an official transcript for high school and post-high school education and training. All GED records must be submitted if applicable
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Show evidence of successful completion of: one full credit of high school algebra, or one post-high school algebra course, or the NJATC Tech Math Course.
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Capable of completing all requirements of apprenticeship, including being able & willing to:
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Safely perform, or learn to safely perform essential functions of the job
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Get to and from work at job sites within the geographical jurisdiction of the Local Union
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Climb and work from ladders, scaffolds, poles, and towers of various heights
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Push, pull, crawl, crouch, and work in confined spaces, lift 25-50 pounds regularly, and use various hand and power tools
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Read, hear, speak, and understand instructions and warnings in English
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Prior to being registered, applicants selected from the pool of interviewed applicants will be required to pass a physical examination, a drug test, and a background check.
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Pay the application fee of $25.
Technology Requirements
To successfully apply and complete the program, applicants and apprentices must have access to a laptop/computer. See here for more information about the technology requirements.
Pre-Application Quiz
Application Process
Step 1
Create Your Account
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Take the quiz above to create your application account.
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Create an account.
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You’ll receive an email with a link to complete your account registration.
Step 2
Complete Your Application
All steps must be marked complete on the application. Incomplete applications will not be accepted.
Within 30 days of starting your application, you must upload/complete:
✅ Completed online application
✅ Official high school transcripts* or GED Completion Certificate
✅ Completed one full year of high school algebra with C or higher
✅ Min. age: 18 years of age at the time of registration. May apply at 17.
✅ Possess a valid Michigan Driver's License
✅ Proof of residency in Local 275 Jurisdiction (with driver's license)
✅ Current resume
✅ $25 application fee (unless waived — see Special Applicant Groups)
Transcripts can be sent via email or mail:
Email: wmjatcapplications@gmail.com
Mail: West Michigan Electrical JATC
Attention: Office Manager
140 N 64th Ave, Coopersville, MI 49404
Step 3
Aptitude Test
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Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be scheduled for the aptitude test.
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A qualifying score is 5 on a scale from BMS-9.
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Passing is required to move forward to the interview stage.
Step 4
Pre-Interview & Interview
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If you pass the test, you’ll attend a pre-interview session to ask questions.
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The formal interview lasts 10 minutes and is scored 0–100 per question.
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An average score of 80% or higher is required to qualify.
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Your score determines your ranking on the selection list, where you’ll remain for 1 year.
Step 5
Selection
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Selection depends on current job demand.
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Keep your contact info updated on your application account so we can reach you.
Special Applicant Groups
Veterans & Non-Union Apprentices
Email us to to get your application fee waived:
You will receive separate instructions on how to create your application account.
Veterans must submit a DD-214 showing an honorable discharge to qualify for a fee waiver.
Non-union apprentices must submit a notarized letter of 2000+ hours to qualify for a fee waiver.
Pre-Apprenticeship Students
If you are enrolled in:
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Muskegon Area CTC (Electrical/Computer Technologies)
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Holland Careerline CTC (Electrical/Alternative Energy)
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GRCC (Construction Electrician, Certificate of Completion)
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Workforce Development Institute (Access for All / WIST)
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Montcalm Area Career Center (Construction Trades)
Email wmjatcapplications@gmail.com to get your application fee waived*. You will receive separate instructions on how to create your application account.
*Pre-Apprenticeship students must submit an industry recommendation letter to qualify for a fee waiver.
Technology Requirements
To successfully apply and complete the program, applicants must have access to the following technology:
For Applying
Applications must be submitted online through TradeSchool. If you do not have access to a computer during the application process, a computer will be available at the JATC Office during open application window dates.
For Accepted Applicants
You will need reliable access to a computer with internet at home. This is required for completing online homework assignments and accessing program resources. Smartphones and tablets can be used for some school functions, but they are not a substitute for a computer.
A laptop or desktop computer is necessary for coursework.
Minimum Computer Requirements
Acceptable Operating Systems
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Windows 10 or 11 (S and SE versions not supported
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Mac OS X 11 or newer
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Chromebook (current supported versions)
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iPad (iOS 12 or newer)
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Android (6.0 or newer)
Acceptable Browsers
(All browsers must be kept up to date — most update automatically)
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Windows: Edge, Firefox, or Chrome
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Mac: Safari, Firefox, or Chrome
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Chromebook: Current supported version
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iPad: Safari, Firefox, or Chrome
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Android: Chrome