Q. What is the Starting pay?
A. $10.98
Q. How often are raises given?
A. 2 in the first year, 1 every year thereafter.
Q. Are there benefits? If so, at what point?
A. After working 140 hours and the associated paper work is complete, you,
and your dependents will receive health care coverage. This is a $5.70 per hour
employer contribution. Pension and Annuity benefits are available starting in your second year.
You will also join the Union during this time.
Q. If I have previous electrical training/college degree - can I move up in the program?
A. If you have previous electrical construction experience or related training,
you may qualify to take the proficiency test, which would show your proper placement in the program.
Q: What is the difference between the residential and the commercial programs? (Pay etc.)-Why?
A: The work qualifications are different. The residential program takes 3 years to train
someone in and consists of wiring homes only. The commercial/industrial program takes 5 years to
train someone in. At the end of the five years you will become a journeyman electrician and receive
your Journeyman's card.
Q: How stable is the employment?
A: All employment is dictated by the economy 1st, your ability 2nd. If you are laid off,
we will try and find you work with another union contractor.
Q: Is there an age limit?
A: No.
Q. Can Women Apply?
A: Yes
Q: Can I be admitted into the program while I'm enrolled in an Algebra course?
A: No. You must have successfully completed an Algebra I course to qualify.
Q: How many are selected each year?
A: The economy dictates this figure as well as our retirees leaving and other members passing on.
Q: What does the aptitude test consist of?
A: Basic Algebra and Reading Comprehension
Q: Does any one part of the application process weigh any heavier than the other?
(E.g. the interview, the aptitude test, etc.)
A: No one part dominates the selection. Someone may be scholastically more advanced
than others, but mechanically inapt and vise/versa.
Q: Who should the letters of recommendation be from?
A: They should be from past employers or co-workers who could give us a good
idea of your work ethic and dependability.
Q: Do I have to pay for my schooling?
A: No, the JATC pays for your apprenticeship. You must pay a $50.00 book fee your first year.
While attending the next four years of the apprenticeship, you will be responsible to pay the
cost of your books each year before school starts in the fall.
Q: Do I have to currently be working in the electrical field.
A: No, apprentices are taught at school and have on the job experience.
The JATC will find you work through the IBEW Local Union #540.
Q: If I am chosen when do I start work?
A: All applicants are chosen after interviews are held in the spring,
Orientation is usually held in the summer. You will attend OSHA, CPR & First Aid
Training, along with job training. After that is complete, you will start to work.
Q: When does school start?
A: The regular school year is from the beginning of September through May. You
must attend classes that are held on Monday through Thursday evenings. They begin at 5:30pm
and run until 8:30PM. There are 180 hours of class time per year. Classes are held at the Greater Stark County Electrical Trades Center.
Q: What happens if I fail my class?
A: You must maintain a 75% GPA. If you do not have at least a 75% GPA at the end of the year,
you may be terminated from the program.
Q: What type of work will I be doing?
A: Electrical Construction- this means installing the electrical systems and
associated wiring of Commercial and Industrial buildings. Climbing ladders, working on
scaffolds, working on overhead steel structures (you must not be afraid of heights), excavations
of trenches or ditches. You will be required to work indoors and outdoors in various environments.
Q: Is the application fee refundable?
A: No.