IBEW NECA TECHNICAL INSTITUTE

ELECTRICAL APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM

The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local Union No. 134 and the Electrical Contractors' Association of the City of Chicago sponsor, through the Electrical Joint Apprenticeship and Training Trust, an apprenticeship program in Cook County, Illinois.  Electricians assemble, install, maintain, and test electrical equipment and wiring systems in residential, commercial, and industrial settings.  The program is registered with the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training.  The program, wages, rates, and curriculum may be modified to meet the needs of the industry.

Upon completion of the registration process followed by the scoring of the aptitude test and Personal Evaluation Form, the applicant is assigned a number on the rank list.  Offers of apprenticeship are made beginning with Number 1, 2, 3, etc.  Upon an offer of apprenticeship, an applicant must pay a $500.00 non-refundable administration fee.  An applicant must be able to demonstrate the ability to perform the essential functions of an apprentice electrician with or without a reasonable accommodation, and successfully pass a required drug screen and background check. 

Before beginning the apprenticeship program, an applicant must successfully complete a mandatory pre-apprenticeship program that consists of on–the-job training and classroom instruction.  The on-the-job training consists of field work in the electrical construction industry not to exceed 2000 hours.  During this period the applicant earns wages equal to 35% of Journeyman Wireman (JW) rate ($14.14).  Upon successful completion of the field work, there is eleven weeks of full-time classroom instruction.  Classes are held Monday through Friday, 7:00 am to 3:30 p.m.  First year classes include Technical Math I, Print Reading I, Construction Technology, Electrical Circuitry, and Conduit Bending I. 

Upon successful completion of the eleven-week program, the apprenticeship program begins.  The apprentice must purchase a set on electrician’s hand tools that cost approximately $500.00.  Apprentices are assigned to work with a union electrical contractor for approximately nine months.  During this period the apprentice earns wages equal to 40% of Journeyman Wireman (JW) rate ($16.16), and after six months 45% of JW rate ($18.18).

In the second year, apprentices are required to attend nine weeks of full-time classroom instruction.  Included in the second year curriculum are Technical Math II, Print Reading II, Motor Control, Conduit Bending II, and Low Voltage Systems.  Upon completion of the second year program, the apprentice is assigned to work for another nine months.  During this period the apprentice earns wages equal to 50% of JW rate ($20.20), and after six months 55% of JW rate ($22.22).

The third year consists of nine weeks of full-time classroom instruction.  Classes include HVAC, Electrical Power Systems, Industrial Control Systems, and Programmable Control.  Upon completion of the third year program the apprentice is assigned to work for another nine months.  During this period the apprentice earns wages equal to 60% of JW rate ($24.24), and after six months 65% of JW rate ($26.26).

The fourth and fifth years of training consist of six evening seminars in each year.  Seminars are focused on safety training, leadership, and other industry related topics.  During this period the fourth year apprentice earns wages equal to 70% of JW rate ($28.28), and after six months 75% of JW rate ($30.30) while on the job.  The fifth year apprentice earns 80% of JW rate ($32.32), and after six months 90% of JW rate ($34.02) while on the job.  Upon successful completion of the fifth year the apprentice becomes a Journeyman Wireman.  Current Journeyman Wireman (JW) rate is $40.40. 

All apprentices who successfully complete the classes earn 53 credit hours through Richard J. Daley College toward an A.A.S. in Electrical Construction Technology.  Twelve (12) hours of general education classes are required to complete the degree requirements. The general education classes may be taken at any time during or after the apprenticeship program.