Houston Electrical JATC

We are a non-profit organization operated as a registered Apprenticeship Training Program with the United States Department of Labor.

Houston Electrical JATC is jointly sponsored by the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW). Together, labor and management provide a model educational partnership that develops highly skilled electricians and telecommunications technicians.

Mission

The mission of Houston Electrical JATC is to train and educate electrical and telecommunications workers and to provide the electrical construction industry with the most highly trained and highly skilled workforce possible.

What we do

• Provide registered apprenticeship programs for individuals pursuing a career in the electrical construction industry.
• Combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction so apprentices "earn while they learn."
• Offer additional training and courses for journeyman electricians, teledata technicians, and others who have not yet reached journeyman level.
• Maintain curriculum developed and updated by the Electrical Training Alliance (ETA) to keep training current with industry standards.

Partnerships

• Local training affiliate of the National Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (NJATC).
• Affiliated programs nationwide have trained hundreds of thousands of electrical apprentices.
• Works closely with sponsoring contractors who rely on JATC graduates for a highly skilled workforce.

For details on how to apply and apprenticeship requirements, see the separate documents on Apprenticeship program requirements and Application process and schedule.

Nature of the work

According to the JATC FAQ, apprentices:

• Learn the trade working under the supervision of experienced Journeyman Electricians.
• Work in a variety of conditions, including construction sites that may involve:
• mud, dust, and debris
• all kinds of weather, indoors and outdoors
• moving machinery, noise, and other jobsite hazards
• Perform tasks such as:
• digging ditches
• handling and installing conduit and equipment
• pulling heavy cable
• cleaning and sweeping work areas
• climbing ladders and working overhead
• installing outlets, lights, and receptacles
• troubleshooting equipment that is not operating correctly

The work is often physical, sometimes dirty, and requires apprentices to use both their hands and minds.

Wages (as stated on the JATC FAQ)

• An apprentice is paid a percentage of the Journeyman or Technician wage.
• The percentage is tied to the apprentice's progress in training.
• The FAQ lists starting pay for electrical apprentices as $17.33 per hour.
• Apprentices receive substantial pay raises after each successful year of the program.
• Upon completion of apprenticeship, graduates advance to journeyman level and are paid the full wage scale.

Wages, percentages, and scales can change. For the most current pay rates and wage progression, contact the JATC or the appropriate bargaining parties.

Benefits

• Apprentices are covered under the same health insurance and retirement pension plans as Journeymen.
• Health insurance typically takes effect about five months after the apprentice begins working full time (as described in the FAQ).
• Retirement pensions include both international and local pension plans.

Veterans benefits

• The program is recognized by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (V.A.).
• Many students receive Veterans Benefits while participating in the program, as noted in the FAQ.

For detailed, up-to-date information on wages, benefits, and eligibility for specific benefits (including Veterans Benefits), applicants and apprentices should contact Houston Electrical JATC directly.

• Houston Electrical JATC / Electrical Training Center

108 Covern Street Houston, Texas 77061

Phone and fax

• Phone: (713) 649-2739
• Fax: (713) 649-1166

Email

• General email: staff@houstonjatc.com

Notes

• For questions about applications, transcripts, apprenticeship requirements, and continuing education, contact the JATC using the phone number or email above.
• Most apprenticeship classes are held at the Electrical Training Center address listed on this page.

For in-person visits, applicants and apprentices should contact the JATC to confirm any current office hours or appointment requirements.

Lists Houston, Mission, Union, Alliance, and Great Falls as a location. Names Texas and United States as a service area. Areas beyond these are not published.

Because application windows and procedures can change, applicants should contact the JATC directly for the most current schedule and requirements.

Official transcript requirements

Applicants are required to submit official transcripts that:

• Include at least one full credit of Algebra.
• Show a graduation date (a GED is acceptable for showing graduation date).

Accepted sources for official transcripts include:

• A sealed envelope directly from the school, or
• Transcripts sent directly from the school or an authorized third-party service.

Transcripts and questions can be directed to:

• Email: staff@houstonjatc.com
• Phone: (713) 649-2739
• Mailing / delivery address: Electrical Training Center, 108 Covern Street, Houston, TX 77061

Ongoing intake and interviews (general information)

• The JATC indicates that it interviews and accepts apprentices year-round on a monthly basis, based on the needs of the electrical industry.
• When sponsoring contractors need apprentices, they notify the JATC of their hiring needs.
• The JATC then places accepted apprentices with sponsoring contractors as jobs become available.

Selection process (as described in the FAQ)

1. Application review

• All applications are checked to confirm that minimum requirements are met and required documents are submitted.

2. Aptitude test

• Applicants who meet minimum requirements are scheduled to take the Electrical Training Alliance General Aptitude Test.

3. Interview

• Applicants who achieve qualifying scores on the aptitude test are scheduled for an interview with the JATC Apprenticeship Committee.

4. Ranking list

• After the interview, each applicant receives an interview score.
• Applicants are placed on a ranking list based on that score.

5. Selection for apprenticeship

• As apprenticeship positions become available, applicants are selected from the ranking list in order of their interview scores.

Chances of being selected

• The JATC FAQ notes that there are often around 10 applicants for every available position.
• Some applicants are accepted on their first application, others apply multiple times before being accepted, and some may not be accepted.
• The number of openings varies from year to year.

For the latest application dates, forms, and instructions, applicants should refer to the official website or contact the JATC directly using the contact information above.

Basic eligibility

Applicants must:

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Be a high school graduate or have a GED (general equivalency diploma).
• Have completed one year of high school algebra or equivalent with a passing grade.
• Be physically fit and healthy to perform the work of the trade.

Algebra and aptitude test requirements

• All applicants must provide proof of credit for Algebra (at least one full credit).
• Applicants must take and pass the Electrical Training Alliance General Aptitude Test administered by the JATC.

Possible exemptions for experienced workers

• An individual who can substantiate 4,000 hours of on-the-job experience in the electrical construction industry may be exempted from the algebra and aptitude test requirements.

Equal opportunity statement

The recruitment, selection, employment, and training of apprentices are carried out without discrimination based on:

• race
• color
• religion
• national origin
• sex
• disability
• genetic information
• age (except that applicants must be at least 18 years of age)

The JATC does not, and will not, discriminate against a qualified individual with a disability because of that disability.

Drug-free policy

• Participating employers require workers to be tested for substance abuse (scheduled and random testing).
• Failing a drug test can result in serious penalties, including termination from the program.

Who to contact if you have experience but do not qualify for apprenticeship

• A person with previous experience in the trade who cannot qualify for apprenticeship may contact IBEW Local Union 716 for information on other opportunities in the industry.
• Phone for IBEW Local 716 (as listed on the JATC FAQ): 713-869-8900.

For information about how to apply, application schedules, and selection, see the separate document on Application process, schedule, and selection.

Open Code Class (as described on the website)

• Focus: practice tests and preparation for the State of Texas Journeyman Wireman's exam.
• Purpose: help students become more familiar with how the National Electrical Code (NEC) is arranged and to reduce the time needed to look up test questions.
• Topics include:
• looking up basic NEC questions
• NEC code calculations
• basic electrical theory
• test-taking tips for the Journeyman exam
• Prior knowledge of the NEC is recommended but not required to take this class.

Schedule and logistics (as posted)

• Day: Tuesday evenings
• Time: 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
• Location: Electrical Training Center, 108 Covern Street, Houston, TX 77061
• Pre-registration / fees:
• No pre-registration required.
• No fee required for the class.
• Attendance:
• Anyone interested (who meets the membership requirements) must arrive before 6:00 p.m. on a Tuesday night during the posted class period (excluding holidays) with a current dues receipt from an IBEW Local Union.
• Participants may attend as many or as few classes as they wish during the posted period.

Instructor (as listed on the course notice)

• Instructor: Semper (name as published on the website).

Because continuing education offerings and schedules may change, members should contact Houston Electrical JATC directly for the most current course dates and availability.

Ask anyway — the agent will say plainly that it is not published rather than guess.