Qualifications

Except as provided below for those eligible for Direct Interview or Direct Entry, each applicant must meet the following minimum qualifications and will be required to provide evidence satisfactory to the JATC at the time indicated in the Selection Procedures. 

(1)  Complete an application form, accurately responding to all questions.

(2)  Each applicant must be: (i) a high school graduate, or (ii) have a Certificate of High School Equivalency or GED, or (iii) have a two‑year Associate Degree (or its equivalent) or higher.  (If equivalent education was obtained outside of the United States, the applicant will be required to provide appropriate documentation).

(3)  Each applicant must have successfully completed: (i) one full year of high school algebra (or its equivalent) with a grade of "C" or better, or(ii) one semester of post high school algebra (e.g., Adult Education, Continuing Education, Community College, etc.) with a grade of "C" or better; or (iii) the electrical training ALLIANCE Tech Math Course.

(4)  Each applicant must be able to work legally in the United States and provide a valid social security number. The JATC will not seek to verify authorization to work in the U.S., since that is the responsibility of Employers during on‑the‑job training, but if the JATC learns that an applicant is not eligible to work and will not be eligible at the time of registration, the JATC may terminate the application.

(5)  Each applicant must be capable of completing all requirements of the apprenticeship program and performing the work required of an electrical worker, with or without reasonable accommodations, including being able and willing to:

   1.  safely perform or learn to safely perform the essential functions of the job.

   2.  get to and from work at job sites anywhere within the geographical jurisdiction of this    Apprenticeship Program.

   3.  attend and successfully pass all related instruction.

   4.  understand and follow all JATC Rules and Policies.

   5.  climb and work from ladders, scaffolds, poles, and towers of various heights.

   6.  push, pull, crawl, crouch, and work in confined spaces such as attics, manholes and crawlspaces, lift 25‑50-pound objects on a consistent schedule, and use various hand and power‑assisted tools to install conduit, wiring, fixtures, devices, and electrical apparatus within commercial, industrial, and residential buildings.

   7.  read, hear, speak, and understand instructions and warnings in English.

·  Each applicant must be a minimum of eighteen (18) years‑old at the time of registration, except that otherwise qualified applicants may be registered by the JATC prior to turning age 18 if permitted by state law.  

Each applicant will be required to take the Aptitude Test prepared by the electrical training ALLIANCE. Applicants who do not qualify for Direct Interview or Direct Entry must receive a minimum passing score of 4.  

Some applicants may be invited for an oral interview and/or direct entry even if they do not have a qualifying score on the Aptitude test and do not meet the education and math requirements, based upon military service, industry experience, electrical training ALLIANCE Interim Credential, School-to -Apprenticeship Program, Job Corp Training Program or Pre-Apprenticeship Training Program. All applications will be reviewed to see if the applicant qualifies under one of these categories. For more information, contact the JATC. 

All selected applicants (including those admitted through direct entry) must meet the following minimum requirements prior to registration at the time indicated in these Selection Procedures, typically after a conditional offer is made and prior to registration.

    i.  Provide any remaining documentation required to complete the selection process.

    ii.  Not be disqualified because of information obtained by the JATC during the selection process, including interviews, verification of information, reference checks or other information made available to the JATC prior to registration.

    iii.  Pass all required drug‑screen tests.  The cost of the tests is borne by the JATC. If the applicant fails any pre‑registration drug test, refuses to take any pre‑registration drug test, or has insufficient hair or urine for any pre‑registered drug test, each of which constitutes a failed pre‑registered drug test, the conditional offer will be revoked.  

    iv.  Pass a background check.

Applicants who meet all minimum eligibility requirements will be interviewed by the JATC.  Apprentices will be selected for possible indenture in order of their final ranking. Those offers may be conditioned on completing certain requirements set out above. 

Please go to the Links page and review the following document for more detailed information.

Apprentice Handbook-This will include the programs Apprenticeship Standards, Selection Procedures, and the Local Policy. 

EEO/AA Opportunity

The sponsor will not discriminate against apprenticeship applicants or apprentices based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), sexual orientation, genetic information, or because they are an individual with a disability or a person 40 years old or older, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state or local law. The sponsor will take affirmative action to provide equal opportunity in apprenticeship and will operate the apprenticeship program as required under Title 29 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 30 and other applicable laws. 

We offer a Pre-Apprenticeship Program that can help you prepare for and may expedite acceptance into the Apprenticeship Program. Those that participate in the Pre-Apprenticeship Program will receive the following (AT NO COST):

· Online computer mediated learning curriculum plus additional pre-apprentice focused lessons with all online access fees paid.

· Hands on Training that will help an individual learn the job duties of an electrician.

· A tool set at no cost (once an individual is ready for on-the-job training).

· Boots (once an individual is ready for on-the-job training).

· A monetary stipend for participation.  
 

Upon completion of the Pre-Apprenticeship Program an individual will be eligible for the following:

· Direct entry into the Apprenticeship Program. 

· Advancement to the 2nd year of apprenticeship. 

· Advancement in pay scale to 3rd period.  
 

The target group for the Pre-Apprenticeship Program will include (but not be limited to): 

· Veterans 

· Women 

· Spanish speaking English learners 

· All other underrepresented populations

Although there is a need to reach out to these historically underrepresented groups, the WTXJATC will strive for inclusivity and make efforts to include anyone with the desire and motivation to pursue this Pre-Apprenticeship Program and ultimate acceptance into the Apprenticeship Program.   

If you are interested in this Pre-Apprenticeship Program or have any questions, please contact us by e-mail at admin@wtxjatc.org or by phone at 806-372-1581. 

You can apply online by going to TradeSchool Web Services and creating an account. 

Once you have received an automated e-mail informing you that your account was successfully created, please follow the following steps:

Log in with your e-mail and password at:

https://secure.tradeschoolinc.com/v3/wtxjatc-org/login/index.php

1. Click on the Applications tab in order to begin the application process.

2. On this page you will select Inside Apprentice under Program of Interest and then fill in the information required.

3. There are four statements that you will need to read over and acknowledge understanding of before you can proceed with the application. (This will create the actual application and assign you an application number).

4. On the next page you will see is a Web Receipt with a link that says CLICK HERE to complete your application online.

5. After selecting this link you will return to the Application tab that has a new option to Edit Application. 

Selecting this will allow you to complete the seven step application process. 

1. Please complete the following form-This is the application.

2. Please enter your work history.

3.  Education and Experience Form

4. Submit required documentation-This is a list of the required documents you will need to submit with an acknowledgment of understanding.

5. Please provide a copy of your valid driver’s license and required documentation-If you have trouble uploading your documents in this step, you can submit these through other means such as:

   i. scan and email to admin@wtxjatc.org

   ii. copy and mail to PO Box 245 Amarillo, TX 79105

   iii. fax to 806-331-6718

6. EEOC Supplemental Information-This form will not become part of your personal file. It will be maintained in a separate file, used only for EEOC reporting purposes.

7. Voluntary Disability Disclosure- Completing this form is voluntary, but we hope that you will choose to fill it out.  If you are applying for apprenticeship, any answer you give will be kept private and will not be used against you in any way.

If there are any questions, please contact us at 806-372-1581 or by e-mail at admin@wtxjatc.org.

All applications will be completed online, but if you would like to speak to someone in person you can go to:

The Amarillo Division of the West Texas Electrical JATC is located at: 

102 S. Bowie Street Amarillo, TX 79106

The Lubbock Division of the West Texas Electrical JATC is located at:

405 50th Street Lubbock, TX 79404

The Midland Division of the West Texas Electrical JATC is currently closed and applications are only available online. 

Normal office hours are Monday through Thursday from 8 AM to 5 PM. If you want to come by at another time, please call to make an appointment at 806-372-1581. 

What is Apprenticeship?

Apprenticeship is the training method used by skilled trades to train new workers for a craft. The electrical apprenticeship course consists of a minimum of 8000 hours of on the job training and 900 hours of in class training over at least four years. The training will be conducted in accordance with standards registered with the U.S. Department of Labor.

Do I work and attend classes at the same time?

Yes. You would work a full 40-hour work week, year round (dependent on the work situation), and you would attend classes one night per week for four hours per class. Classes generally run from September to the end of the following July (with the month of August and two weeks at Christmas time as the main breaks). On occasion you may be required to attend additional classes.

How much does an apprentice earn?

An apprentice is paid a percentage of what a journey worker earns. The percentage is determined by the apprentice’s progress in training. Starting pay is 50% of journey worker pay and raises come at six to nine-month intervals. At the completion of apprenticeship, the graduate will advance to journey worker status and be paid the full wage scale.

Do Apprentices Have Health Insurance & Retirement Pensions?

All apprentices are covered under the same health insurance and retirement pensions as Journey workers. Health insurance takes effect approximately three months after the apprentice is registered with the DOL. The retirement pensions include both international pensions and local pensions.

When does the JATC hire new workers?

The Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (JATC) takes applications year-round and conducts testing and interviews on a monthly basis. As jobs become available, new apprentices are chosen from the Rank List.

How do I get a job?

If you are accepted into the apprenticeship program, the JATC will place you with one of our sponsoring contractors.

What Does an Apprentice Do?

The electrical apprentice will learn the trade by working under the watchful eyes of skilled and experienced electricians. The work is often in the mud and dust of construction projects, in all kinds of weather, inside and outside. You may be digging a ditch, handling heavy conduit or equipment, pulling heavy cable, cleaning and sweeping the work area, or climbing an extension ladder to install equipment in the ceiling. You may be running small conduit and pulling small wire for lights and receptacles in a commercial building or trying to find out why a motor doesn't run when the start button is pushed. You may be installing electrical outlets in a carpeted, air-conditioned office, or you may be freezing in misting rain while installing conduits in the foundation of a new building. The work is usually physical, often dirty, and requires that you use your mind as well as your hands. You may be in a new building just going up or on a job within an existing facility. In any case, the job will cause you to be around moving machinery, noise, dirt, poor footing, construction debris, and any number of other hazards. You will learn to cope with all these things and still do a productive day's work.

Who Can Become an Apprentice?

Any high school graduate or person with a G.E.D. who is at least 18 years old, is physically fit and healthy, and possesses a valid Driver’s License can become eligible for apprenticeship. Applicants must pass the NJATC General Aptitude Test administered by the JATC. You do not need any prior experience in the electrical field.

A person who has previous experience in the trade and can substantiate at least 2000 hours of on-the-job experience in the electrical construction industry can be granted either direct interview or direct entry. The Committee shall select apprentices from those applicants who best qualify under the Standards regardless of race, religion, color, national origin or sex.

If a person has previous experience in the trade, but cannot qualify for apprenticeship, he or she may contact the IBEW Local Union 602 for further information on opportunities within the industry. The phone number for the IBEW 602 Hall in Amarillo is 806-376-9945. In Lubbock the number is 806-744- 1062. And in Midland, the number is 432-563-0581.

Describe the School Curriculum for Apprenticeship.

The electrical program covers the spectrum of residential, commercial, and industrial electrical installations. The curriculum includes areas such as Electrical Theory, Print Reading, Grounding, Controls, Communication Equipment, Testing Equipment, Pipe bending, and The National Electrical Code. All apprentices also cover Job Safety, First Aid, Job Site Management, and Supervision. Our curriculum is registered with and approved by the U.S. Department of Labor. The curriculum is fully developed and constantly updated by a full-time staff at the National Joint Apprenticeship Training & Committee (NJATC). Each section of the curriculum is written and monitored by NJATC personnel with actual experience and expertise in that field. The NJATC is in constant contact with all the local JATC electrical apprenticeship programs throughout the United States & Canada in order to maintain and continue to improve the curriculum.

Where Are the Classes Held?

The classes are held at the IBEW 602 Union Hall. In Amarillo the hall is at 200 S. Fannin. In Lubbock the hall is at 405 50th Street. In Midland the hall is at 10021 Liberator Lane.

Who Are the Instructors?

All of the instructors are IBEW or NECA members. The instructors actually work on job sites as electricians or work in management with electrical companies. Our instructors attend additional training classes to prepare them for the classroom environment. The instructor’s field experience along with their formal training proves valuable in the classroom studies of the program. Not only can the theory be conveyed to the student but the actual field experiences can be presented.

How Much Will the Schooling and Training Cost?

The apprentice will pay between approximately $800 per year through a weekly payroll deduction. The West Texas Electrical JATC is a non-profit organization and tries to minimize the cost, however, the training resources are not free. The rest of the cost of training our students is paid for by our sponsoring contractors through an agreement between labor and management. Compare the cost of our tuition with colleges and technical schools and you will discover just how reasonable the cost is. And, the best thing about apprenticeship is -- you EARN while you LEARN -- You will earn a respectable wage with pay raises each year as you go through the training. We also have a new program, the IBEW Scholarship Program. If you apply and meet all requirements, you will be reimbursed for all tuition paid at the end of each school year. 

Can I Draw My Veteran’s Benefits for This Training?

Yes. Our program is recognized by the V.A. Many of our students receive their Veteran’s Benefits while participating in our program.

How Are the Apprentices Selected from Among the Applicants?

All applications are checked to verify compliance with minimum requirements. Those who qualify and who have submitted the required documents are eligible to take the aptitude test. Those who achieve qualifying scores on the aptitude test are scheduled for an interview with the JATC Apprenticeship Committee. Once interviewed, applicants will be given an interview score. The score will be recorded on the ranking list. As positions become available, apprentices are selected from the ranking list based on their interview score.

If Accepted for Apprenticeship, When Will I Start to Work?

As jobs become available. When our sponsoring contractors need apprentices, they contact the JATC as to their needs for new employees. The JATC then places the apprentice with the contractor.

What Are My Chances of Being Selected for Apprenticeship?

This is almost impossible to answer. There are usually about four applicants for every available position. You may be accepted on your first application, although some people apply several times before being accepted. Some try repeatedly and never make it. The number of apprenticeship openings may vary from year to year, and any applicant's chances are obviously affected by such variations. The only certain thing is that you cannot be accepted if you don't apply.

Does the Apprenticeship Program Enforce a Drug Free Policy?

Yes. Our participating employers require their workers to be tested (both scheduled and random) for substance abuse. Failing a drug test will result in serious penalties up to and including being terminated from the program.