Frequently Asked Questions

Question:  Basically, how does this Apprenticeship Program work?

Answer:  If you are selected into the Inside Electrical Apprenticeship Program, you will be “Indentured” into a federally recognized training program.  The Program lasts 5 years and requires you to work ‘on the job’ with a Journeyman Wireman Supervisor and attend training classes held approximately one night a week during the academic school year.  The JATC will monitor your progress both on the job and in the classroom.

Your ‘on the job’ training (called OJT) will expose you to various tasks, which are common in the electrical industry.  You will be employed by an Electrical Contractor and assigned to a Journeyman Wireman Supervisor who will teach you most of the manual skills the industry requires.  Your supervisor will change as various jobs are completed.

Equally important is your attendance in classroom training.  Your studies will require knowledge of algebra and math and you’ll be tested periodically to make sure you understand the concepts being taught.  

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Question:  How much classroom work is involved?

Answer:  You will be required to attend class one night every week during the school year, on your own time.  You are not paid for this time, however, attendance is mandatory.  Classes meet for approximately nine months, August through May.  Classes may be held on different nights of the week, but once established, they will remain on the same night.  These classes require significant preparation on your part.  Further, the class years build on each other; that is, you cannot proceed to the next year until you successfully complete the previous year.  There are tests given and you must maintain a minimum test score average to remain in the Program.

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Question:  What will be my starting pay?

Answer:  The starting pay for a first year Apprentice in Local 95 is $13.03 per hour, which is based on 50% of the Journeyman Wireman Scale.  However the wage includes some important fringe benefits, which boost the “wage-fringe package” to $16.65 per hour.  Included in these fringes is medical coverage.  You will be paid by your employer only while you are ‘on the job’ – you are not paid while attending class.

Question:  What are my medical benefits as an Apprentice?

Answer:  Your benefits begin soon after you are hired and begin work for an electrical contractor – not when notified of selection into the program.  The medical benefit requires you to have a few months of work completed before it takes effect.  (An Apprentice has to “bank” up sufficient dollars to pay the first month’s premium of the medical coverage.)  The specific details of this benefit will be covered with you if you are selected into the Program.

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Question:  Are there any pay raises?

Answer:  Yes.  As stated above, your pay is based on a percentage of the Journeyman Wireman Scale.  As you progress through the Program (both in hours on the job and successfully completing the classroom work) you would receive incremental percentage increases up to a maximum of 85% of the journeyman wireman scale once you have attained more than 8,000 hours of on-the-job training.

1st  Period –  50%

2nd Period –  55%

3rd  Period –  60%

4th  Period –  65%

5th  Period –  75%

6th  Period –  85%

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Question:  Will I likely be laid off as an Apprentice? 

Answer:  During periods of slow work, which is common in the construction industry, people do get laid off.  Sometimes these unemployed periods can be lengthy.  However, apprentices are usually the very last people laid off.  The JATC, the Union, and the Contractors understand the importance of on-going training of apprentices.  There are no guarantees, but we are committed to keeping the apprentices at work.

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Question:  If I have previous experience in the electrical industry, will this experience be considered in my placement in the Apprenticeship Program and my starting wage?

Answer:  It can be, depending upon what you did and how well it is documented.  If an applicant comes into the interview making statements as to his “experience” in the electrical industry, the Committee will ask questions of the applicant to determine how relevant that experience is.  Good experience can be a plus in your interview in that you may understand the trade better, but a lack of experience does not hurt you either.  The JATC will provide the training necessary for you to succeed in the industry by teaching you the RIGHT way to do things.

Question:  If selected, am I given any time to give my present employer sufficient notice of my quitting him or her?

Answer:  Yes.  You will be given sufficient notice to provide at least two weeks notice, sometimes more.  However, we strongly recommend you not give notice to your current employer until you are offered a slot in the Apprenticeship Program.  There will be no question in your mind if and when you are offered a slot.  In other words:  Do not do anything to jeopardize your current employment !