How To Become An Electrician In California (2024 Guide)

The Alameda County Electrical JATC offers a 5 year program with 180 hours of classroom training each year for a total of 900 hours. Apprentices work during the day (paid employment) and attend classes during the day and evenings.

You must apply in person on your own behalf. California drivers license or other photo ID must be presented at time of application.

Requirements to Apply:

• You must be at least 18 years of age at the time of application
• You need a photo I.D. such as a driver’s license or identification card issued by the D.M.V. You will need a valid driver’s license at the time of indenture.
• You have to be physically able to perform the work of the trade.
• You need to be a high school graduate or have a GED. If you don’t have or lost your diplomas, a two year Associate Degree or higher will be sufficient.
• You must show evidence of successful completion of:
  One full credit of high school algebra with a passing grade of “C” or better, or one post high school algebra course (e.g. Adult Education, Continuing Education, Community College, etc.) with a passing grade of “C” or better or provide evidence of having successfully completed the NJATC Math Course (available online at www.njatc.org). Pre-Algebra does not meet this requirement.
• You have to provide official transcripts (in English) to meet the above requirements. When requesting transcripts from your previous schools make sure you state that you need “official transcripts”. These usually come in a sealed envelope – keep them that way. *Non-English diplomas and/or transcripts must be translated and notarized with the embossed notary seal.

If you meet the qualifications then you’ll be scheduled to take a math and reading assessment exam known as the Aptitude Test. If you pass the aptitude test you’ll then be scheduled for an interview with the apprenticeship committee members.

The California-Nevada JATC is dedicated to ensuring the outdoor electrical industry in both states is staffed with a robust workforce of highly skilled journey-level professionals.

Lineman Apprenticeship:

Apprentice linemen assist the journeymen linemen in building and maintaining electrical power systems. The apprenticeship program at the California-Nevada JATC combines supervised, structured on-the-job training with related classroom instruction to prepare you for skilled employment within the industry.

Requirements to Apply:

• You have to be 18 years of age.
• You need a high school diploma or G.E.D.
• Proof that you completed one year (two semesters) of high school algebra or one semester of college algebra with a passing grade. Algebra must be completed at the time your application is submitted
• Algebra requirement may be waived, based on the following criteria:
  -You must have a minimum of 3,500 hours of work experience in the trade. Work experience must include climbing and other trade-related work conducive to that of a Power Lineman or Line Apprentice. You must provide documentation of related work experience.
• A valid unrestricted Driver’s License.
• YOU NEED TO BE WILLING TO TRAVEL. The jurisdiction covers the states of California & Nevada and as an apprentice, you’ll be required to travel anywhere within those two states.

For more in depth information about the application process, you can read that here.

Traffic Apprenticeship:

A traffic signal technician builds and maintains traffic signal systems of all kinds. They must remain alert and be aware of the many hazards associated with the control of traffic flows during a temporary, emergency, and normal conditions.

Requirements to Apply:

• You have to be 18 years of age.
• You need a high school diploma or G.E.D.
• Proof that you completed one year (two semesters) of high school algebra or one semester of college algebra with a passing grade. Algebra must be completed at the time your application is submitted
• The Algebra requirement may be waived, based on the following criteria:
  You must have a minimum of 3,500 hours of work experience in the trade. Work experience must include climbing and other trade-related work conducive to that of a Power Lineman or Line Apprentice. You must provide documentation of related work experience.
• A valid unrestricted Driver’s License.
• YOU NEED TO BE WILLING TO TRAVEL. The jurisdiction covers the state of California and as an apprentice, you’ll be required to travel anywhere within the state.

For more in depth information about the application process, you can read that here.

2024 NOTICE: Applications for the Inside Wireman apprenticeship are not being accepted

If you need more information we suggest you call the JATC office directly.

Requirements to Apply:

• Be 18 years of age or older
• Have proof of identification such as a drivers’ license or identification card issued by the D.M.V. You must have a valid drivers’ license at the time of indenture.
• You must be a high school graduate or have a GED.
• Have completed one full year (2 semesters) of algebra in High School or one semester of algebra in College or Adult School with a passing grade of “C” or better.
• You’ll be required to take and pass a pre-employment drug/alcohol test.

Sound and Communications Apprenticeship JATC Brochure

This Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (JATC) will accept applications for apprenticeship from 9:00 am until 12:00 pm and from 1:00 pm until 4:30 pm every Wednesday, year round, excluding holidays.

Applications will only be accepted in person at the address listed above.

BASIC REQUIREMENTS

1. Must be a minimum of 18 years of age at the time of application
2. Valid Driver’s license or other Government-issued Identification
3. OFFICIAL, SEALED HIGH SCHOOL TRANSCRIPT or GED Equivalency
4. OFFICIAL, SEALED TRANSCRIPT showing one of the following:
A. Two semesters of High School Algebra with a passing grade of “C” or better
B. One semester of College Algebra with a passing grade of “C” or better
C. Successful completion of the NJATC On-Line Tech Math Course
5. Must be able to read, write and speak the English language

Applicants meeting the basic requirements will be given an application that must be filled out IN PERSON Monday thru Friday 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm at the:

Electrical Apprenticeship School
3805 N. Sillect Ave.
Bakersfield, CA 93308

For information click here.

Office Hours
Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Pacific Standard Time.

ETI Staff
Brett Moss; Training Director – Extension 3001, eMail

Deon Mayes; Assistant Training Director – Extension 3014, eMail

Jaime Sanchez; Senior Instructor – Extension 3005, eMail

Steve Rose; Senior Instructor – Extension 3310, eMail

Jane Templin; Outreach Director – Extension 3004, eMail

Eric Brown; Coordinator/IBEW – Extension 2004, eMail

David Nott; Coordinator/NECA – Extension 3010, eMail

Please call the LA ETI staff regarding any questions or issues you may have, Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Very often our staff is available after hours, or you may leave a voice mail message to reach your party. Make the message detailed enough that a staff member can look up any pertinent information before returning your call.

There’s very limited information online regarding this apprenticeship program. I talked to the director and he stated that you need to check the website frequently for updates on when they will start accepting apprentices.

There is no downloadable information packet regarding their programs.

Here’s the enrollment info

Journeyman Wireman Enrollment: Spring of 2017

HVAC Enrollment: Winter of 2016

The NorCal JATC Sound and Communication apprenticeship program, in partnership with IBEW/NECA, offers you an opportunity to forge a career in the sound and communication industry.

During the three-year program, you learn to install and service complex communications and data technology, through a rigorous program of related supplemental instruction and on-the-job training.

As an apprentice, you can “earn while you learn”. In addition to supplying an excellent livelihood, the sound and communication industry training program offers a community of support and camaraderie, as well as offering fulfilling challenges and opportunities.

Once you complete the program, you become an installer-technician with a starting income that averages $50,000 annually. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision care, as well as a pension plan. Many graduates earn in excess of $75,000 per year.

Useful links:

• Veterans
• Program Overview
• How To Apply

Inside Wireman
The Electrical Apprenticeship is a 5 year program
The starting wage is $14.82 per hour
Benefits include Health and Welfare and Pension Plans
Pay increases approximately 5-10% of Journeyman wage every 6-12 months

Sound and Communications
The Sound Installer Apprenticeship is a 3 year program
The starting wage is $14.09 per hour
Benefits include Health and Welfare and Pension Plans
Pay increases approximately 5-10% of sound Installer wage every 6 months

Intelligent Transportation Systems
The Transportation Apprenticeship is a 5 year program
The starting wage is $14.82 per hour
Benefits include Health and Welfare and Pension Plans
Pay increases approximately 5-10% of Journeyman wage every 6-12 months

The Inside Electrical Apprenticeship is a five-year training program that consists of eight thousand hours of on-the-job training in addition to nine-hundred hours of classroom instruction held two separate weeks in the Fall semester and two separate weeks in the Spring semester, as well as 24 hours of “Study Hall”.

Apprentices are paid while they work and learn, with wages starting at forty percent of journeyman electrician wages and increasing five percent every six months, or one thousand hours worked.

Current starting pay is 40% of Journeyman’s pay, plus health benefits(medical, dental & vision) once the apprentice accumulates 500 hours worked. Apprentices are required to pay work assessment, which is 5% of their gross wage.

The Sound and Communication Apprenticeship is a three-year program that consists of six thousand hours of on-the-job training in addition to six hundred hours of related classroom instruction held one evening per week.

Current starting pay is 55% of Installer pay. In both apprenticeship programs, apprentices receive retirement and medical benefits while they train.

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Be 18 years old to apply.
• Have graduated from high school or passed the GED or an equivalent.
• Have completed one full year of high school algebra with a grade of “C” or better, or completed an equivalent post-high school algebra course, with the burden of proof of successful completion on the applicant.
• Official high school and/or college transcripts can be mailed directly to the apprenticeship training office, or bring the transcripts in a sealed envelope on the day of application.  Before an application will be considered complete, we must have an official transcript.
• Pre-employment drug testing will be required before an applicant is put to work.
• Applications for entry into the Electrical Apprenticeship Program are accepted, in person only, on the first Thursday of each month between the hours of 2 p.m. and 4:30 p.m, at the Training Center office: 1726 Corby Avenue, Santa Rosa, California, (transcripts, proof of H.S. graduation, or GED, and Driver’s license must be brought the day of application).

Applications are accepted in person only between 10:00 A.M. and 4:00 P.M. on the 1st working Monday of the month at: (NO APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED DURING THE MONTH OF JUNE)

Applicant Qualifications: The electrical trade requires physical effort such as: climbing, crawling, crouching, and working in cramped quarters Because the wiring is frequently keyed in color for connecting purposes, the worker cannot be colorblind.

• Depending on the job, work will be performed both indoors or outdoors and in a variety of weather conditions.
• Travel may be required.
• Demonstrate fluency in the English language.
• Applicants selected for employment will be subject to a drug screening prior to acceptance.
• Applicants testing positive for any controlled substance will be disqualified

Official photo identification is required.

Applications are also available online at www.340jatc.org and can be mailed to the address shown along with items #3 and either #4 or #5 or #6 as listed below.

1. Complete an application form
2. Be at least 18 years old or older
3. Provide 2 forms of identification: a valid driver’s license and 1 of the following: Social Security Card, birth certificate, or U.S. passport.
4. Provide an official transcript showing: high school or college graduation or GED, and completion of 1 year of high school algebra or 1 semester of college algebra with a grade of C or better
5. Applicants who can document that they have worked a minimum of four-thousand (4000) hours specifically in the electrical construction industry will qualify for an oral interview by meeting the requirements of items (1), (2), and (3) only.
6. Applicants who can document 2 years of related military experience via a DD-214 will qualify for an oral interview by meeting the requirements of items (1), (2), and (3) only.

• Applicants must be a minimum of 18 years of age.
• Applicants must be at least a high school graduate, or have a GED, or have a two-year Associate Degree or higher.
• Applicants must show evidence of successful completion of: one full credit of high school algebra with a passing grade, or one post high school algebra course (e.g. Adult Education, Continuing Education, Community College, etc.) with a passing grade, or provide evidence of having successfully completed the NJATC Math Course, or of passing an internet-based, SDETT-approved Algebra course with the final assessment taken under the supervision of an SDETT instructor.
• Applicants must submit an officially-sealed transcript for high school and post high school education and training. All GED records must be submitted if applicable. All documentation and transcripts must be available at the time of application.

Telecommunications Apprenticeship QUALIFICATIONS:

• Applicants must be a minimum of 18 years of age.
• Applicants must be at least a high school graduate, or have a GED, or have a two-year Associate Degree or higher.
• Applicants must show evidence of successful completion of: one full credit of high school algebra with a passing grade, or one post high school algebra course (e.g. Adult Education, Continuing Education, Community College, etc.) with a passing grade, or provide evidence of having successfully completed the NJATC Math Course, or of passing an internet-based, SDETT-approved Algebra course with the final assessment taken under the supervision of an SDETT instructor.
• Applicants must submit an officially-sealed transcript for high school and post high school education and training. All GED records must be submitted if applicable. All documentation and transcripts must be available at the time of application.

HOW TO APPLY: In Person: bring in your official documents and valid photo identification to the San Diego office 4675 Viewridge Avenue, San Diego CA 92123 or to the Imperial County office 2420 Imperial Business Park Drive, Imperial CA 92251. You can apply on any Wednesday between 2 PM-4 PM or by appointment.

Only individuals present on this day and time, with all the required documents, will be allowed to apply.

1. Photo Identification, such as a driver’s license, D.M.V. Identification Card, or Passport
2. Proof of completion of school, such as a High School diploma or the equivalent (i.e.; GED), In lieu of a high school diploma or its equivalent, show proof of a two-year Associate Degree or Higher.
3. Proof of Algebra or Calculus, Provide evidence of successful completion of Algebra or Calculus with a grade of a (C-) or higher. One full year (2 semesters) of high school or one post high school (e.g., Adult Ed, Community College, etc.) or provide evidence of having passed the NJATC Tech Math course

Important: A GED & all diplomas are not proof of the math requirement IF documentation does not show “Algebra” or “Calculus” a syllabus/course description must be provided to prove the math taken is in fact “Algebra” or “Calculus”.

Requirements: Applicants must be at least 17 years of age on the date of filing an application, and 18 or older to be indentured. All applicants must apply in person with all 3 required documentations on the day of application at the above address. Applications must be completed and may not be taken off the premises (NO EXCEPTIONS}. Must be a U.S. Citizen or meet INS requirements.

The applicant will complete an application form, accurately responding to all questions and items including statements indicating that they are:

1. physically and mentally able to safely perform or learn to safely perform essential functions of the job either with or without reasonable accommodations.

2. able to get to and from work at job sites anywhere within the geographical area that this apprenticeship program covers.

3. able and willing to attend all related classroom training as required to complete their apprenticeship.

4. able to climb ladders, scaffolds, poles and towers of various heights.

5. able to crawl and work in confined spaces such as attics, manholes and crawlspaces.

6. able to read, hear and understand instructions and warnings.

Application Dates: April 20th, May 18th, June 15th, July 20th, August 17th

Time: 1:00pm – 4:00pm Location: 1531 El Pinal Dr. Stockton, CA 95205

Be sure to bring: High School Diploma or GED Official Transcript of High School Algebra with a “C” or better or One semester of college algebra with a “C” or better Photo ID (Drivers license)

Must be physically able to perform work of the trade DMV printout

Other conditions: Transcripts and proofs must be submitted within two days of application. Normal insurability to operate employer-owned vehicles. Normal insurability is defined as the ability to secure insurance coverage without high-risk premiums or cancellations. Drug testing will be required before placement. Candidates will be required to sign a training contract repayment plan.

If you are interested in applying, you will need to gather a few documents before you come in to complete the initial application: High School Diploma or GED Certificate; High School Transcript showing a year of Algebra with a grade of “C” or better or a post-high school transcript showing an Algebra course with a grade of “C” or better; birth certificate; a government-issued photo ID; and the $30 application fee (cash or check only).

It takes about 30 minutes to complete the application and then you will be on the list to take the next scheduled aptitude test (math and reading comprehension). Candidates who pass this test will go on to interview with our Apprenticeship Committee.

Applications are available Monday-Friday, 8:30 am – noon and 1:00-4:30 pm.

Our office is located at the IBEW Hall, 6363 Edna Road, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 To learn more about the various electrical apprenticeships available through the IBEW, you can go to our national web site, www.njatc.org, or call our Training Director, Dan Miller at 805-543-5693 x12.

• Applicants must be at least 18 years of age at the time of application.
• Applicants must be physically able to perform the work of the trade.
• Must be a high school graduate or possess a GED Must have completed one full year (2 semesters) of high school algebra with a minimum grade of “C”, or the equivalent with the burden of proof on the applicant. (Pre-algebra will not meet this requirement).
• Applicants accepted into the apprenticeship program must be willing to sign a scholarship loan agreement.
• Applicant must have a valid California Driver’s License at the time of application.

Application and Process

Applications are available on the 3rd Wednesday of each month at 10:00 AM sharp and must be filled out in person at the training center. Bring a valid California driver’s license to 625 Industrial Road, San Carlos. Additional information regarding the application process will be provided at that time. Here is a map to the training center.

Inside Wireman Testing & Interview Schedule

Aptitude testing is conducted twice a year in San Mateo County; once in the fall (September or October) & once in spring (February or March).  Applications must be completed with all required documentation submitted in order to qualify for aptitude testing.

Interviews are also conducted twice a year in San Mateo County. If you obtain a qualifying score on the aptitude test, you will be scheduled for an oral interview.  Each round of interviews is scheduled for approximately one month following aptitude testing.

In order to be considered for the apprenticeship class beginning in September, applicants need to have completed the application process prior to the spring testing/interview period.

Applications submitted or completed after the spring testing/interview period will be processed for the following year.  Timing is everything.  It is possible to apply in February and be selected for an apprenticeship in September, only seven months later.  Missing the deadline for spring testing could result in a nineteen-month wait.

Applicants to this program must meet the following qualifications:

1. Must be at least eighteen (18) years of age
2. Must be a High School Graduate or have attained a General Equivalency Diploma (GED).
3. Must have completed one (1) full year of high school Algebra with a passing grade of “C” or better, or one (1) post high school Algebra course with a passing grade of “C” or better.  Successful completion of the online NJATC Tech Math Class will also satisfy this requirement.
4. Must be physically able and fit to perform electrical construction work.
5. Must have a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation to get to school and work on time, anywhere within Santa Barbara County.
6. Must pass the NJATC aptitude test.
7. Must pass a pre-employment drug screen test.
8. Must have internet access and a computer with Windows to complete on-line homework assignments.

Applications are to be completed in person. You are encouraged to attach a resume and any relevant certifications to your application. In order to complete an application you must provide the following:

• Valid driver’s license
• Proof of high school graduation or G.E.D.
• Birth certificate
• Official transcripts showing fulfillment of the algebra requirement

Applications for Apprentice Electrician will be accepted on an ongoing basis at the following locations:

NECA OFFICE

222 West Carmen Lane, Suite 105, Santa Maria, CA 93458
Phone: (805) 348-1200 Fax: (805) 348-1203

Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 3:15 p.m

IBEW Local 413

Monday through Friday between 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Inside Wireman Apprenticeship

This is a five year apprenticeship program. The starting wage is $25.66/hr

The next application day is: Wednesday July 6, 2024 from 9:00am to 12:00pm

Inside Wireman Application Procedures

Residential Wireman Apprenticeship

This is a 3-year apprenticeship program. The starting wage is $15.99/hr

Next application day is: April 28, 2024 from 2:00pm to 4:00pm

Residential Application Procedures

Sound & Communication

The Sound and Communication apprenticeship program is part of the Northern California Sound and Comm JATC.

Starting wages will vary depending on your location.

Sound and Communications Application Procedures

At time of application:
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS – MUST PROVIDE PROOF:
• At least 18 Years of Age (CA Drivers License, Birth Certificate or other Proof of Age)
• High School Graduation or G.E.D. (Valid Certificate or Diploma)
• Photo ID (ex: Valid-CA Drivers License)
• Proof of Algebra – Sealed (unopened) Official Transcript with One Full Year (2 semesters) of High School Algebra with passing grade = “C” or better. Pre-Algebra does NOT count.
• All Information MUST be presented in English when filing the application.
For any interpretation of foreign educational documents use available link: Academic & Prof. Intl. Eval.

QUALIFYING EXAMS:
• Applicants meeting minimum requirements and completing application will be notified and scheduled to take a 2-part aptitude examination, consisting of Reading Comprehension and Mathematics
• Applicants who pass the aptitude test will be notified and then scheduled for an ORAL INTERVIEW
• The combination score (written and oral interview) will place the applicant in the pool of eligible candidates

APPLICATIONS:
• Applications must be made in person and at our facility.
• Only individuals present at the application process with all required documents will be allowed to apply.

Application Form

This is a five-year apprenticeship program. Apprentices work during the day and attend classes two nights per week. A journeyman certificate is awarded upon successful completion.

The Tri-County Electrical JATC accepts applications on a year-round basis. Applications are available Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9-11 am and 1-4 pm at the JATC Office located at 10300 Merritt Street, Castroville, CA.

Next Aptitude Testing Date: Saturday, August 6, 2016

Deadline to apply: Thursday, July 7, 2016

Application Announcement

Availability: Applications are accepted on most Tuesday afternoons, beginning August 18, 2024 and ending April 26, 2024. Check this website each Tuesday morning to verify the office will be accepting applications.

Applications will be accepted on Tuesday, April 12th, April 19th, and April 26th, between the hours of 2:00-4:00pm.

Applicants must report in person to our training center located at 201 Bernoulli Circle, Unit A, Oxnard, CA 93030 with all of the required documents listed below.

Driver’s License

• U.S. Birth Certificate, U.S. Passport, or Permanent Resident Card.
• High School Diploma or GED Equivalency
• Official, Sealed Transcripts showing one of the following:
• One year of high school algebra with a passing grade
• One semester of college algebra with a passing grade
• If you served in the U.S. Military please provide a copy of your final DD-214.
• If you have documented electrical construction experience, please provide Documentation of Electrical Construction Experience with a licensed C10 Electrical Contractor. This documentation should be provided in the form of paycheck stubs, W2 Forms, or certified payroll records.