Electrical work can be challenging, complex, physically demanding, and very rewarding. We have found that applicants who have not worked on construction projects, received training, or who do not have friends or relatives in the industry are often unfamiliar with the wide range of tasks electrical workers perform, or the skills needed today to be a successful electrical worker. The Electrical Training Alliance has prepared the following checklist to help prospective applicants measure their interest in day-to-day electrical work, and whether they will have the ability to succeed at the completion of their apprenticeship.

Thirty-five core abilities important for electrical workers are listed below. In a few cases, you might be unsure about your capability, especially if you have not worked with blueprints or technical documents. Consider your interest and capability based upon similar activities, such as automotive repair.

1. add, subtract, multiply and divide and use algebraic formulas
2. read complex technical documents written in English
3. develop alternative solutions to a problem and choose the best alternative
4. communicate in writing with others
5. read and understand graphs, charts and diagram
6. plan and organize tasks to meet deadlines
7. understand how electrical or mechanical systems work
8. picture the way a construction project will appear before it is finished
9. be self-motivated, responsible, and dependable without close supervision
10. remain calm in an emergency
11. communicate orally with others in English
12. work smoothly with others as a team to complete a task
13. maintain good relations with others in a work setting
14. discriminate between colors
15. understand verbal instructions and warnings, given in English
16. hear warning signals
17. maintain balance and perform construction tasks while on a ladder
18. coordinate body movements when using tools or equipment
19. reach and stretch to position equipment and fixtures while maintaining balance
20. bend or twist the body into unusual positions while working
21. traverse irregular surfaces while maintaining balance
22. perform physical tasks all day without becoming overly tired
23. use hands to manipulate small wires and objects
24. work with both hands
25. operate two-handed power equipment
26. regularly lift objects weighing up to 50 pounds
27. occasionally lift objects weighing over 50 pounds
28. carry objects weighing up to 50 pounds for short distances
29. apply muscular force quickly to objects and equipment
30. push, or pull, heavy objects into position
31. climb ladders and poles up to 25 feet in height
32. work at heights
33. work in extreme hot and cold temperature conditions
34. work in a noisy environment
35. work at depths, such as in trenches, manholes or deep vertical shafts

A particular employer might not require every one of these abilities for every electrical worker, and the importance of each ability may vary by the type of electrical job or employer, and the level of experience. Many electrical contractors are required by federal or state law to consider making reasonable accommodation for otherwise qualified employees with disabilities, and in some cases accommodation might be available. Our research has shown, however, that these abilities are significant on most job sites, and they are all usually needed to perform the essential functions of the job of an electrical worker. That is why all these abilities, and others, are usually viewed by the Electrical Training Alliance as necessary to successful completion of any electrical apprenticeship program.

If you feel you have many of the listed abilities, you may be well-suited for electrical work. If you do not feel you have relatively few abilities, or were unsure about them, you should take steps to learn more about electrical work. The fact that you do not have or cannot acquire a particular ability does not prevent you from applying for the apprenticeship programs, but it could present a problem during your training and/or on the job. Some preparatory steps you can take include:

• Look for books on electrical construction work in the library
• Access the Electrical Training Alliance website at: www.electricaltrainingalliance.org. It provides detailed job descriptions for the three electrical work specialties and other relevant information.
• Ask the Training Director at the IBEW/NECA training center in your area whether he or she could refer you to someone in the electrical industry who can answer any questions you have.

Learning more about the work done by electrical workers will help you determine how well suited you are for a career in electrical construction.

A Note to Those with Disabilities

We recognize and comply with our obligations under the Americans with Disabilities Act to not discriminate against qualified persons with disabilities.

If you are a person with a physical or mental impairment (including learning disabilities) that you believe may affect your ability to complete any aspect of the application process (including testing) and if you need an accommodation to ensure that the test battery accurately measure your skills and abilities, please notify the AJATC/JATC, as soon as possible, and no later than upon receipt of notification that you are scheduled to the NJATC test battery. Accommodation requests given on the test day cannot be addressed on that day. In most cases, you will need to provide:

1. documentation of your disability and
2. documentation of the need for a particular accommodation.

Your request will be considered promptly.

 Here are a few costs you should consider such as:

• Textbooks
• Various Hand Tools
• Proper Clothes
• Required Licenses

Apprentices are provided with good wages and benefits, which include

• Health Insurance
• Pension and Retirement Plans
• Multi-Employer Labor Pool
• No Tuition for Related Training
• Guaranteed Consistent Wage Rates

Wages and benefits example is based on a Journeyman rate of $45.33 per hr.

(All figures are approximate and subject to change)

The requirements that must be met for your application to qualify are listed below:

• Must be a minimum of 18 years of age at the time you are indentured into the apprenticeship program.
• Must show evidence of successful completion of one full year of high school algebra with a passing grade, or one post high school algebra course with a passing grade.
• Must be a high school graduate, have a GED, or have a two-year associate degree or higher. (Must send in official transcript showing courses and grades from high school or college. Proof of diploma or GED must be presented in English if transcript does not show graduation date. Foreign diplomas and/or transcripts must be translated to English and notarized with a notary seal.
• Must have a valid driver’s license.
• Must complete the application process within 30 days.
• Must be drug free.

The algebra and high school graduation/GED requirement can be waived if:

• Individuals can verify (by providing undisputable documented evidence) that they have worked a minimum of four thousand (4,000) hours in the electrical construction trade.

If you meet the basic requirements, you will be scheduled to take the Electrical Training Alliance apprenticeship aptitude test. The test consists of two (2) parts. It will take approximately three hours to complete. The number of items and the amount of time allotted for each test are as follows:

You will take a short break between the Algebra and Functions Test and the Reading Comprehension Test.

You will be notified if you pass or fail the aptitude test within a week of taking it. If you have taken the aptitude test within the past three months, you may not take it again until three months have passed.  Please note willful attempts to violate this rule may result in permanent disqualification.

If you obtain a qualifying score on the aptitude test, you will be scheduled for an oral interview in approximately 30 days.

You will be interviewed by a committee representing both NECA and the IBEW. Based on the interview (including a review of your qualifications), you will receive an overall ranking. As new positions become available in the apprenticeship program, names will be taken off the respective eligibility list for one (1) year. If you are not selected to begin an apprenticeship during that one-year period, you will need to reapply if you are still interested.

Appendix A

WORK PROCESS SCHEDULE AND RELATED INSTRUCTION OUTLINE

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