The Program
What is the Minneapolis Electrical JATC?
The Minneapolis Electrical Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (JATC) is comprised of members from both of our sponsor organizations: the IBEW (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers), Local Union 292, and the Minneapolis Chapter of NECA (National Electrical Contractors Association). The JATC has a state-of-the-art Training Center in a 40,000 square foot building located in St. Michael, Minnesota, featuring nine educational classrooms and eleven labs (including: Solar, Programmable Logic Controllers, Motor Controls/VFD, Transformer, Instrumentation, Applications, Welding, Building Automation and Pipe Bending).
What is a Minneapolis Electrical JATC Apprenticeship?
It is a five-year Apprenticeship program registered through the Minnesota Department of Labor that consists of two components of training. On-the-job training is completed by the Apprentice working full-time with one of our contractors, and Related Training is completed through classroom and lab education. Your Apprenticeship will prepare you for a lifelong career in the Electrical Industry as an IBEW Journeyman Electrician.
Will I have to pay union dues?
Union membership is between the member and IBEW Local 292. If you are selected as an apprentice, you will begin paying union dues and be scheduled for initiation into membership.
How often would I need to attend school (related training)?
School is held from September to May, one day a week for 30 weeks per school year (no class on holiday weeks). The school day runs from 7:00 am to 3:30 pm, with breaks in the morning, afternoon, and for lunch.
How much is tuition?
There is no charge for tuition.
Application
How do I apply for the apprenticeship program?
- Complete the on-line application and submit all required documentation within a 30-day deadline.
- Take the GAN Aptitude Test on the scheduled date, and within the application period your application is completed.
- Applicants are given a total score from 0-100 factored from: GAN Aptitude Test, Personal Experience Form, and Letter of Recommendation.
- Applicants are placed on the JATC eligibility list and ranked with all eligible applicants according to total score.
- Job placements are made from the top of the eligibility list as openings occur. Hiring is typically done in the spring to early summer.
What are the basic requirements?
- You need to be 17 years of age at the time of application.
- Be a high school graduate or have your GED.
- Completion of one full year of high school algebra, or higher math,
with a grade of “C” or better. - Possess a valid driver’s license.
Is experience necessary to apply for the Apprenticeship?
No experience in the electrical field is required to apply for the program. If you do have work experience or a trade school education in the electrical field, you should submit paperwork documenting this and the JATC will evaluate your experience and possibly award credit towards your Apprenticeship.
When can I apply for the Apprenticeship Program?
On-line applications are accepted year-round.
Who can apply for Apprenticeship?
Anyone who meets the basic requirements and qualifications of the program regardless of age, gender, or ethnicity.
Can I be admitted into the program while I’m enrolled in an algebra course to meet the qualification?
No, you must have successfully completed an algebra course to meet the requirement before you can be interviewed.
How many applicants are selected each year?
The Committee meets monthly to determine the correct number of applicants to select based on the economy, the number of calls in for Apprentices, the number of Apprentices becoming Journeymen, and the number of Journeymen retiring. There is no set number.
When will I start
If you are selected as an apprentice, you can expect to begin working for a contractor in spring/early summer and school will begin in September.
Will I have to find my own job?
If you are selected as an apprentice, the JATC will assign you to employment with a Local 292 contractor.
Aptitude Test
What is the GAN Aptitude Test Battery?
The test was developed based on a job analysis of the skills and abilities required for an apprentice in school and on the job. The GAN selection procedure has been developed in compliance with regulations established in the Standards of Educational and Psychological Testing, Principles for Validation and Use of Personnel Selection Procedures (American Psychological Association), and the Uniform Guidelines of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. The Gan Aptitude Battery has been reviewed by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and the Department of Labor (DOL) and is in compliance with all legal requirements.
What if my ranking score on the eligibility list is too low and I am not hired into the program?
You will remain on the JATC eligibility list, and your application will stay active for up to one year. If you are not hired into the program within that year, your application file will be closed. At that time, you will be able to reapply for the JATC Apprenticeship program. It is recommended you find opportunities to help improve future scores before reapplying, such as: electrical work experience as a pre-apprentice, industry related education, and relevant letters of recommendation.
Should I work as fast as I can when taking the test?
Most applicants will find they have time to complete each of the tests without rushing. You should work steadily and carefully. Do not spend too much time on any one question.
Should I study to do better on the test?
You can purchase the GAN Human Resources aptitude test study guide here: http://ganhumanresources.com/study-guide-1
What if I become ill or have an emergency on the day of the test?
Call the JATC immediately if you will not be present for your scheduled aptitude test session. Upon review of your situation and application, you will either be rescheduled by the JATC for the next available test session or will have to reapply. Please note that your test date can only be rescheduled once; if you cannot attend your rescheduled test date, you would need to reapply with the JATC.
What should I bring the day of the test?
You must bring a photo ID to the test session. Pencils and all other materials will be provided.