Jatc

The Birmingham Electrical JATC (Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee) is a highly esteemed organization that has been dedicated to training electricians in Alabama since 1942. We believe that electricians in the state should be qualified, licensed, and well trained. Through our nationally recognized registered apprenticeship training program, we combine classroom study with on-the-job training to produce skilled tradesmen who have spent five years serving an apprenticeship under qualified journeyman electricians.

Our organization is committed to providing comprehensive training that prepares individuals for a successful career in the electrical trade. While in the program, students are supplied with a full-time job with competitive wages, full family medical insurance with dental, prescription, and vision coverage for free, and three retirement programs. Additionally, students receive 53 college credits at no cost to them. Upon graduation, students have earned over $150,000 in wages and receive diplomas from the United States Department of Labor and the Electrical Training Alliance, all without any student loan debt.

Our Services

At the Birmingham Electrical JATC, we offer a variety of services to help individuals pursue a career in the electrical trade. Our five-year apprenticeship program is designed to provide students with a combination of classroom study and on-the-job training. This program includes 10,000 hours of on-the-job training and 900 hours of classroom study, with classes held at our training facility located behind the Airport in Birmingham. Students will be assigned to an electrical contractor and will work a minimum of 40 hours a week, receiving competitive wages and full family medical insurance.

In addition to our five-year apprenticeship program, we also offer a CW/CE program for individuals who cannot attend classes due to current life situations or those who do not meet the qualifications for the five-year program. This program is a path to journeyman status and only requires a state-issued ID and a social security card to start working. Advancement in the CW/CE program is based on hours worked and hands-on proficiency exams, allowing individuals to advance at their own pace.

How to Apply

The application process for our five-year apprenticeship program begins with creating an account on our online application portal. Once the application and required documentation have been submitted, applicants will be eligible to go to work with one of our union contractors and begin their on-the-job training. After completing the application and submitting required documents, applicants will be scheduled to take an aptitude test that covers reading comprehension and basic algebra. Upon successfully completing the aptitude test, applicants will be scheduled to interview with the apprenticeship selection committee, which is the last step before beginning formal classroom training.

For those interested in the CW/CE program, the application process is similar, but without the need to take an aptitude test or interview with the selection committee. Both programs offer a path to a successful career in the electrical trade and are designed to meet the needs of individuals with different circumstances and goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

At the Birmingham Electrical JATC, we understand that individuals may have questions about our programs and services. Here are some frequently asked questions and their answers:

Q: Will I get laid off a lot?

A: Layoffs are common in the construction industry, as the nature of the work is to build a project and then move on to the next one. However, some apprentices work for the same contractor for their entire apprenticeship, while others may work for multiple contractors in a year.

Q: What do I do if I get laid off?

A: If an apprentice is laid off, they should contact the Apprenticeship office to discuss their options and next steps. Our staff is dedicated to helping individuals find new employment opportunities and continue their training.

By providing comprehensive training and support, the Birmingham Electrical JATC is committed to helping individuals achieve a successful career in the electrical trade. Whether you are interested in our five-year apprenticeship program or the CW/CE program, we have the resources and expertise to help you reach your goals.