Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I apply?
- Where can I find the requirements needed?
- Why choose the IBEW?
- Who is the Lake County JATC?
- What does a career as an Electrician mean?
- When I apply what do I need?
How do I apply... ?
- Candidates may apply for our program when applications are in an open enrollment period. Please check our "How to Apply" page. Applications will be available in person or online when open.
- Once a candidate applies the steps are as follows:
- You will have until a specific date to get all the requried paperwork to the JATC
- If you meet the minimum qualifications, you will move on to the aptitude testing.
- If you have a qualifying score on the test you will move on to the interview process which generally takes place the first week of April each year.
- If you are chosen for the program, you will need to pass a physical, physical agility, background, and drug testing.
- Once that is complelte you will be put out to work and start classroom training. Generally this begins the first week of June each class session.
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Where can I find the necessary requirements needed ... ?
- The Lake County Apprenticeship Program is looking for the most qualified applicants. We administer an aptitude test which is designed to screen for applicants who are qualified for our trade. The aptitude test consists of math and reading comprehension. Math problems solving skills are evaluated utilizing basic arithmetic, algebra, and geometry.
- We require a minimum high school diploma or equivalency. College level education is a plus.
- Applicants must be 18 years of age
- Applicants must be physically capable to perform the work in question.
- Passing grades in Algebra I are required, advanced Math and Science classes are desired.
- Applicants should be prepared to both work and go to school during their apprenticeship. Presently our apprentices attend school two nights a week from 4:00pm to 7:00pm September through May.
- Applicants are required to hold a valid driver's license, and have a reliable means of getting to work. They are required to work in a drug-free environment (there will be random screening), work wherever they are assigned, show up on time every day, work in all types of weather, jobsite and sanitation conditions, there are NO paid holidays, vacations, or sick leave.
- There are no guarantees when it comes to 40 hour work weeks. The availability of work and the economy dictate hours.
- Our Apprenticeship offers state of the art training, a complete benefits package, including pension, annuities, health care, and excellent pay with OT provisions.
- We also offer the security of a union and the social benefits that come with Union Membership.
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Why choose the IBEW ... ?
- The IBEW (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers) offers a career which is far more than a job. This is not an option for students who have no plans for college. Rather, our Apprenticeship is a viable option for educated students who seek an alternate Higher Education while gaining valuable skills, knowledge, and a career.
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Who is the Lake County JATC... ?
- The Lake County JATC is the training body for the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local #150 in Lake County Illinois. Our board is made up of 4 union members and 4 NECA contractor representatives.
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What does a career as an electrician mean... ?
- A career as a construction electrician is an alternative to college that is far more than just "a job", it is not a last resort.
- Students who are prepared to meet the demands of college learning also have the option to pursue careers in the Electrical Industry. Graduates of our Inside Wireman Apprenticeship program earn college credit and can continue on a path to an Associates or even a Bachelor's degree
- If you are not "college material" you may not be Electrical Apprenticeship material.
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When I apply what do I need ... ?
- Once a candidate applies the following paperwork is due in our office one month after the close of applications.
- A copy of a valid Driver's License
- A copy of a Birth Certificate or other legal document showing proof of age
- An official transcript of high school courses and grades with proof of one year of algebra. Pre-algebra or Modified algebra will not be considered to meet this minimum requirement.
- Those submitting a GED must also submit an official high school transcript from the last attended school.
- All transcripts must be officially sealed in an envelope from the high school with a seal or official registrar's signature on the outside of the envelope.
- Unofficial transcripts will not be accepted.
- If the high school transcript does not contain the required proof of a one year algebra course, then a separate official transcript must be provided to show proof of course completion with a passing grade.
- If the high school transcript does not contain graduation information, the applicant must submit proof of graduation or GED.
- Proof of name change if applicable. The names on documents submitted must either match the name on the application, or proof of the name change must be submitted.
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