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A Day in the Life of an IBEW Apprentice


Abundant opportunities are available in the electrical industry for those who have the right attitude, work hard, and apply the knowledge they have gained through education. To become the best at your craft, one can not count on what you learned solely from on the job training.

The electrical trade is highly technical, physically demanding, and highly rewarding both in wages and in a feeling of self-accomplishment. The electrical industry is constantly changing with advancements in techniques, products, and innovation. Today’s Electrical professionals use their knowledge, skills, and abilities to succeed in this competitive and challenging career.  The Electrician (Wireman) and Telecommunications Installer programs are true apprenticeships in every sense of the word.

Our programs consist of two parts:

First, every apprentice is assigned to an electrical contractor and works 40 hours a week learning the trade on the job,  under the supervision of a foreman, and working alongside seasoned journeymen wiremen or telecommunications technicians. You will be paid an excellent wage and receive benefits while you learn on the job.

The second part of the program consists of classroom theory from September to June, two nights per week (6 to 9 pm) at our training center. Along with classroom study, students also take part in hands-on learning labs,  learning proper procedures for installing and maintaining equipment such as fire alarm, electric motors, transformers, motor controls, conduit bending, wiring methods, security, voice data, and more.

After five years of comprehensive training for Electrician (Wireman), or four years for Telecommunications Installers, apprentices graduate to journeyman/technician status and enjoy the many opportunities this industry has to offer.

We want the best applicants…those with good work ethic, good attitude, a willingness to learn, and a commitment to succeed. If you have those qualities come apply!!  

4 main steps involved in the selection procedure 
These are Application, Aptitude exam, Interview, and Selection.

Application:
Applications for apprenticeship (Electrician (Wireman) & Telecommunications Installer) are accepted year-round. Applications must be made online at yorkelectricians.org. There is no application fee.

Applicants should:

Fill out an application:

  1. Visit www.yorkelectrians.org/
  2. Read about each program available
  3. Decide on which trade interests them most, and apply. Applicants MUST choose ONE craft to which they want to apply – duplicate applications to different programs will be dismissed unless otherwise approved by the Director of Education.

  Complete an application packet consisting of:

  1. Completed Application
  2. High School Transcripts or Equivalency (must indicate graduation or passing GED score, and proof of completion of Algebra course)
  3. Copy of Valid Driver’s License

Aptitude exam:  Sit for the Qualifying Aptitude Exam
Upon satisfying all prerequisites, you will be scheduled for an aptitude test.  You will receive a letter specifying the time and date of the exam.  This test will include sections on reading comprehension and mathematics.  With a qualifying score on the aptitude test, you will then qualify for an oral interview.

Interview:  Interview with Staff and/or Members of the Board of Trustees
You will receive an email specifying a time and date for an interview.  You will be asked to reply to the email to confirm your intent to attend the interview.  All interviewees are then ranked with all other applicants.  Everyone will receive an email informing them of their score.

Selection:  Receive Notification by Electronic Mail of Admission or Rejection
Applicants can stay on the ranking list for a maximum of one year.  We hire, in order, off the list.  Each class generally consists of 8 to 14 apprentices.  However, new hires could start working anytime during the year.  The selection process may take several months so I urge you to be patient.

Admissions into the Wireman Competency program is automatic for, and limited to, new members organized into IBEW Local 229 who do not receive a minimum of 70% on the Electrical Trades Proficiency Evaluation Assessment Examination.  

The Wireman Competency program is not a registered apprenticeship.

We will be glad to answer any questions you may still have.

NJATC Tech Math Course: 
http://www.njatc.utk.edu/
This course will satisfy the algebra requirement for applicants.

If you want to learn the electrical trade from the best in a college accredited program at NO cost to you, this is the only place to do it!

Questions?     Contact Us



Additional Information
        Electrician (Wireman) Job Description
        Telecommunications Installer Job Description
        Parents Information
        Student Information
        Career Changers
        Military Veterans
Guidance Counselors 
       


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​Electric Prep has partnered with the NJATC to offer voluntary courses to support applicants during the entrance process for the IBEW/NECA apprenticeship training program to provide a better understanding of the electrical construction industry and the requirements.  Click on the logo above for more information.

York Electrical Institute                                555 Willow Springs Lane, York, PA 17406                                          717-843-8368
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