Who wires the industrial plants and factories, the warehouses, the office buildings, the shopping centers small and large…and who's called when something goes wrong with the electrical system in such facilities?

Generally, the call goes to our contractors. And to get the work done, they need highly skilled journeymen wiremen (electricians). That's why the industry created a five-year apprenticeship program-involving in-depth knowledge of all types of electrical work.

Journeymen are in short supply, with the number reducing as workmen trained 20 to 30 years ago retire. Our industry has devoted hundreds of millions of dollars and resources to gear up and train more and more of these highly skilled electricians…the backbone of the electrical construction industry.

As part of that structure, your career would involve interesting, ever-changing work, with opportunities galore.

Interested? We hope so! We have included some information to help guide you through the application process.

The Tampa Area Electrical JATC provides training for those residing in the following Florida Counties:

• Charlotte
• Desoto
• Glades*
• Hillsborough
• Highlands
• Hardee
• Manatee
• Pasco
• Pinellas
• Polk
• Sarasota

*Only a portion of this county is included

For other training centers in Florida (click Here)

The Application Process:
The Tampa Area Electrical JATC interviews applicants monthly to fill the slots available in the apprenticeship program. Provided there is sufficient work opportunities available the JATC will start a new class each January, April, and September. The step-by-step section below is intended to help you understand each step of the application process.

Step 1 Each applicant must fill out a written application. Applications are available at the Training Center office located at 5625 Harney Road in Tampa or at the St. Petersburg office at 1401 9th Avenue North. In order to facilitate the process you are encouraged to bring a copy of your high school transcripts, GED scores (whatever is applicable) with you when you apply. Click here to download an application

Step 2 Once your application is reviewed by the JATC you will be scheduled to take the NJATC Aptitude Test. This test covers both Math and Reading Comprehension. A qualifying score must be attained in order to qualify for the program.* Click here for additional information on the aptitude test.

Step 3 is the oral interview with the JATC. Once interviewed you will be placed on a Ranking list for possible selection into the program. The JATC typically makes this selection one month prior to the start of school.

* Optional Qualification: Any applicant that can verify 4000 hours (approx 2 years) of electrical trade experience qualifies for the interview. Indisputable documentation must be supplied to the JATC for consideration.

The Training
Once selected an apprentice can expect to attend his/her respective classes one day each week where theory, code and safety associated with the electrical trade are taught by highly skilled and experienced instructors.

Class hours are 1:00pm -7:00pm, Monday thru Friday. Additionally, an individual will complete courses in Motor Control, Welding, and Effective Project Supervision. Apprentices are placed on the job with an electrical contractor to learn the trade while working under the supervision of a skilled journeyman electrician. To complete the training a total of 8000 hours of on the job training and a minimum of 1000 hours of classroom training must be completed.

The apprenticeship program is an "earn while you learn" process. As an apprentice you can expect periodic wage increases as you progress. The current wages paid to apprentices in this program are:

• 1st Year -- $12.08
• 2nd Year -- $13.29
• 3rd Year -- $14.50
• 4th Year -- $16.91
• 5th Year -- $18.12

Where else can you receive career training and earn over $150,000 in the process?