Training Overview

The Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee (JATC) electrical apprenticeship program is an accredited education program. It requires a student with strong math and sciences skills who is dedicated to advancing their career. Once apprentices complete their training, they are licensed electricians.

The application process is similar to applying for college. While SAT scores are not required, applicants must provide their high school transcripts showing a passing grade in Algebra I and take a qualifying exam.

The apprenticeship program does not cost anything. In addition, apprentices get paid while they attend class and on-site training.

Classes take place in cutting-edge facilities in Lanham or Manassas. Classrooms are wired for video on demand allowing instructors to call up training videos, lesson plans and presentations. They also have built in lab space, where students sharpen their skills on actual equipment. Finally, all of the building’s power equipment has been placed where students can familiarize themselves with what they will encounter on the job-site.

Depending on career goals, apprentices choose one of the three tracks below.
(To see all tracks on one page, click here.)

Inside Electrical Track - 5 Year program

During your first three years, you'll attend class one day every other week year round. The rest of the time, you'll work on various job sites to practice your skills. Then, during your last two years, you'll attend a total of four skill improvement elective classes of your choice and continue to get on-the-job training.

In the classroom and lab you'll learn about Ohm's Law, AC and DC Theory, Solid State Electronics, Digital Electronics, Fiber Optic Theory and more. On the job you'll gain experience in conduit bending, branch circuit wiring, panel and switchgear installations, fire alarm and security systems and other skills.

During your training, you'll get paid for your attendance in school and on the job site. After you complete this program you can make more than $81,000* when working 2,000 hours a year. Plus, you'll earn more than $25,000* a year worth of Health and Retirement Benefits.

Minimum: 800 hours of instruction, 8,000 hours of on-the-job training

*Visit www.washdcjatc.org for updates on rates.

Residential Track - 4 Year Program

During the first two years, you'll receive on-the-job training by working with electrical contractors who are performing commercial electrical work. During the last two years, you'll attend class one night a week.

In class and lab you'll learn about Ohm's Law, AC and DC Theory, safety, basic blueprint reading and wiring of elementary circuits. On the job you'll gain experience in branch circuit wiring, light fixture, receptacle and panelboard installation and blueprint reading.

After you complete this program you can make more than $52,000* when working 2,000 hours a year. Plus, you'll earn more than $16,000* worth of Health and Retirement Benefits.

Minimum: 160 hours of instruction, 8,000 hours of on-the-job training

*Visit www.washdcjatc.org for updates on rates.

Telecommunications Track - 3 Year program

During the first two years you'll attend class one day every other week and get on-the-job training with electrical contractors in one of today's hottest growth areas - performing voice-data-video installations. During the last year, you'll attend skill improvement elective classes of your choice and continue to get on-the-job training.

In class and lab you'll learn about such subjects as EIA/TIA Standards, AC and DC Theory, Category 5, 5E and 6 Cables, Structured Wiring Systems, Local Area Networks and Fiber Optic Theory. On the job you'll gain experience in Category 5 Cabling installations, Coaxial and Fiber Optic Cable installations and security system installations.

During your training, you'll get paid for your attendance in school and on the job. After you complete this program you can make more than $51,000* when working 2,000 hours a year. Plus, you'll earn more than $16,000* a year worth of Health and Retirement Benefits.

Minimum: 480 hours of instruction, 4,800 hours of on-the-job training

*Visit www.washdcjatc.org for updates on rates.

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Inside Electrical Track - 5 Year program

Residential Track - 4 Year Program

Telecommunications Track - 3 Year program

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