Electrician: Inside wireman

Nature of Work

IBEW bugThe electrician is a licensed craftsman. The electrician plans, lays out, and installs, alters or repairs electrical wiring, fixtures, apparatus and specifications for wiring and equipment to be installed, serviced or altered; installs, changes or repairs electrical wiring consistent with ntional and state electrical codes. Measures, cuts, bends and installs electrical conduits, wiring, fixtures apparatus and controls. Uses hand tools, special tools and machines to cut, bend, install connections on conduit and thread electrical cable wiring through it. May work under or supervise others.

Entrance Requirements

Age: Minimum of 18 years – May be required to furnish proof of age.

Health: Good health – Fit to perform work of the occupation; must be willing to furnish a doctor’s certificate of examination.

Aptitude: Score a qualifying score on an Industry Aptitude Test provided by a JATC Training Director.

Education: Furnish certificates or transcripts of high school graduation with Algebra—1 one full year creditor and/or G.E.D .

Residency: Must be a Montana resident.

Term of Apprenticeship

Length of training:

Related classroom instruction: Electrical JATC requires a minimum of 196 hours per year.

Probationary period: Electrical JATC probationary period is the first 25% of program hours.

Credit for previous experience: May be granted after being properly documented (letters from previous employers and transcripts of related instruction) and/or after evaluation by apprenticeship sponsor.

Working Conditions

Electricians usually work in partly completed structures, but may be required to work outside or in cramped quarters. The work requires constant physical activity including lifting of moderate loads, climbing, crawling, pulling and reaching. Most of the work is not on activated electrical systems, but work may be required at times on energized circuits. Hazards include shock and burns, falling objects, and falls. Dirty at times. Usually employed in construction, remodeling or repairing homes, industrial and commercial buildings. Generally work a forty-hour week. Work is year round in nature, but can depend on construction in area.

Wages

Apprentices are paid a percentage of the journeyman hourly rate, with periodic increases based on hours worked, satisfactory performance on the job, and in related instruction. Contact individual program sponsors for current journeyman wage rates.

Special Characteristics

Knowledge and abilities: Ability to plan work sequence, mechanical and mathematical aptitude, manual and finger dexterity, form perception and color discrimination.

Interests: In electricity, working with hand and power tools, have an inquiring mind.

Temperament: Ability to work with others, stability, active.

Physical capacities: Physical agility, able to work on high places.

Tools Used

Screwdriver

Tester

Level

Hammer

Current edition of Code

Hacksaw

Pliers

Ruler

Electrician’s knife

Suggested High School Subjects

Basic mathematics

Physics

Shop courses

Plane geometry

Trigonometry

Science

Basic Communication

Algebra

Blueprint reading

 

Potential Advancement

Apprentice: Evaluated each six months (or 1,000 hours) for advances in wages and training.

Journeyman: Can become foremen, superintendents, estimators or contractors.

Employment Outlook

Work is available for qualified electricians. Contact program sponsors for information and openings.

How to Apply

All applications must be made in writing and mailed to the PO box in Helena. The Electrical JATC holds personal interviews twice a year with the Committee, usually in April and October. Applicants are rated and ranked by the Committee. If qualified, they take ranking applicants first for indenturing. When accepted, secure apprentice electrician’s license from State Office of Occupational and Professional Licensing. Applicants are indentured on a year round basis. Classroom instruction is also on a year round basis for one week (38 hours), approximately every seven weeks at the training center in Helena. For entry to other electrical programs, contact individual program sponsors for information and job possibilities. Secure, complete, and submit application forms and transcript of credits, complete oral interviews as required. Take aptitude tests when required. When accepted, secure Apprentice Electrician’s license from the State Office of Occupational and Professional Licensing.

Completion Procedure

Upon the successful completion of apprenticeship, the registered apprentice will receive a Certificate of Completion from the Montana Department of Labor and Industry’s Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training recognizing him/her as a qualified journeyman. To receive a State license as an electrician, the apprentice must pass a written and performance test before the State Licensing Board.

Program Location and Additional Information Sources:

Montana Electrical JATC
P.O. Box 4177
Helena MT 59604
Phone: 406-449-7173

Montana Department of Labor & Industry Apprenticeship & Training Program
P.O. Box 1728
Helena MT 59624-1728
Phone: 406-444-4500
wsd.dli.mt.gov/apprenticeship/apprentice.asp

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