WATERLOO & MASON CITY
Electrical JATC
IBEW Local Union 288
1695 Burton Avenue, Waterloo, IA 50703 | 319.232.5374
APPRENTICE /PRE-APPRENTICE / CW
APPRENTICESHIP
What is an Apprenticeship?
Apprenticeship is a unique, voluntary training system through which individuals acquire trade and craft skills with periodic classroom (related) instruction in technical subjects related to work requirements. The training design provides for learning all required practical and theoretical skills and knowledge for the chosen skilled occupation. Practical aspects of work are mastered on the job as apprentices are rotated through all phases of their particular occupations. Theoretical aspects of work are mastered during related subjects instruction in the classroom. Related instruction continues throughout the apprenticeship term and provides an opportunity to consider in depth the underlying principals of job activities.
This arrangement of on the job classroom instruction is a standard part of typical apprenticeship indenturing agreements. It ensures the individual’s employment and guarantees competent workers for industry by providing for learning the complete range of skills and knowledge during training.
What is an apprentice indenture?
A required written agreement or contract between apprentice and program sponsor concerning the term of employment and training experiences of the apprentice during the learning period. The agreement sets forth expectations, duties and obligations of each party for the term of the apprenticeship. Among items typically incorporated into the agreement are the provision for related instruction, overtime regulations, minimum wage schedule for each period in the apprenticeship term, and approximate time schedule for training in difference aspects of the occupation.
Is this training registered with the federal government?
Yes, this training program is registered with the U.S. Department of Labor in accordance with the Nation Apprenticeship Act. The Department of Labor oversees all terms and conditions for the qualification, recruitment, selection, employment, and training for apprentices.
How long is this apprenticeship training program?
This is a four year training program which the JATC committee makes a commitment to train the indentured apprentices and keep them employed. And they pay for the training as well. The only cost to the apprentice is for their books, which run approximately $800 to $900 a year.
Do apprentices have to complete the entire program to become a Journeyman?
In order to be certified as a Journeyman by the Bureau of Apprenticeship and training, an apprentice must attend and successfully complete the program of related instruction. Which includes 8000 hours of paid On-the-Job (OJT) Training as well as 720 hours of class room instruction. Waterloo apprentices attend school in Cedar Rapids. Mason City apprentices attend school in Des Moines.
What is a progressive wage scale?
A progressive wage scale is a system that increases wages as workers gain skills and experience. Apprentices begin their apprenticeship at 50% of the current Journeyman rate. As they progress through their apprenticeship they will receive wage increases after meeting on-the-job training and classroom instruction requirements. Apprentices graduate from the program
PRE-APPRENTICESHIP
The Pre-Apprentice program is perfect for High School students, and individuals that want to learn more about our industry without the commitment of a 4-Year program! Individuals must be 17 years of age to participate. While the Pre-Apprenticeship is not required to apply for the Apprenticeship, it is a valuable tool to prepare for the Apprenticeship program! Individuals enrolled in the Pre-Apprenticeship program attend class once a week in person. Students are responsible for completing homework independently through computer mediated learning.
Does the Pre-Apprenticeship program include paid on-the-job training?
In addition to the required classroom instruction, individuals enrolled in the Pre-Apprenticeship must complete 80 hours of paid on-the-job training to complete the program.
Where are Pre-Apprentice classes held?
Waterloo Pre-Apprenticeship classes are held at the Black Hawk Labor Temple in Waterloo. Mason City Pre-Apprenticeship classes are held at the Mason City Labor Temple. Classes are taught by our JATC instructors.
I am interested in applying for the Pre-Apprenticeship! How do I apply?
Both the 4-year apprenticeship and the Pre-Apprenticeship use the same application. Simply fill out the application, attach the required documents, and select the box at the end of the application indicating your interest in the program.
Do you accept applications for the Pre-Apprenticeship year-round?
While we do accept applications for the Pre-Apprenticeship year-round, we typically only conduct interviews for this program August through November. Classes typically begin in December and last approximately 7 months.
I applied for the 4-Year Apprenticeship program. Can I still be considered for the Pre-Apprenticeship?
Yes! Prior to conducting interviews for the Pre-Apprenticeship program, we will reach out to individuals that indicated their interest in the Pre-Apprenticeship when they submitted their application.
Is the interview process the same for both the 4-Year Apprenticeship and the Pre-Apprenticeship?
While candidates still interview in front of a committee, the questions asked throughout the interview differ. Therefore, individuals that have already interviewed for the 4-Year program will need to interview separately for the Pre-Apprenticeship.
I am only interested in the Pre-Apprenticeship at this time. Do I still need to take an aptitude and go through the interview process to be eligible?
Individuals that want to take part in the Pre-Apprenticeship do NOT have to take an aptitude test. Prior to selection for the Pre-Apprentice program, you WILL need to interview to be considered.
Construction Wireman (CW)
A CW is a classification of worker in the IBEW that applies to certain jobsites. A CW is a non-registered entry level position. Individuals that are interested in becoming a CW can express their interest in this entry level position on their Apprenticeship / Pre-Apprenticeship application or contact the IBEW 288 office directly.
I am only interested in working as a CW right now. Do I need to fill out the application on this site?
No. Individuals that are not interested in pursuing the Apprenticeship or Pre-Apprenticeship programs at this time should reach out directly to IBEW 288.