Interested in Applying

REQUIREMENTS APPLICATION PROCESS APPLICATION FAQ APPRENTICESHIP OVERVIEW APPRENTICESHIP RESOURCES

Those interested in applying to the apprenticeship should:

1. Watch the INTRO VIDEO below.

2. Scroll down and make sure you meet all REQUIREMENTS listed below, including the jurisdiction requirement.

3. Scroll down and read the FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS below.

REQUIREMENTS

In order to apply, you must meet the following requirements:

1) Age – Must be 18 years of age or older. (Those applying in 2025 must turn 18 by August 31, 2025.)

2) Education – Must have ONE of the following by June 2025: a) High School Diploma b) GED or HiSet c) Two-year Associates Degree or Higher

3) Application Fee – $50.00 Electrical Program, $50.00 Telecommunications Program; payable by Credit Card or Debit Card at the time of online application. Fee is non-refundable.

4) Drug test – Must be able to pass a drug test before beginning apprenticeship. The JATC has a zero tolerance policy for drug use. (Apprenticeship offers will be withdrawn upon positive drug test results.) Apprentices are drug tested throughout apprenticeship. As with most construction-related industries, our program does NOT permit the use of marijuana. Your pre-employment drug test and any subsequent random testing on the job and in school will be screened for such and you will be disqualified if tested positive. A list of banned substances and more information can be found at the JATC’s medical officer’s website; http://modernassistance.com/services/drug-testing/

5) This is a web-based program – Applicants must have a valid email address. Accepted Applicants are required to have access to the internet and a computer.

6) Aptitude Test – A General Aptitude Test will be scheduled for all applicants. Applicants must attend their scheduled test to qualify for consideration.

7) Other Requirements – Applicants must:

a) be legally eligible to work in the United States
b) live within the area covered by Local 103, IBEW Click here for a listing of towns in our jurisdiction

8) Understanding – Applicants must understand that this is an application process, not a registration. Each year, we receive thousands of applications for a limited number of spots and are unable to offer an apprenticeship to every applicant.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How Can I Apply?

  • We accept applications online during our scheduled application period each year. Application dates are normally announced on the website in the fall. There is a $50, non-refundable application fee for each program.

What is the starting pay rate?

  • Electrical Apprentices are currently starting at $25.70 per hour. Telecomm Apprentices are currently starting at $23.13 per hour.

If I apply, will I definitely get accepted?

  • Not everyone who applies will get accepted because there are more qualified candidates than available jobs.

Do I have to take the aptitude test again if I already took it?

  • Yes, the aptitude test is required to be taken by all applicants each year as part of the application process.

Is there a minimum score required on the aptitude test?

  • There is no minimum score required, however, your test score will be considered as part of the selection process and a higher test score will reflect favorably during the selection process. We recommend that all applicants study for the test and put forth their best effort.

What is on the Aptitude Test?

  • Developed by GAN Human Resources, the GAN Aptitude Test was created to assess basic math, reading, and spatial skills. The test was developed based on a job analysis of the skills and abilities required for performance in school and on the job. The test consists of five areas; Reading, Numerical Computation, Numerical Reasoning, Paper Folding and Mechanical Reasoning.
    SAMPLE QUESTIONS
    SAMPLE QUESTIONS with answers highlighted

How can I study for the aptitude test?

  • Each applicant will be emailed a link to a FREE digital GAN Aptitude Test Study Guide. We strongly encourage all applicants to study for the test.
    Additionally, in-person FREE test prep courses will be offered to applicants. Information about the prep courses will be emailed to applicants after their application is submitted.

Will there be a dexterity component to the test?

  • There is no dexterity or pegboard component to the GAN Aptitude Test.

When will the testing be done?

  • Aptitude Tests will be scheduled in March or April 2025. Each applicant will be emailed their test date, test time and additional information. The 3-hour test will be conducted in-person at the JATC, 194 Freeport Street, Dorchester, MA 02122.

How is the new aptitude test different from the previous test?

  • The new aptitude test is very similar to the previous aptitude test, however, there will no longer be a minimum score required to be considered for the program. Instead, aptitude test scores will be considered as part of the selection process and higher test scores will reflect favorably. The JATC encourages all applicants to study for the test and put forth their best effort.
    Each applicant will be emailed a link to a free digital GAN Aptitude Test Study Guide and information about the prep courses will be emailed to applicants after their application is submitted.

When will the test prep classes be conducted?

  • Test Prep classes will be held in-person at the JATC, 194 Freeport Street, Dorchester, MA 02122. Dates of the prep classes and additional information will be emailed to applicants after their application is submitted.

What is the applicant timeline from start to finish?

  • Candidates who apply in January 2025 and are accepted, are projected to begin work in July or August 2025. These dates are subject to change.

Will there be an interview?

  • In lieu of in-person interviews, applicants will be required to complete a Personal Experience Form (PEF), which will be thoroughly reviewed and evaluated by GAN Human Resources. The PEF is an opportunity for each candidate to provide details about their educational and work experience, along with uploading recommendation letters and transcripts. It is a mandatory part of the application process. Without submission of a PEF, you would not be considered for the program. The JATC strongly encourages all applicants to invest ample time and consideration when submitting their PEF. Click here for PEF Preparation Info

When will I start?

  • If you are selected as an apprentice you can expect to begin working for a Local 103, IBEW signatory contractor in July or August and school will begin in September. For example, someone applying in January 2025 will likely begin work in July or August 2025 and school in September 2025. These dates are subject to change.

What kind of work will I be doing?

Will I have to find my own job?

  • If you are selected as an apprentice the JATC will assign you for employment with a Local 103 IBEW signatory contractor.

If I have previous experience do I have to do all five years of the apprenticeship?

  • We don’t offer advanced placement in the program regardless of previous work of school experience.

How much will the program cost me?

  • There is no tuition. Applicants must pay the application fee and apprentices are required to purchase books and pay apprentice fees each year. Books and fees are approximately $1,200 per apprentice, per year.

Will I have to pay union dues?

  • Union membership is between the member and IBEW Local 103. If you are selected as an apprentice, you will begin paying union dues and scheduled for initiation into membership. The link to their website and contact information can be found here: the103advantage.com

Will I have to pay for my health insurance?

  • Health care costs are paid for by contributions the employers make as part of your hourly package that also includes an annuity and a local pension. For more information visit Local 103’s Trust Funds Office website at www.trustfunds103.com

What is the difference between Telecommunications and Electrical work?

  • Please read the descriptions of both trades below.
    • Telecommunications Job Description
      • This apprenticeship leads to the Systems Technician “D” license. Technicians install, maintain, replace and repair electrical systems and equipment of under 100 volt-amperes, including protective signaling systems (fire alarm, nurse call, security), communications systems (data telecommunications, intercom and paging) and specialized control systems (HVAC, medical, boiler, clock and instrumentation). Technicians complete Cisco & CompTIA certifications to provide the skills and knowledge to install and maintain Network Hardware/Software/Data/Voice/Wireless/Security, Physical Security (Surveillance/Access Control/Forensic), IoT – Internet of Things (Sensors/Controls/Automation), and Audio-Visual Systems.
    • Telecommunications Working Conditions
      • Systems Technicians work indoors and outdoors. The work requires standing, bending and reaching in cold and wet conditions, and working either in confined crawl spaces or at heights. Tools used include: electrical metering devices, cable pulling devices, electrical hand tools, soldering tools, hammers, drills and side cutters.
    • Inside Wireman (Electrician) Job Description
      • This apprenticeship leads to the Journeyman Electrician ”B” license. Inside wiremen perform electrical installations, construction, maintenance, repair and service. They work on electrical construction projects ranging from single-family residences, high rise commercial projects to state-of-the-art industrial projects. They install conduits and wire lighting, switches, converters, and complex electrical systems.
    • Inside Wireman (Electrician) Working Conditions
      • Electricians work outside in the mud, dirt, cold, sun, rain and snow; inside and climate-controlled modern offices; and in clean rooms in hospitals and manufacturing plants. The work requires standing, bending, crawling, lifting, climbing, pulling and reaching and working in cramped spaces or on ladders and scaffolding. Hazards include falling, electric shocks, burns and falling objects.

APPRENTICESHIP OVERVIEW

The Greater Boston JATC Training Program offers the following apprenticeships, both designed to shape apprentices into well-rounded electricians or technicians, expert in the complete scope of their chosen field:
  • Five-year Electrical Apprenticeship Program
  • Five-year Telecommunications Program

Over the course of the five-year Electrical Construction Program, apprentices undergo 10,000 hours of on-the-job training with experienced journeypersons, plus 1,000 hours of intensive classroom instruction with qualified instructors. Through this rigorous training, Electrical Construction apprentices leave the program knowledgeable in the full scope of their field. In the five-year Telecommunications Program, apprentices complete over 1,000 hours of classroom instruction and 10,000 hours of on-the-job training before graduating as fully-qualified and certified technicians/installers.

How the apprenticeship program works

As an apprentice electrician or technician enrolled in the Greater Boston JATC Training Program, you work during the day on actual job sites where experienced journeypersons teach you the trade. One day per week, you attend classes in the cutting-edge classrooms and state-of-the-art laboratories of the Greater Boston JATC Training Center. This apprenticeship system enables you to receive full-time pay while gaining the experience and skills necessary to succeed as an electrician or technician.

Benefits of becoming an apprentice in the Greater Boston JATC

The Greater Boston JATC Apprenticeship Program offers a full range of benefits, from the financial to the personal:

  • Unlimited advancement opportunities
  • Membership in a community that takes pride in its work and supports its members
  • The opportunity to work alongside seasoned professionals
  • The chance to work on the most exciting, important projects in Boston
  • Work that challenges mind and body
  • Respect and recognition
  • Healthy, cooperative workplace
  • State-of-the-art, paid training
  • Fair treatment and safe working conditions
  • Job security
  • Great benefits such as comprehensive health insurance and pension plans
  • Excellent wages

Apprentice Tool Lists

The ability to use and manipulate the following tools, or other similar tools which may be required to perform electrical work is necessary for the apprenticeship program:

Electrical Tool List
Telecomm Tool List

APPRENTICESHIP RESOURCES

Guide to Becoming a Union Trade Apprentice In Massachusetts: Union Trade Apprentice Guide

Building Pathways: https://buildingpathwaysma.org/

Build A Life: https://buildalifema.org/

PGTI – The Policy Group on Tradeswomen’s Issues: https://policygroupontradeswomen.org/

Community Mentoring Team – https://www.communitymentoringteam.org/