Celebrating 76 Years as.... - Apprenticeship Info

Bay City Joint Electrical Apprenticeship & Training Committee (BCJEATC)

The finest electrical workers in the country receive their training through the National Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee of National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) and International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW).

It's a model education partnership which produces the best-trained, most up-to-date electrical apprentices and journeymen in the country. All of the $100 million annually spent is privately funded.

The NJATC was created over 58 years ago and has developed into what perhaps is the largest apprenticeship and training program of its kind. Local programs affiliated with the NJATC have trained over 300,000 apprentices to journeyman status without cost to the taxpayers. This joint program between the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) has clearly demonstrated the most cost effective way to train qualified craft workers.

Those in NJATC training programs are not a burden to the taxpayers for they are earning while they are learning. Each year, participants in the NJATC programs pay in excess of six hundred million dollars in taxes. This is truly a model program as it takes little to nothing from the taxpayers while training some of the most productive workers in the world who thereby pay tremendous dollars to the country. Skill, Knowledge and Attitude are the main focus in all of the NJATC's training programs.

Mission of the NJATC

The mission of the National Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee is to develop and standardize training to educate the members of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and the National Electrical Contractors Association; insuring and providing the Electrical Construction Industry with the most highly trained and highly skilled workforce possible.

About - NECA, IBEW, & NJATC

The NJATC developed uniform standards that are adopted and used nationwide to select and train literally thousands of qualified men and women. Through the NJATC, the IBEW and NECA have hundreds of local programs offering apprenticeship and training in the following areas:

Residential Wireman
Journeyman Lineman
Journeyman Tree Trimmer
Journeyman Inside Wireman
Telecommunication VDV Installer-Technician

International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW)
The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers is the largest electrical union in the world. The IBEW represents workers' rights in all areas of the electrical industry.

The National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA)
The National Electrical Contractors Association is the management association for electrical contractors. NECA represents thousands of employers who guarantee their installations and perform quality work on time and on budget. NECA electrical contractors satisfy their customers by doing the job right the first time.

Our goal is to provide the highest quality training to those interested in a career in the various fields within the electrical industry. We offer the following apprenticeships:

(Note: We do not offer the Outside Lineman apprenticeship)

In addition to receiving skill training on the job, our apprentices are provided trade related classroom training that produces competency and pride that lead to true craftsmanship.

What Do Electrical Workers Do?

There are four specialty areas where you will find electrical workers. These four areas are best described by the type of work done in each of those areas.

Inside Wireman are electrical workers who install the power, lighting, controls and other electrical equipment in commercial and industrial buildings. (This is a 5 year program)
Residential Wiremen are electrical workers who specialize in installing all of the electrical systems in single-family and multi-family houses or dwellings. (This is a 3 year program)

VDV Installer Technicians are electrical workers who install circuits and equipment for telephones, computer networks, video distribution systems, security and access control systems and other low voltage systems. (This is a 3 year program)

Outside Linemen are the electrical workers who install the distribution and transmission lines, that move power from power plant to a factory, a business, or your home. (NOTE: BCJEATC Does Not offer this apprenticeship)

How Can I Become An Apprentice?

Each of the four types of electrical work share common skills and knowledge. Each also has other skills and knowledge, which are specific to that particular area of work. Because of these differences, each type of work has a different apprenticeship program associated with it. Basic requirements for becoming an apprentice in any of our programs are similar, however. The following requirements are for individuals applying to be accepted into an Apprenticeship Training Program.

Minimum age 18*
High School Education or GED or have a two-year Associate Degree or higher.
Provide an official transcript for high school and post high school education and training. All GED records must be submitted if applicable.
Submit a DD-214 to verify military training and/or experience if you are a veteran and wish to receive consideration for such training/experience.
Qualifying Score on an Apptitude Test (Electrical Trades Apptitude Test developed and validated by the American Institutes for Research)
Present evidence that you posess a valid driver's license.

Note 1 Individuals applying for the Inside Apprenticeship who can verify (proper documentation required) that they have worked a minimum of four thousand (4,000) hours specifically in the electrical construction trade, will qualify for an oral interview.
Note 2 Individuals applying for the Residential Apprenticeship who can verify (proper documentation required) that they have worked a minimum of two thousand four hundered (2,400) hours specifically in the residential electrical construction trade, will qualify for an oral interview.

* School-To-Registered-Apprenticeship (available only for the Residential program) participants are required to be a minimum of 16 years of age and have completed their Junior year (11th grade) of high school and must have obtained a qualifying score.To learn more about the STRA program contact your guidence councilor or click here.

All Applications must be made in person at the BCJEATC Training Center located at 1206 West Thomas Street in Bay City Michigan on the third Wednesday of each month from 8:00am - 5:00pm (closed noon to 1:00pm).

Applications must be filled out in person. There is a $20.00 application fee.

How to Apply & Sample Test

Dec 07, 2007

Home Page

The Application Process
To apply for any of the electrical apprenticeship programs, you must first complete an application form.

Applications are accepted on the 3rd Wednesday of each month. You must apply in person at the BCJEATC office between the hours of (8:00am and 5:00pm) Closed (Noon - 1:00pm).

Your application will be evaluated to determine whether or not you meet the local program’s basic requirements. Minimum requirements for local JATCs may include any of the following:

Minimum age requirement
High School Education or GED or have a two-year Associate Degree or higher.
Pay an application fee ($20.00)
Provide an official transcript for high school and post high school education and training. All GED records must be submitted if applicable.
Submit a DD-214 to verify military training and/or experience if you are a veteran and wish to receive consideration for such training/experience.
Present evidence that you posess a valid driver's license.

Minimum requirements can be waived if you have been working in the electrical construction industry and meet specific work hour requirements (you must provide undisputable documentation of work hour experience).
If you meet the basic requirements, you will be scheduled to take the NJATC aptitude test battery — if required. The test battery consists of two tests. It will take approximately two and a half hours to complete. The number of items and the amount of time allotted for each test are shown on the following page.

Name of Test	Number of Items	Number of Minutes
Algebra and Functions	33	46
Reading Comprehension	36	51

You will take a short break between the Algebra and Functions Test and the Reading Comprehension Test.
Approximately two to four weeks after you take the test battery, your local JATC will receive the results. They will subsequently notify you concerning the disposition of your application. A full six (6) months must elapse before you may retake the test. The six month rule remains in effect after each subsequent retake of the test.
PLEASE NOTE: WILLFUL ATTEMPTS TO VIOLATE THIS RULE MAY RESULT IN PERMANENT DISQUALIFICATION.
If you obtain a qualifying score on the test battery, you will be scheduled for an oral interview. You will be interviewed by a committee representing both NECA and the IBEW. Based on the interview, and a review of your qualifications, you will receive an overall ranking. Your name will be placed on an eligibility list for two (2) years. As new positions become available in the apprenticeship program, names will be taken off the respective eligibility list in order of the ranking score. If you are not selected to begin an apprenticeship during that two-year period, you will need to reapply if you are still interested.
Some apprenticeship programs have additional basic
requirements such as drug testing, a physical examination, security background check, or a valid driver’s license.

A Note to Those with Disabilities
We recognize and comply with our obligations under the Americans with Disabilities Act to not discriminate against qualified persons with disabilities.
If you are a person with a physical or mental impairment (including learning disabilities) that you believe may affect your ability to complete any aspect of the application process (including testing), and if you need an accommodation to ensure that the test battery accurately measures your skills and abilities, you must notify the AJATC/JATC before, or as soon as you are scheduled to take the NJATC aptitude test battery.
Accommodation requests given on the test day CANNOT be addressed that day. In most cases, you will need to provide:

Documentation of your disability, and
Documentation of the need for a particular accommodation.
Your request will be considered promptly.

Questions and Answers

If I do not score well on the tests, can I take them again?

Yes, you may take the test battery again after a period of six (6) months has elapsed from your most recent test date.

Are there any penalties for guessing on the tests?

No, there are no penalties for guessing. Your score will be based on the number of items you answer correctly.

Should I work as fast as l can when taking the tests?

Most applicants will find they have plenty of time to complete each of the tests without rushing. You should work steadily and carefully. Do not spend too much time on any one question.

Should I study to do better on the tests?

You should review the sample questions in this booklet. If you find that certain types of questions are difficult for you, you can review material that is similar to those questions. However, there is no need to memorize certain formulas or factual material in order to do well on the tests. Previous knowledge of electrical work is not required.

Will I receive a report of my score?

You will be informed whether or not you have received a qualifying score. Exact scores are not provided.

What if I become ill or have an emergency on the day of the test?

If you are unable to attend the test session for which you are scheduled, you should contact the local Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee to see if you can take the tests at another time. Rescheduling is not guaranteed.

What should I bring on the day of the test?

Remember to bring a photo ID to the test session. Pencils and all other materials will be provided. You will not be able to use a calculator for the tests.

If I have to leave before I finish all of the tests, can I complete the tests another day?

No. If you do not complete all of the tests, your score will be based on the questions you do complete. The tests must be completed during your test session. You cannot finish the tests on another day. You will not be able to reschedule to take the tests again for a minimum of six (6) months.

Reminders for Applicants

For optimal test performance, get a good night’s rest and eat a nutritious meal prior to taking the tests
Report to the test center early. It is a good idea to arrive at the test center at least 15 minutes before the scheduled testing time.
On your scheduled test day, remember to bring a photo ID with you to the testing center. Your ID will be checked before you will be allowed to take the tests. No ID, No Test, No Exceptions!
Do not bring a calculator. If you bring a watch with a built- in calculator, you will be asked to remove it during the test session.
Plan on spending approximately 3 hours at the test center on your scheduled test day.
Be sure to make arrangements for childcare ahead of time. Children will not be allowed at the test center.
Do not attempt to retake the test battery for six (6) months after your last test date. If you retest before the six (6) month period has elapsed, your score will not be valid and you will not be allowed to retest for another six (6) months. Please take this warning seriously. This is YOUR responsibility.
Make arrangements with the JATC before you report for testing if you will need special accommodations during the testing procedure.

For Your Information:
These tests are validated for use by sponsors of IBEW/NECA electrical apprenticeship programs. They have been developed to assist in the selection of apprentices for the respective apprenticeship programs.

The fact that an applicant is not scheduled for an oral interview, as a result of this test battery, does not speak for the applicant’s ability, or lack thereof, to be most successful in many other occupations. This test was specifically developed to assist our program sponsors, helping them to select those who are most likely to succeed in our
apprenticeship programs.

Many apprenticeship programs receive large numbers of applicants - four, five, six or more times the number of new apprenticeship openings (as defined by the limited number of job and training opportunities being available at a given time). The validated testing instrument is a tool to assist in the selection of the very best applicants that have an aptitude matching the specified job performance requirements. In this way, the number of applicants brought to the interview table is based upon objective, equitable, job-related criteria.

Instructions for the Sample Test
As part of the selection process, you may be required to take an aptitude test battery designed to determine whether you possess the abilities that will help you succeed within the electrical construction industry. The following pages provide a description of each of the tests and some sample test questions. These questions are similar to those on the actual tests, allowing you to know what to expect on the day of your test session.

You may use these items as a sample test and then check your answers with the key that appears on the bottom of this page.

You should read the sample questions on each test carefully and then examine each of the responses. Only one answer is correct for each question.

If you find some of the sample items to be difficult for you, you may want to review material that is similar to the sample items.

Sample Algebra and Functions
This is a test of your ability to solve problems using algebra. There are three (3) sample questions.

1. Consider the following formula: A = B + 3 ( 4 - C )
If B equals 5 and C equals 2, what is the value of A?

A.7
B.11
C.12
D.17

2. Consider the following formula: y = 3 ( x + 5 ) ( x - 2 )
Which of the following formulas is equivalent to this one?

A. y=3x2+9x-30
B. y=x2+3x-lO
C. y=3x2+3x-lO
D. y=3x2+3x-30

3. Consider the following pattern of numbers: 110, 112, 107, 109, 104
What is the next number in the pattern?

A. 97
B. 99
C. 106
D.109

4. Consider the following formula: a = 1/2 b - 4
Which of the following statements is true for this formula?

A. When the value of b is less than 8, a is negative.
B. When the value of b is greater than 8, a is negative.
C. When the value of b is less than 8, a is positive.
D. When the value of b is greater than 4, a is positive.

5. Consider the following table:

	X	Y
	0	-5
	1	-4
	2	-3
	3	-2
	4	-1
	5	0
	6	1

Which of the following choices represents the same relationship as demonstrated in this table?

A.	X	Y
	10	-40
	20	-30
	30	-20
	40	-10

B. Y = x/2 - 5

C. Y is equivalent to the difference between the value of X and a constant C, where C equals 5.

D.	Y
		-20 -19 -18 -17 -16 -15 -14 -13 -12 -11 -10
		X

Sample Reading Comprehension
This test measures your ability to obtain information from written passages. You will be presented with a passage followed by a number of questions about it. A sample passage is shown below, followed by three sample questions. This passage is shorter than those on the actual test.

Passage
The timing of New Year’s Day has changed with customs and calendars. The Mayan civilization, on what is now called the Yucatan peninsula of Mexico, celebrated the New Year on one of the two days when the noonday sun is directly overhead. In the equatorial regions of the earth, between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn, the sun is in this position twice a year, once on its passage southward, and once on its passage northward. At the early Mayan city of Izapa in the southern Yucatan, the overhead date for the sun on its southward passage was August 13. The Mayans celebrated this as the date for the beginning of the New Year. Later at the more northerly Mayan site at Edzna, the corresponding overhead date is July 26. Analyses of Mayan pictorial calendars indicate that they celebrated the New Year on August 13 prior to 150 AD, and on July 26 after that year. This change has been explained by archaeological dating showing that 150 AD was the time that the Mayans moved the hub of their civilization from the southern to the northern site.

6. According to the passage, the sun at Edzna was directly overhead at noon on:

A. July 26 only
B. August 13 only
C. July 26 and one other date
D. August 13 and one other date

7. If the Mayans had moved their civilization’s center south of Izapa, their new date for celebration of the New Year would probably have been closest to which of the following dates?

A. January 1
B. February 20
C. March 25
D. September 15

8. Based on the information in the passage, which of the following statements is true?

A. Mayans made Edzna the capital because it was more temperate than Izapa.
B. All Mayans moved to Edzna in 150 AD.
C. Mayans used calendars to mark the passage of time.
D. The Mayan city of Izapa was destroyed in 150 AD.

Sample Test Answer Key
Algebra and Functions
1. B
2. A
3. C
4. A
5. C

Reading Comprehension
6. C
7. D
8. C

Page Last Updated: Feb 27, 2009 (06:20:00)