About the Electrical Trade and Apprenticeship

The electrical trade requires skill, judgment, and personal responsibility. Electricians are trained professionals who install and maintain systems that must work safely, reliably, and correctly — often in environments where mistakes can be costly or dangerous.

Terms such as Journeyman, Journeyman Wireman, and Craftsmanship are used to describe a recognized level of competency in the trade and apply equally to all individuals.

A Trade Built on Skill and Knowledge

The science of electricity continues to evolve as technology advances. Modern electrical work includes traditional power systems as well as controls, communications, computers, and fiber optics.

Because of this, apprentices must receive:

• Strong foundational training in the electrical trade

• Ongoing instruction in electrical theory

• Exposure to current and emerging technologies

Electrical work is both hands-on and technical, requiring problem-solving, attention to detail, and the ability to apply knowledge in real-world situations.

Responsibility and Craftsmanship

Electrical workers are often required to make decisions on the job that affect safety, performance, and long-term reliability. While supervision is provided, electricians must consistently apply proper methods and professional judgment.

Much of an electrician’s work is hidden once a project is complete. Poor workmanship can lead to serious hazards or costly failures. Well-trained electricians take pride in:

• The appearance of their work

• Its technical accuracy

• Its long-term safety and reliability

Who Oversees Training

The Cleveland Electrical Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (CEJATC) is a nonprofit organization jointly sponsored by International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 38 and the National Electrical Contractors Association – Greater Cleveland Chapter.

CEJATC exists to provide high-quality apprenticeship training through a structured combination of classroom instruction and on-the-job training. Quality training is a shared priority of both labor and management.

The program follows nationally recognized apprenticeship standards and curricula to serve the best interests of:

• Apprentices

• Contractors

• The electrical industry

• Customers and the public

What Electricians Do

Electrical construction work includes:

• New construction

• Renovation and remodeling

• Maintenance and repair

While job sites and tasks vary, a properly designed training program prepares electricians for this full range of work.

Electricians may install, assemble, test, troubleshoot, and maintain:

• Electrical wiring and raceway systems

• Lighting and power systems

• Heating, cooling, and control systems

• Communication, data, and fiber-optic systems

The trade requires both mental and physical ability. Good math and reading skills are important, and the work can involve lifting materials, climbing ladders or scaffolding, and working in active job-site environments.

The CEJATC Apprenticeship Program

The Electrical Construction Apprenticeship Program administered by Cleveland Electrical Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee is a five-year program that combines:

• On-the-job training with signatory contractors

• Related classroom instruction at the IBEW/NECA Training Center in Valley View, Ohio

The program is registered with the U.S. Department of Labor and the Ohio State Apprenticeship Council and is affiliated with the National Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee for the Electrical Industry.

Program Structure and Pay Progression

The five-year apprenticeship is divided into ten periods. Advancement — including pay increases — is based on:

• Required on-the-job training hours

• Job performance

• Successful completion of classroom instruction

Apprentice wages are set as a percentage of the journey-level wage and increase as each period is completed. A comprehensive benefits package, including healthcare and pension, begins once eligibility requirements are met.

Training, Education, and Completion

By the time an apprentice completes the program, they will have earned:

• A minimum of 8,000 hours of on-the-job training

• 720 hours of related classroom instruction

Apprentices are concurrently enrolled in an associate-level technical studies program, earning college credit along the way.

Graduates receive:

• A Certificate of Completion of Apprenticeship from the State of Ohio

• Recognition as a Journeyperson Electrician

Selection Process

Selection into the apprenticeship is competitive and includes:

1. Completing the application process

2. Achieving a qualifying score on the aptitude test

3. Participating in an interview

4. Placement on an eligibility list

Applicants who qualify remain on the eligibility list for up to two years. Selected applicants must meet program requirements and are then assigned to contractors for on-the-job training while attending scheduled classroom instruction.