COMMUNICATION APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM

The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local Union No. 134 and the Electrical Contractors' Association of the City of Chicago, sponsor through the Electrical Joint Apprenticeship and Training Trust, a Communications Apprenticeship Program in Cook County, Illinois. Communications Journeymen and Apprentices install and maintain structured wiring and electronic systems in the residential, commercial and industrial settings. The apprentice program is four years in duration, and is registered with the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training.  The program consists of on-the-job training provided by union electrical contractors, and related classroom instruction earning 54 college credit hours through Richard J. Daley College.

The apprenticeship program begins with eleven weeks of full-time classroom instruction.  All classes are held Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the IBEW-NECA Technical Institute, 6201 W. 115TH St., Alsip IL.  First year classes include Electronics, Construction Technology, Print Reading I, Technical Math I, and Structured Wiring Systems.  Upon successful completion of the eleven-week program, apprentices are assigned to work with a union electrical contractor for approximately nine months.  During this period the apprentice earns wages equal to 40% of Communication Journeymen (CJ) rate ($15.60), and after six months 45% of CJ rate ($17.55).

In the second year, apprentices are required to attend nine weeks of full-time classroom instruction at the IBEW-NECA Technical Institute.   The apprentices are paid a stipend to attend classes.  Included in the second year curriculum are Technical Math II, Print Reading II, Low Voltage Systems, Integrated Systems I, and Fiber Optics. Upon completion of the second year program, the apprentice is assigned to work for nine months.  During this period the apprentice earns wages equal to 50% of CJ rate ($19.50), and after six months 55% of CJ rate ($21.45).

The third year includes nine weeks of full-time classroom instruction at the IBEW-NECA Technical Institute.  The apprentice is paid a stipend to attend classes.  Classes include Computer Networking, Integrated Systems II, Communications Systems, and Communications Systems Verification.  Upon completion of the third year program the apprentice is assigned to work for another nine months. During this period the apprentice earns wages equal to 60% of CJ rate ($23.40), and after six months 70% of CJ rate ($27.30).

The fourth year of training consists of six evening seminars.  The seminars are focused on safety training, leadership, and other industry related topics.  During this period the fourth year apprentice earns wages equal to 80% of CJ rate ($31.20) and on the job, and after six months 90% of CJ rate ($35.10).  Upon successful completion of the fourth year the apprentice becomes a Communication Journeyman.  Current Communication Journeyman (CJ) rate is $39.00.  The program, wages, rates, and curriculum may be modified to meet the needs of the industry.

All apprentices who successfully complete the classes earn 54 credit hours through Richard J. Daley College toward an A.A.S. in Communications.  Twelve (12) hours of general education classes are required to complete the degree requirements. The general education classes may be taken at any time during or after the apprenticeship program.