FAQ

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

You’ve got questions? We’ve got answers. Interested in becoming an Inside Wireman? Check out our
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) below for more info.

General Information
Application Process
Aptitude Test
Oral Interview
Selection & Orientation

General Information

What is the Inside Wireman Apprenticeship Program?

∙It is a 5-year systematic program of learning. Apprentices can obtain all the necessary knowledge and skills to become a Journeyman Inside Wireman. 
 
∙8000 Hours of On-The Job Training. Apprentices train to proficiency in all skills required to install, maintain, and troubleshoot various systems associated with electrical installations. 
 
∙900 Hours of Related Supplemental instruction (minimum) – Apprentices will study theories 
relating to all job tasks important to the trade. Classroom, hands-on lab, and online training help 
to reinforce skills learned while doing on-the-job training. 

What type of work does an Inside Wireman Apprentice do?

Inside Wiremen, among other things, install and maintain all electrical conduits, wires, cables, 
motor controls and panelboards found in commercial and industrial facilities. 

What is it like to be a NECA/IBEW electrician?

Picture yourself driving through the Valley and pointing out the important projects you’ve helped build — projects like the Lodi Energy Center, Delta Water Supply Project, Stockton Arena and Ball Park, The San Joaquin Administration Building, DTE Energy Center, Saint Josephs Medical Center, Lodi Memorial Hospital, or telling your child “I built your school”. Imagine being part of the Electric Team that San Joaquin and Calaveras Counties have relied on for building their infrastructure for over a hundred years.

What are the benefits of an IBEW/NECA Union Electrical Apprenticeship?

Apprenticeship requires a signed agreement between you and the IBEW-NECA, which ensures quality training both on the job and in the classroom. As an apprentice you literally earn while you learn. As you advance through your training you will receive predetermined pay increases.

  • Benefits also include:
  • Safer working conditions
  • Learn while you earn
  • Pride and dignity
  • Excellent wages
  • Health and pension benefits
  • State-of-the-art training

I would like additional information on what the Apprenticeship program is about.

Our website is the best place to learn about the Inside Wireman Apprenticeship program. If you still have questions, contact us by calling (209) 462-0751 or emailing info@sjeti.org

Where is the program offered?

Our Training Center is located at 1531 El Pinal Dr. Stockton, CA 95205. The jurisdiction for our job sites covers San Joaquin and Calaveras Counties. 

Is the Apprenticeship full-time or part-time?

As an Apprentice, you will be working full-time, completing your on-the-job training and related 
supplemental instruction. 

Application Process & Requirements

How long does the application process take?

The application itself does not take very long. However, acceptance into the apprenticeship 
program is competitive and can, at times, have a lengthy backlog of applicants. Although prior 
experience in the electrical construction industry may be beneficial, the backlog for scheduling 
the mandatory Aptitude Testing and Interview can be many months in duration and qualified 
applicants are hired on an as need basis. 

What are the steps of the application process?

Where and when can I apply?

Applicants Must Apply In Person. The application can be filled out prior to, or upon arrival. Applications are accepted on the Third (3rd) Wednesday of each month, between 1 & 4 PM, at 1531 El Pinal Dr. Stockton, CA 95205

What is required for application?

∙Proof of graduation – Diploma, GED, Associates or Bachelors Degree (Photo Copy) 
∙Transcripts showing a grade of “C” or higher in Algebra. Two (2) semesters if High School, one (1) 
semester if College. 
∙DMV Driver History Report

What do I need to fulfill the algebra requirement?

∙Show evidence of successful completion of one full year (2 semesters) of High School Algebra or 
one semester of College Algebra with a minimum grade of “C” or equivalent or provide evidence 
of having successfully completed the Electrical Training ALLIANCE Tech Math Course (available 
online at http://www.electricaltrainingalliance.org/Learning/OnlineTechMath) 
∙Pre-Algebra, Statistics, Calculus, etc. do not meet this requirement. 

What if my transcripts indicate that I completed a Math course but does not state Algebra? (Ex. Math A or Math 1)

∙Your transcripts must indicate that you completed an algebra course. If your transcripts specify 
that you completed a Math course, you must provide an additional letter from the school stating 
the description of the Math course. The description must specify that the Math course consisted 
of Algebra 1. 
∙Pre-Algebra does not meet this requirement. 

Will my Bachelor’s Degree fulfill the algebra requirement?

No. An Associates, Bachelors, or Master’s degree will only qualify for the diploma requirement. 
You must submit Official Transcripts from the school where you completed the algebra course to 
fulfill the algebra requirement.

What If I don’t have the algebra requirement?

One option is to enroll at your local college and complete an Algebra course. Or the second option is to complete the Electrical Training ALLIANCE Tech Math Course (available online at http://www.electricaltrainingalliance.org/Learning/OnlineTechMath)

What if I don’t have official sealed transcripts?

Only official sealed transcripts are accepted. Copies are not accepted and will not fulfill the requirement. 

What if I have electrical construction industry experience?

Individuals who have accumulated a minimum of four thousand (4,000) hours of electrical construction work experience must provide the JATC with the proper documentation that defines their prior experience and must be comprised of official documents such as payroll records or notarized statements and a summary of hours. The JATC will examine all documentation submitted before qualification is acknowledged. 

What’s next after I submit 4,000 hours of experience?

Upon submission of industry related experience, your qualifying hours may allow you to proceed to interview without passing the aptitude test. 

I have a lot of experience and would like to bypass the Apprenticeship Program and become a Union Journeyman Inside Wireman.

Contact IBEW Local 595 at (209) 462-0751 to inquire about joining the Union.

What if I have a learning disability?

Please notify the JATC prior to being scheduled for the aptitude test. Reasonable 
accommodation will be made if warranted. 



Do I need a driver's license when I apply?

Yes, you will need a valid driver’s license when applying. 

What does the JATC consider as an official transcript?

We require your transcript to have a school stamped official transcript on the outside of the 
envelope and never been opened.

Aptitude Test

What’s next after meeting all minimum requirements?

You will be scheduled to take the aptitude test battery. Once an aptitude test battery date has been established, you will be notified of the time, date, and location by mail.

How often are aptitude tests scheduled?

Aptitude tests are scheduled as needed.

What does the aptitude test consist of?

The aptitude test consists of reading comprehension and algebra.

How can I prepare for the aptitude test?

∙ Any site that can prepare you for Algebra or Reading, such as khanacademy.org will be helpful for preparing for the aptitude test. ∙ Another site that can help prepare you is https://www.electricprep.com. ElectricPrep is sponsored by the NJATC to prepare applicants for entry into electrical apprenticeship

How long is the aptitude test?

Please plan on spending approximately 3 hours at the JATC Training Center on your scheduled test day.

What if I already tested?

∙ If you have already taken the aptitude test within the last year, please notify our office during application so we can obtain your score. If your score qualifies for our JATC, you will be moved to the next step in the application process: the oral interview.
∙ We will need to know the date and location of where you took the aptitude test.

What if I can't make it to the aptitude test?

You must provide written documentation (info@sjeti.org) stating why you won’t be able to attend. Please submit documents no later than 72 hours prior to your scheduled test date. You may be given a 1-time exception from the test based upon approval and re-scheduled for a later date. This will delay your application.

What if I am running late to the aptitude test?

Unfortunately, late arrivals will not be permitted into the test. You may be given a 1-time exception from the test based upon approval and re-scheduled for a later date. This will delay your application.

How will I be notified of my test result?

You will receive a letter within 2 weeks of taking your aptitude test.

What if I don’t pass the aptitude test?

If you don’t pass the aptitude test you must reapply and retake the aptitude test no sooner than six months later. You can only take the aptitude test once every six months.

Oral Interview and Ranking

What happens after I receive a mail stating that I passed the test?

You will be scheduled for an oral interview once an interview date has been established. You will receive an interview notification by email indicating the time, date, and location of your oral interview.

Can I interview again?

You may submit a request for an additional interview after one hundred eighty (180) days from your previous interview date. You must submit documentation as evidence that you have gained at least 1000 hours of electrical construction work experience or successfully completed two (2) or more post-secondary, trade-related classes, which you feel may enhance your chances for possible selection into the apprenticeship program. In order to obtain a re-interview, you must contact JATC and complete an official Applicant Re-Interview Request Form. The JATC shall review such a request to determine if another interview would be warranted based on the information submitted.

What happens after I interview?

You will receive a letter within 2 weeks of your interview date with your score.

How long will I be on the rank list?

• Your score is valid for up to one (1) year. Please keep in mind all ranked applicants may not be selected, and selections are not always made immediately following the interview. Very often, several months may pass before actual selections are made.

• If you have not been selected within one (1) year of your interview, you will need to reapply.

Selection and Orientation

How will I be notified if I have been selected?

Upon selection, you will be contacted by the phone number we have on file. Please always keep your contact information up to date with the JATC.

What happens after I accept the offer of Apprenticeship?

If you accept your offer of Apprenticeship, you will be provided with a drug screen requisition form and the time and date of your orientation at the San Joaquin Electrical Training Institute.

What if I cannot attend the scheduled orientation?

Unfortunately, your application will be closed as orientation is required for the day/date we provide you. We would move forward with the next candidate on the Rank list.

What is the cost of the program?or application?

There are no tuition or registration fees; however, you will be required to purchase your own hand tools in accordance with the apprentice tool list and school materials.

If selected, will I receive advanced placement if I submitted 4000 hours of experience?

Advanced placement is possible. You must request to have your experience assessed in writing in order to be scheduled for the skills assessment exam. This can only be requested by applicants who have prior formal classroom electrical experience. The Training Director will determine eligibility based on proof of completion of prior coursework

When are new classes brought in?

The needs of the electrical construction industry drive applicant selection. Therefore, registration dates for new Apprentices vary.

At the beginning of the next school year, which starts in early fall. Apprentices are notified by mail of their class dates and times.

Have additional questions?

Contact Us