The following is a step by step guide designed to help you understand the Step Up program and, if you’re interested, lead you through the process of application and into the program itself.
What It Is
- The Step Up program is best thought of as a trial electrical apprenticeship program for DC residents. It lasts for 12 months with a possible 6 month extension if the participant takes a few training courses.
- It is registered with DC, allowing it’s participants to work on prevailing wage jobs at the current apprentice rate of pay ($24.98).
- It supplies workers to jobs where the employer is contractually required to employ a certain percentage of DC residents.
- It is a way for workers to gain experience and earn letters of recommendation while applying for the main Inside Wireman A Apprenticeship.
Requirements for Application
- Must be a DC resident.
- Never worked for an IBEW Local 26 signatory electrical contractor.
- Must be legally allowed to work in the United States.
- Must complete the Inside Wireman A Apprenticeship application.
- Must take an aptitude test. (You do not need to pass the test to begin the Step Up program but you do to be interviewed for the Inside Wireman A Apprenticeship).
- Must pass a background check and drug screening. (Marijuana included).
- Must be 18 years old to start working. (You can begin the application process earlier.)
How to Apply
- Complete an Inside Wireman A Apprenticeship application. Click the following link for access to the application and the instructions to complete it: https://www.jatc26.org/applications/inside-wireman-a-apprentice/ (Make sure you pay attention to Step 3 of the instructions and have your school directly send us a copy of your transcripts).
- When you have received confirmation that both your online portion of the application is complete and that your school has emailed us your transcripts, email apply@jatc26.org and tell us the following: 1) You received an email stating that your application is complete. 2) Your school has transmitted your transcripts. And 3) You are a DC resident interested in the Step Up program.
What Happens Next
- We will schedule you for an aptitude test. This may be with the main body of apprenticeship applicants or, if the contractors are short manpower and need us to speed up the process, on an individual basis.
- We will have your background check run.
- We will have you come in for your drug screening.
- We will work with our contractors to find you a job.
What to do After You Begin the Step Up Program
- Go to work every day on time. Absenteeism is the number one reason why people are removed from the program. If you are going to be late or miss time, let your foreman know as soon as possible. Understand however that even if you tell the foreman ahead of time, it does not necessarily mean it will be excused.
- Continue with your application to the Inside Wireman A Apprenticeship program. If you failed the aptitude test, wait until it has been three months since you took it last and re-apply. Make sure you study. The following is one source for help: https://www.iprep.online/courses/njatc-aptitude-test-free/
- Take the Step Up training classes listed below:
- CPR/First aid/OSHA 10 – These are in person classes. To register, visit your TradeSchool account, click on “Class Schedule”, then “Safety Classes” on the left. Find dates that work for your schedule but DO NOT ENROLL. Note the class number listed on the left side of the header. Send an email to rlilley@jatc26.org and mmiller@jatc26.org letting us know that you are a Step Up interested in that class number. Make sure the email includes your name and last four of your social. (If you have a current certification in these safety courses, provide us a copy of your card(s) and we may be able to credit you.)
- CML Math and CML Conduit – These are computer based courses with a final, in person exam. The JATC will enroll you in these classes and send you an email with instructions on how to access them the month following your enrollment in the Step Up program.