Houston Electrical JATC

Students in the Houston Electrical JATC program benefit from on-the-job training during the day, where they work full-time under licensed journeymen electricians with sponsoring contractors. In the evenings, participants attend one four-hour class per week for 39 weeks per year. The combination of practical work experience and classroom instruction helps ensure that graduates are well-prepared for the demands of the industry. The program covers a range of skills, from conduit bending and wiring systems to advanced electrical theory and safety practices, all of which are necessary for a successful career as a journeyman electrician.

The Houston Electrical JATC program is designed to be flexible for working students. Apprentices work 40-hour weeks while attending evening classes from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM once a week. The five-year program includes a minimum of 8,000 hours of supervised on-the-job training and 576 hours of classroom instruction. Topics covered include electrical theory, safety protocols, grounding, controls, and communication equipment. The program emphasizes hands-on learning, ensuring that students gain practical experience in real-world scenarios.

Though the program is not fully online, its hands-on training component is a critical aspect of the learning process. While students cannot attend remotely, they benefit from in-person mentorship and practical job site experiences, something difficult to replicate in an online-only format.

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To apply, students must meet a few key requirements:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Hold a high school diploma or GED
• Show proof of completing one year of high school algebra
• Obtain a State of Texas Apprentice Electrician license Applicants must attend an in-person interview with a contractor and meet the Houston JATC’s criteria for acceptance. There is also a $25 application fee.

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The full program takes five years to complete and costs approximately $6,880. This fee covers the classroom portion, but the on-the-job training offers paid employment, which helps offset the educational costs. Apprentices are paid a percentage of a journeyman electrician’s salary, with wage increases as they progress through the program.

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One of the standout features of the Houston Electrical JATC program is its strong job placement support. The program partners with numerous contractors in the Houston area, ensuring apprentices have ample opportunities for employment both during and after the apprenticeship. Upon successful completion of the program, graduates are well-prepared to pass the Texas journeyman electrician licensing exam. Additionally, the program allows apprentices to earn up to 50 college credits through the American Council on Education (ACE), opening doors for further education.

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The instructors at the Houston Electrical JATC are experienced professionals from NECA and IBEW. Many of them are practicing electricians or contractors, bringing valuable real-world experience to the classroom. This ensures that students receive not only theoretical knowledge but also practical insights that are immediately applicable in their work.

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Apprentices in the Houston JATC program enjoy several financial and professional benefits, including health insurance coverage for themselves and their families. The program is also recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor, making it eligible for various financial aid options, including VA benefits for veterans. While the program itself doesn’t offer scholarships, the potential for funding through employers or government programs makes it an affordable option for most students.

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