IBEW NECA TECHNICAL INSTITUTE
The IBEW-NECA Technical Institute (IN-TECH) is the apprenticeship and education center for the members of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local Union 134. Founded in 1945 by the IBEW and Electrical Contractors' Association (ECA) of Chicago, IN-TECH, originally called the Electrical Joint Apprenticeship and Training Trust, has graduated thousands of apprentice electricians since its inception.
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Apprentice Programs
Residential Construction
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 Residential Apprenticeship Program in Cook County, Illinois. Residential electricians assemble, install, maintain, and test electrical equipment and wiring systems in residential 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.
The apprenticeship program begins with a four-week orientation program. The orientation program is held Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the IBEW-NECA Technical Institute, 6201 West 115th St., Alsip, IL. First year classes continue two nights per week for nine months. Classes include Residential Math I, Residential Print Reading I, Electrical Circuitry, and Conduit Bending I. Upon successful completion of the four-week program, apprentices are assigned to work with a union electrical contractor. During this period the apprentice earns wages equal to 40% of Residential Wireman (RW) rate ($15.76), and after six months 45% of RW rate ($17.73).
In the second year, apprentices are required to attend classes one night per week at the IBEW-NECA Technical Institute, 6201 W. 115th Street, Alsip, IL. Included in the second year curriculum are Residential Print Reading II, Construction Technology, and Conduit Bending II. During this period the apprentice continues to work in the field while earning wages equal to 50% to the RW rate ($19.70), and after six months 55% of the RW rate ($21.67).
The third year also includes attending classes one night per week at the IBEW-NECA Technical Institute. Classes include Transformers, Motor Control and Fire Alarm. During this period the apprentice continues to work in the field while earning wages equal to 60% of RW rate ($23.64), and after six months 70% of RW rate ($27.58).
The fourth year of training consists of classes one night per week at the IBEW-NECA Technical Institute. Classes include Communications, OSHA, and New Technologies. During this period the apprentice continues to earn wages equal to 80% of RW rate ($31.52), and after six months 90% of RW rate ($35.46). Upon successful completion of the fourth year the apprentice becomes a Residential Wireman. Current Residential Wireman (RW) rate is $39.40.
The program, wages, rates, and curriculum may be modified to meet the needs of the industry.