IMPORTANT PUBLIC NOTICE

We are currently accepting applications for the apprenticeship class to be selected in 2026.

Applications for the class of 2026 are open from January 1st until Midnight, December 31st.  

Only applications COMPLETED before the end of the year will be processed for selection of the class of 2026.
Any application not completed during the 60 Day Application Window, is deleted from our records.

Please read all information below to learn about our selection process, and the dates and times that the selection process takes place.

Apprenticeship Opportunity

Our electrical apprenticeship is a 5-year program.
You will serve your apprenticeship working under a Journeyman Electrician with our Electrical Contractors during the week.
All apprentices must attend school 2 nights a week, for 3 hours each night, at our Training Center located in Lorain.
The starting wage for a first-year apprentice is $18.45

At the time of application, the applicant must meet all minimum requirements listed in our application.

Each applicant MUST FURNISH ALL REQUESTED COPIES in order to complete the application process.
Submission of High School transcripts is a requirement to apply to our apprenticeship.
While we will accept a GED in place of a High School diploma, GED Transcripts are NOT accepted as a replacement for High School transcripts.
Successful completion of 1 full year of High School Algebra with a passing grade (C or better) is a requirement when applying to our apprenticeship. If you do not meet this requirement, we will accept a passing grade from a post high school ALGEBRA class.

Minimum requirements can be waved for people already working in the electrical construction industry providing they meet a minimum hour requirement, and they provide undisputable documentation of their work hour experience.
To request a waiver, email your request to jatc@ibew129.org 
In the email be sure to explain what minimum requirement you are asking to be waved, the reason you cannot meet the minimum requirement, and provide your undisputable documentation of hours working in the electrical construction industry.

Applications must be COMPLETED within 60 Days from the start of your application.

All documents submitted during the application process become property of the Lorain JATC and will not be returned to the applicant.

Applicants are required to pay a $30, non-refundable application processing fee.

Applicants that meet all basic requirements, complete all steps of the application, and provide the Committee with all the requested documents,
will be contacted at the beginning of the year to take an aptitude test.
All applicants that pass the aptitude test with a predetermined score will be interviewed by the committee.
Interviews normally take place in March.
Each person interviewed will receive a ranked score and placed on the "Ranked List".
Apprentices are then selected for our apprenticeship in the order of their ranking. 
Anyone not selected from the “Ranked List” within 2 years from their interview date are removed from the ranked list.
Anyone removed from the ranked list that still has an interest in being an apprentice would need to submit a new application.

All applications are completed online through our TradeSchool software.
It is important that you only set up one account in TradeSchool so that all of our communications go to the same account.
If you no longer remember the password from your previous account, DO NOT SET UP A NEW ACCOUNT.
You can reset your password by clicking the Reset Password link below the login button and you will receive an email to reset your password.

It is important when applying to any apprenticeship that you understand the jurisdiction of the local union will you complete your training.  The Union's jurisdiction is the area that you will be required to travel for work during your apprenticeship.

Ohio Inside Jurisdiction Map
The link above will show the jurisdiction of IBEW Local unions in Ohio.
You will be expected to furnish your own transportation for all jobs in the jurisdiction of Local 129.

For people applying that have prior military experience, use the link below to see how your GI Bill benefits can be used while you are an apprentice.
GI Benefits

All applicants are responsible for keeping their contact information up to date in their TradeSchool account.

The Lorain County Electrical JATC will not be responsible for communications that you did not receive or failed to read.

To start your application, to reset your password, or to access your TradeSchool account click the link below and follow the directions.
Application Link

If you would like more information about applying and qualifying for an electrical apprenticeship, please click the link below
Applying and Qualifying for Apprenticeship in the Electrical Industry

The links below are available to anyone that wishes to read them.
Standards with Selection Procedures and EEO/AA Plan

In the recruitment, selection, employment, treatment, and training of apprentices the Lorain County Electrical JATC will not discriminate based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), sexual orientation, genetic information, disability, Hispanic ethnicity, or age above 40 years.
The Lorain County Electrical JATC will take affirmative action to provide equal opportunity in apprenticeship and will operate the apprenticeship program as required under Title 29 of the Code of Federal Regulations, part 30 and the equal employment opportunity regulations of the state of Ohio.