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 ($26.78).
- 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 Participation
- 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.
- 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/
- Part of the application process will be completing a “Personal Experience Form” and submitting it to an organization called GAN. After you submit that PEF form to GAN, you must email apply@jatc26.org with Step Up Interest in the subject line. Identify yourself with your full name and the last four of your social security number and tell us the following: 1) You have submitted your PEF form. And 2) 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.
- Study for the aptitude test. The following are a couple of sources for help: https://ganhumanresources.com/study-guide-1 and https://www.iprep.online/courses/gan-aptitude-practice-test/
- 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.
- 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. When you find a class that works with your schedule, paying careful attention to the class location, click the shopping cart in the upper right of the box. There will be no charge for the course but to finalize your registration, click the “Proceed to Checkout” tab to the right. (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.