August 23, 2010

Apprentices:

Recently, the JATC Committee accepted a class of 17 into the program.  These  1^st year apprentices attended Orientation a couple of weeks ago and the majority has been dispatched to their respective employers. We are happy to have them among us and believe that they are a fine addition to our already excellent apprentice group!

By now, you should have received notification of your School Schedule and required textbooks.  Please remember that the JATC is not offering the IOU option for books. If you believe that you may need assistance in acquiring the funds to purchase the textbooks, you may want to contact the IBEW Union Hall to see if the "Member's Assistance Fund" might be able to help.

I recognize that the textbooks are a significant expense, but the information contained in them is invaluable, particularly when it comes to being prepared for class so that your instructor can address concerns or subject matter that may be difficult for you personally.  At times, it is best to consider the cost of the textbooks with the perspective that each month of school moves you one step closer to a raise and one step closer to journeyman status.  The required curriculum is just as important, just as vital, as the On-the-Job training.  It allows us to distinguish ourselves from the competition.  It takes a physically demanding job and transforms it into a combination of physical capability and mental acumen.  It puts credence behind the expression, "Work smarter, not harder". 

Currently, there are quite a few open calls.  We keep our fingers crossed that it will remain that way for the remainder of the year and beyond. So, if you are on the "waiting list" for some local or out-of-town contractor, NOW is the time to contact the JATC so we can not only supply the needs of our NECA partners, but, more importantly, continue providing you with the training opportunities that will make you the best IBEW electrician you possibly can be!

Fraternally,

Andrew Rogers-Coordinator