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FAQ about KETA apprenticeships

An apprentice is a worker who gains expertise in a skilled trade through structured, supervised on-the-job training combined with classroom instruction. Apprentices are active members of the workforce, earning wages while developing valuable skills. Apprenticeship programs typically last up to five years. Upon completion, an apprentice becomes a journeyperson, fully qualified to perform the trade and receive full compensation for their expertise. Apprenticeships offer a pathway to becoming a skilled tradesperson—a vital “natural resource” for the industry. Craftspeople turn the ideas and theories of engineers and scientists into practical, tangible results in the field.
An apprenticeship is comprehensive career preparation. It not only provides training for a specific role but also teaches a broad set of related skills, preparing you for opportunities across the entire industry. After completing your apprenticeship, you’ll have the flexibility to work in the electrical field anywhere in the country, thanks to the skills you’ve developed. Apprenticeships also help you build personal strengths and independent decision-making. Both labor and management see apprenticeships as a foundation for developing future supervisors, managers, and industry leaders.

Becoming an apprentice typically involves signing a formal agreement known as an indenture. This apprenticeship agreement is a legally recognized contract that outlines the responsibilities of all parties involved: the employer, the union, the registering agency, and the apprentice. The indenture specifies key details, including:

  • The specific trade to be learned
  • The required number of on-the-job training hours
  • The required number of hours for related classroom instruction

Those selected for and participating in this program will attend school for 720 hours (180 hours per year) and must successfully complete all related training. Subjects include DC Theory, AC Theory, Blueprint Reading, Motor Control, Conduit Bending, National Electrical Code, Safety, and many more.

They also must accumulate 8,000 hours of on-the-job training while working for our signatory contractors. This will be done under the supervision of qualified journeymen and master electricians. During this time your wages will be based upon a percentage of the Journeyman scale, starting at 45% as a new 1st year and rising to 80% as a 4th-year apprentice as you gain experience and training. Those completing this program will attain the status of Journeyman Inside Wireman.

More specific details can be found in our ‘THE ROAD TO INSIDE JOURNEYMAN’ document.

Download 'the road to inside journeyman'

JURISDICTION
Local 131’s jurisdiction covers four counties:

  • Allegan
  • Van Buren
  • Kalamazoo
  • St. Joseph
local 131 jurisdiction map
Yes! We are proud to partner with the Kalamazoo Promise and look forward to continue our providing opportunities to the students they serve.
After you’ve reviewed the information about our program and our FAQs, simply click the Apply Now button to take the next step!
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