Program Structure
IBEW Local 490 JATC runs a four-year electrical apprenticeship. Apprentices complete 8,000 hours of on-the-job training with experienced journeypersons plus classroom instruction. The JATC's own page lists 800 classroom hours, while ApprenticeshipNH, the Community College System of New Hampshire's apprenticeship initiative, lists 900; confirm the total for your entering class.
ApprenticeshipNH describes paid work on construction projects throughout New Hampshire and southern York County, Maine, specializing in commercial, industrial and power-generation work as well as wind and solar projects. The local's address is 48 Airport Road, Concord. Classes begin the last week of August; confirm your classroom location, weekly timetable and job travel with the Training Director.
Requirements
You can apply at 17 and begin work at 18. Applicants must hold a valid driver's license, live in New Hampshire or York County, Maine, pass the JATC's nationalized aptitude test, and be able to do the work both mentally and physically. Education options are a high school diploma, GED, HiSET, or an associate degree or higher. High school seniors may apply if they graduate before the August classes start.
Provide official transcripts showing Algebra 1 with a C or better, a birth certificate, a driver's license, a basic resume of your job history and, for prior military service, a DD 214. The aptitude test covers math and reading comprehension and is pass/fail.
Application Process
The JATC is accepting applications for the 2027–2028 school year, which starts in August 2027. Applications are open from June 1 to May 20 and must be complete by May 20. All documents other than transcripts and diplomas must be received before you can take the aptitude test. Applicants who pass are interviewed by the committee in the summer, ranked, and selected in score order in July. Apply online through the link on the official apprenticeship page.
If you have already completed a year or more of apprenticeship, also email the Training Director documentation of your work and school hours. Questions go to the Training Director at (603) 738-9179 or [email protected]. Applying does not guarantee selection.
What You Earn
ApprenticeshipNH describes the route as paid on-the-job training. Current wages, benefit eligibility, fees, tuition, books and tools are not published; ask before committing. ApprenticeshipNH lists the program with the occupation Electrician and the federal equal opportunity pledge used by registered apprenticeship programs; it is not a registry check. Completing the program and getting an individual electrician license are separate steps.