Program Structure
Portland Electrical JATC, associated with IBEW Local 567, offers an electrician apprenticeship with paid work for signatory electrical contractors and classroom instruction in Lewiston, Maine. Despite the Portland sponsor name, the training location is 238 Goddard Road, Lewiston, ME 04240. Maine's Department of Labor lists statewide apprenticeships for this sponsor. Confirm the actual work assignment and travel expectations before accepting employment.
The sponsor describes 720 classroom hours completed over three years and 8,000 hours of on-the-job experience and training. Three years describes the classroom sequence, not a guaranteed date for finishing all work hours. Classes are three-hour sessions twice a week, with occasional Saturdays at the Lewiston facility. Apprentices work alongside experienced journeymen and learn electrical theory, wiring, blueprints, equipment testing, and safe working methods. This listing covers the electrician route; the separately listed telecommunications occupation is not included.
Requirements
The sponsor's application guidance lists typical requirements: a high school diploma, GED, associate degree or higher, official educational records, and a passing full year of high school or post-high-school algebra. Applicants present a driver's license or state identification, pass a drug test, and must be able to perform physically demanding work. The minimum age is 17 to apply and 18 at indenture. Aptitude testing is used to qualify applicants for an interview. Veterans seeking consideration for training or experience submit a DD-214.
Documented experience can waive the education and algebra requirements: 8,000 hours specifically in electrical construction, or 4,500 hours as a residential wireman under an IBEW/NECA contractor. The program page also lists an apprenticeship license and background check. Confirm their timing, process, fees, and the applicable experience exceptions with the JATC; admission alone does not satisfy these requirements.
Application Process
Applications are currently closed. The sponsor announces that they will reopen November 2, 2026. Use the official apprenticeship page for the current notice and its TradeSchool account instructions. The general website inquiry form requests information; submitting it does not establish apprenticeship admission or employment. Call 207-786-9770 with application questions. Selection, work placement, and the date training starts must be confirmed separately.
What You Earn
Apprentices earn wages while working for signatory contractors. The sponsor advertises three years of tuition-free classroom instruction, but this does not establish that every application, book, tool, or other participant expense is covered. Confirm these charges and the current wage and benefit terms before committing. Exact dated hourly wages are not listed here. Maine's Department of Labor lists Portland Electrical JATC as an apprenticeship provider for electrician. Completing an apprenticeship does not itself issue an electrician license.