Program Structure
Richmond Electricians' JATC runs a four-session (four-year) Inside Wireman apprenticeship that combines 8,000 hours of supervised work on construction jobsites with related classroom instruction. The Training Center assigns every accepted apprentice to a full-time position with a signatory contractor. Classes meet at 7914 Midlothian Turnpike, N. Chesterfield, one day every other week from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. To graduate you must finish the 8,000 work hours and keep an average of 75% or better in class. Applicants must live within the area covered by IBEW Local Union 666.
Requirements
You must be at least 17 to apply, legally eligible to work in the United States, and live within Local 666's area. You need a high school diploma or GED with full credit in Algebra I or a completed Tech Math course, plus official sealed or electronic transcripts. Required documents include a valid Virginia driver's license, a Social Security card or birth certificate, and records of any previous electrical work. You need a valid email address; accepted apprentices must have internet access and a computer to bring to class. The JATC drug tests, including for marijuana, before job assignments and at random.
Application Process
Applications are accepted online at any time through a TradeSchool account on the Applications page; choose Inside Wireman Apprenticeship (Construction Wireman is a separate, straight-to-work route). Account approval can take several days, and the Inside Wireman acceptance process takes at least three months. Once your documents are verified you are invited to the aptitude test in reading comprehension and Algebra I, where a $20 non-refundable processing fee is due; there is no online payment. A stanine score of 4 or better leads to an interview, usually on the third Wednesday of the month. Interviewed applicants are placed on a ranking list and accepted as openings arise. Recently discharged veterans and applicants with at least 2,000 hours of electrical construction work may qualify for direct entry.
What You Earn
Apprentices earn wages and benefits from the start, paid as a rising percentage of the Inside Wireman journeyman rate. As of March 1, 2026, the 1st period pays $20.86 an hour and the 6th period $31.48, against a journeyman rate of $39.35, all plus benefits. Raises depend on completed work and class hours. Each session has two registration days at $600 each for tuition, books and online course enrollment, which the JATC puts at $4,800 for the whole apprenticeship; pay in full on registration day or meet the Training Director beforehand. You also need a Mac or Windows laptop and tools. Completion and Virginia journeyman licensing are separate steps.