Boston – Massachusetts’ electrical workers union recently welcomed a class of nearly 450 first-year electrical and telecommunications apprentices as they embarked on new careers as electricians and technicians.
The Boston Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (JATC) Training Program was jointly created by International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 103 and the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) with one goal: To produce the most highly-skilled and professional electricians and technicians in the industry. The program offers a five-year electrical construction program and a five-year telecommunications program, both designed to shape apprentices into experts in their field while being paid industry-leading wages and benefits. Both courses require 10,000 hours of on-the-job training and 1,000 hours of intensive classroom instruction.
Kristen Gowin
“We are confident that the skills these members will receive through the JATC program will set them up for success as electrical workers,” said Kristen Gowin, executive manager, NECA. “We are proud to celebrate and guide the next generation of electricians and technicians as they power their futures in the ever-growing electrical construction industry.”
“Union membership and careers in the trades are one of the best ways to close pay gaps, create pathways to the middle class and level the playing field for all,” said Lou Antonellis, business manager, IBEW Local 103. “We’re very proud to welcome these talented electricians who will be building our communities’ futures.”
Lou Antonellis
The 2022 apprenticeship class is the most diverse in Local 103’s history with women and people of color comprising 50% of the class.
“I’m excited to be here because, among other reasons, this IBEW Local 103 class is not only the largest class ever, but also the most representative of our city, our Commonwealth and our country,” said Tanisha Sullivan, candidate for Mass. Secretary of State. “Today represents economic opportunity for all of you. The determination to get you here is enough to get you through the next five years.”
