Tennessee Career Guide | 2026 63 What is an Inside Journeyman Wireman? The NEJATC provides training for several apprenticeship programs, but focuses mainly on what is known as an Inside Journeyman Wiremen apprenticeship. In- side Journeyman Wiremen perform in- stallation and maintenance for commercial and industrial complexes, including office buildings, oil refiners, power houses, retail stores, hospitals, schools, manufacturing plants, etc. Through hands-on and class- room experiences, students in the program will be trained in blueprint reading, build- ing automation systems, power distribu- tion and metering systems, high voltage splicing and termination, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), energy manage- ment systems, and more. NEJATC’s Inside Journeyman Wiremen program is an earn-while-you-learn career opportunity with a four-year systematic pro- gram of learning, providing essential knowl- edge and skills necessary for students seek- ing to become electricians. Through 8,000 hours of on-the-job training, apprentices obtain proficiency in installation, mainte- nance and troubleshooting of various elec- trical systems on commercial and industrial job sites. Apprentices will also complete a minimum of 720 hours of study in job task theories relating to the trade. Classroom time assists apprentices by reinforcing skills learned, while simultaneously experiencing on-the-job training. What Are the Qualifications for the Apprenticeship Program? n Must be a minimum of 18 years of age at selection n Must have a high school diploma or a GED n Must have completed one credit of algebra with a passing grade from any accredited school or the equivalent (i.e.: high school Tech Math 1 and 2) or one post high school algebra class with a passing grade n Must take the AIR aptitude test and receive a qualifying score n Must possess a valid driver’s license n An application for the apprenticeship program must be completed and returned to the office with a $30.00 application fee payable with money order or cashier’s check n Must submit to the NEJATC office official transcripts showing required information How Do You Apply For the Program? NEJATC’s Inside Journeyman Wiremen program is an excellent, low cost alternative to technical schools and colleges with ab- solutely no tuition. Applying is easy! You can print an application online, or stop by the school and pick up an application in person. With a guaranteed starting pay including benefits, no tuition costs, and an awesome career that is in high demand, pursuing a future in the electrical worker industry is an amazing opportunity awaiting Tennessee students. For more information about be- coming an electrician through the program, visit their website at www.nejatc.org. Tennessee’s Top Careers Founded in 1891, the International Broth- erhood of Electrical Workers is the largest electrical union in the world. The IBEW represents approximately 820,000 active members and retirees who work in a wide variety of fields, including utilities, construction, telecommunications, broadcasting, manufacturing, railroads and government. In 1941, the IBEW and NECA established the National Joint Ap- prenticeship and Training Committee (NJATC) which has developed uniform standards that are used nationwide to train thousands of qualified men and women for demanding and rewarding careers in the electrical industry. The Nashville Electrical Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee‘s (NEJATC) pro- vides the highest quality training to those interested in a career in the various fields within the electrical industry. In addition to receiving paid on-the-job training, our ap- prentices are provided trade related class- room training that produces competency and pride that leads to true craftsmanship. The information on this career is updated and sponsored by Completing over 300,000 apprenticeships in the last sixty years, Nashville Electrical Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (NEJATC) is a quality, cost-effective training source for tomorrow’s electricians in Tennessee.
