Thank you for your interest in IBEW 743 JATC apprenticeship program.
Application intake has concluded for the incoming school year 2025-2026. Any applications received at this time will be in queue for next school year 2026-2027. Please check back in the fall for when we will open application intake again. At time of opening intake, it will be required that all applications be submitted on a new platform. More information to come.
***Please check the jurisdiction map before applying as you must live in Local 743’s jurisdiction to be potentially selected as an apprentice in the Reading Joint Apprenticeship Program. Click on “About” at the top of this page and drop down to jurisdiction map, enter your home address and make sure you reside within the shaded area.
TO QUALIFY FOR AN INTERVIEW YOU MUST (prerequisites):
- Complete an application
- Provide an official transcript (high school, college, GED) indicating passing grade in algebra if transcript is not received your application will be archived and not processed. Contact your high school and have them forward your transcript to Apprentice Office, 20 Morgan Drive, Reading, PA 19608 or email to jenng@ibew743.org
- Be at least 17 years of age
- Be a high school graduate (or graduation pending within year of intake)or have passed the GED
- Have a valid driver’s license
- Make a qualifying score on the aptitude test (you will be notified by mail of aptitude test date)
REQUIREMENTS OF THE INSIDE ELECTRICAL APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM:
- Must possess a laptop computer for classroom and homework assignments.
- Five (5) year program with classroom training
- 8000 hours on-the-job training – Current Apprentice Wage Scale
- Classes meet 3 hours per night for 2 nights each week for a minimum of 200 hours per school year (please note: there is potential for some mandatory Saturday classes/assignments)
- Required to buy school books each year (varies by school year)
- Pass a urine drug screening (UDS) upon selection into the apprenticeship program.
SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS:
Applications and Transcripts
High school students applying prior to graduation are still required to submit their current transcript for consideration into the program.
You must have your high school and/or the state furnish this office with an official transcript(s)/GED. If you request your transcript online the transcript should be emailed to jenng@ibew743.org or mailed to Apprentice Office, 20 Morgan Drive, Reading, PA 19608. You may drop it off in the applications drop-box in the vestibule but it must be sealed. GOING FORWARD, THE TRANSCRIPTS WILL BE ABLE TO BE DOWNLOADED ONTO THE NEW APPLICATION PLATFORM.
***If your transcript/GED is not received your application will be archived and not processed.
It is your responsibility to contact this office to be sure the transcript has been received.
Preferred method of contact is email at jenng@ibew743.org
Applications/Transcripts: Submission of both required documents will ensure spot for Aptitude Test.
Aptitude Tests
Those applicants who have submitted their transcripts will be notified by mail to come in for an aptitude test – date to be determined. The aptitude test covers general reading comprehension and math.
Please note: There is no fee to apply, however, those applicants who qualify for the aptitude test (by submitting their transcripts) will be required to pay a $10 processing fee for the aptitude test. Payment must be submitted the morning of the test; cash or checks made payable to IBEW LU 743 Rdg Joint Apprenticeship (we can stamp your check the morning of if preferred.) If payment is not presented you will not be allowed to take the test.
Voluntary math and reading comprehension courses are available online at www.ElectricPrep.com. Basic mathematical and reading comprehension skills are essential to qualify for the apprenticeship. Electric Prep offers a refresher course for a fee to review the key mathematical and reading comprehension skills associated with the trade. The refresher courses are optional, not a requirement.
Notification of All Documents Received
Upon obtaining a qualifying score on the aptitude test you will be notified by mail of an interview date with the committee.
Change of Address
Information concerning the status of your application, after all documents are received, will be provided only by mail; therefore, you must notify this office of any change of address.