Interview Information

The interview process can often cause stress and nervousness, this is very common and expected. Prior to the interview please take a few minutes to relax and settle in. The training director or the administrative assistant will escort you from the waiting room into the conference room where the interview will be conducted. You will be asked to take a seat at the head of the table. In the interview room there will be 6 people, 3 committee members representing management (NECA) and 3 committee members representing labor (IBEW). The chairman of the interview committee will do most of the moderating.

The committee will ask a number of questions, please draw off of real life experiences where possible and avoid “hypotheticals”. With each question we will want to know the situation, what you did and the result– whether at work, school or home (hobbies, recreational activities, etc.). The objective is to get to know you better and to better understand your interest, goals, and thought process. The applicant will be asked questions with the purpose in mind of determining as much as possible about them as an individual, and their capacity to become an apprentice and eventually a Journeyman electrician. We also want to ensure you understand the demands of the program for which you are applying. For example:

■ This is a five year electrical training program – can you commit to meeting a five year obligation and willing to make the hard work and study commitment required of such a program?

■ Our classes are held every other week for 9 hours- are there any issues which would prevent you from participating in class?

■ Often Training Assignments (OJT) require you to travel many miles to report the jobsite location- this demands an investment in both time (commuting) and money (fuel).

■ Are you aware that electricians work in extreme weather, both hot and cold, can you tolerate extreme temperatures. Construction workers often work various hours including holidays and endure lay off periods- do you have any issues with those circumstances?

■ Each newly selected apprentice will be enrolled in our Tech Math course prior to the start of the curriculum year. The cost of this course is approximately $150.

■ The South Texas Electrical JATC has an annual registration fee that ranges between $750-$850, due around August 31st of each school year attended. There are no additional costs for tuition, books, web based licenses or materials. Advanced notice will be given as to exact cost and due date. So the question is whether you will be able to meet the financial obligations of the program moving forward.

After the interview you will dismissed. The committee will notify you of their decision by mail, typically within 2 weeks. Your interview score determines how well you rank and where you will be placed on the active ranking list. Your score and position on the ranked list is valid for 2 years. By virtue of holding position on the list, the JATC may expend a formal offer of apprenticeship. Offers are extended to the next available applicant on the ranked list. If you so desire, you may re-interview after 6 months from your original interview date.