The Apprenticeship Process
Follow a step-by-step review of the steps needed to successfully apply for and complete the training for a rewarding career.
Step 1
Determine if being an Apprentice is right for you
Being an Apprentice isn’t for everyone. Although the job pays well and provides excellent benefits, an Apprentice is often asked to work outside in unfriendly weather conditions and do physically and mentally demanding work.
Step 2
Complete the Application Process
To apply for the apprenticeship program, you must meet some basic qualifications. You must be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or GED and a Class A CDL with Air Brakes endorsement is required. Applications can be obtained by contacting the main office of the Southeastern Line Constructors Apprenticeship and Training Program.
Although you are not required to have any previous experience, any experience or training you do have may allow you to take an accelerated path in our program.
Step 3
Interview Day
When your application is complete, you will be scheduled for an interview at the SELCAT office. The interview committee consists of contractor and local union representatives. After the interview, each committee member will give you a score from 0-100 based on everything they’ve learned about your background, attitude, interests, etc.
Step 4
Scoring your Interview and the Ranking List
Your scores from the interview will be averaged. That average score is slotted into a ranking list that contains all previous applicants who have yet to be started in the program and those applicants that might apply after you. So, if you score high, you’ll move right to the top of the list regardless of how long other applicants have been waiting. Your name will stay on the list for a period of two years. You may reapply after one year.
Step 5
Getting The Call
When a new apprentice is needed, and if your name is at the top of the list, you’ll receive a call and be told when and where to report. In some cases, you may need to respond to this call in a short amount of time.
Step 6
Field Training and Classroom Instruction
Upon placement, you’ll be assigned to a crew so that you can gain valuable hands-on training in the field. At the same time you begin work in the field, you’ll also begin regular classroom instruction in safety, electrical theory, circuitry, control devices and more.
Each apprentice is required to complete three years of related instruction away from the job for a minimum of 144 hours per year. The time spent in related instruction shall be in addition to the required 7,000 hours of “on the job” training, and shall not be considered hours of work.
Step 7
Program Completion
After you’ve completed your training and class work, you’ll top out as a journeyworker in your classification and can begin working anywhere in the United States.
