Greater Nebraska JATC

Address: 2304 13th Street, Columbus, NE 68601
Phone: 402-563-2445

The Greater Nebraska JATC has 2 programs available for an applicant to choose from. All of the programs require that the applicant must be at least 17 years of age to apply and 18 to be able to be put to work. You must provide proof of age (copy of birth certificate or passport), you must have a valid driver’s license, and you must provide a copy of your Social Security card. The Inside and Installer-Tech programs require that you provide additional information as noted with the asterisk. Those with previous experience and/or trade related classroom instruction will be evaluated for possible advanced standing within the program they choose from. There is a $20.00 application fee for the inside program. This covers the cost of administering the Electrical Trades Aptitude test. Here is a description of the two programs we offer and the highlights of each one:

Apprenticeship Inside Program*

  • 5 – Year program, you must complete at least 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and at least 900 hours of trade related classroom instruction. You must also take and pass the State of Nebraska Journeymen electrician exam.
  • Starting pay rate for 1st year apprentices is $12.63 (effective 3/1/2023) plus family health insurance coverage.
  • Your pay will increase as you progress through the program.
  • The type of work that an Inside Apprentice will do is commercial and industrial electrical work. They may on occasion do some residential and telecommunication work but it is very limited. In essence their scope of work encompasses all types of electrical work except for Outside Lineman work.
  • This is a structured program in which you work during the day and attend class one afternoon a week. Class location is in Columbus and Grand Island.
How to Apply

Construction Wireman/Construction Electrician Program

  • This is an alternate method to becoming a journeyman wireman.
  • There is no algebra requirement needed for this program.
  • You will advance through the program by completing the required safety and trade related classes and working the required number of on-the-job training hours.
  • To complete the program you must work at least 14,000 on-the-job training hours and complete all safety and trade related courses required for this program.
  • Starting pay for this program is $10.57 (effective 3/1/2023). The first 1500 hours of employment constitutes a probationary period. You will not receive any benefits during that period and upon completion of it you will receive single person health insurance coverage.
  • You are encouraged to complete the predetermined training needed to advance to the next pay level but other than the mandatory safety training you are not required to do so.
  • This is a self-paced home study program. You will be required to come to the training center for testing and labs, otherwise your studies can be done at your leisure.
How to Apply

If you have any questions contact Sean Martys at (402) 563-2445 or e-mail gnjatc@neneca.com.

*These programs require that you are a High School graduate or have a GED, you must provide us with an official copy of your High School transcripts as well as any Post High School ones you might have, you must have completed at least 1 year of High School Algebra with a passing grade or 1 Post-High School algebra course with a passing grade. You would also be required to take and receive a qualifying score of a “4” or higher on the Electrical Trades Aptitude test that has been developed and validated by the American Institutes for Research. Upon receipt of a qualifying score you will be eligible to receive an oral interview.