What Is It Known For?
Alaska Electrical Apprenticeships is recognized for its high-quality, hands-on training, preparing individuals for careers in the electrical field. Established in 1957, the program was created to meet the growing demand for skilled electricians in Alaska. Over the years, it has become a cornerstone of the state’s workforce development, continuing to enroll a significant number of students each year.
Degrees & Certifications
Alaska Electrical Apprenticeships offers certification programs designed to prepare students for careers in various electrical fields. The training covers key job classifications, including:
- Wiremen
- Linemen
- Telecom Technicians
The program typically lasts five years, providing comprehensive training to meet the industry’s needs.
Class Schedules
Alaska Electrical Apprenticeships offers a flexible schedule, with classes held five days a week. While some classes are available online, most are in-person to provide hands-on experience. The program combines classroom instruction with real-world training, giving apprentices the chance to work alongside experienced professionals.
Is It Legit?
Yes, Alaska Electrical Apprenticeships is a legitimate and accredited program. It is affiliated with the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA), a highly regarded organization in the electrical industry. This affiliation ensures that the program meets the industry’s standards and provides students with comprehensive, recognized training.
Acceptance Rate
The acceptance rate for Alaska Electrical Apprenticeships is competitive. While exact statistics are not readily available, the program typically admits qualified applicants who meet the requirements.
How Much Does It Cost (Tuition)?
The Alaska Electrical Apprenticeships program is designed to be affordable for apprentices, as the AJEATT covers the cost of training for each apprentice. However, apprentices will not receive payment while attending school and should plan ahead financially for these periods. Additionally, apprentices are responsible for purchasing their classroom materials. For further details, please visit the official Alaska Electrical Apprenticeships website.
Programs & Courses
Skilled Trades
- Wiremen
- Linemen
- Telecom
Campus Locations
Anchorage 5800 B. Street Anchorage, AK 99518
Fairbanks 4782 Dale Road Fairbanks, AK 99709
Juneau 813 W. 12th St. Juneau, AK 99801
Ketchikan 317 Stedman Ketchikan, AK 99901
Reviews
Based on online reviews and discussions, the Alaska Joint Electrical Apprenticeship & Training Trust (AJEATT), located at 5800 B St, Anchorage, AK, has a reputation for providing a robust training program with significant long-term career benefits. The feedback is generally positive, but it also highlights key trade-offs between union and non-union paths.
Overall Score: 4.9/5 Stars
Common Praises
Pathway to a Stable and Lucrative Career: The most frequent praise is that the apprenticeship program is an excellent path to a secure, well-paying career as a journeyman electrician. Graduates and current apprentices speak highly of the job stability, good wages, and benefits associated with the program.
Structured Training and Support: The program is recognized for its comprehensive approach, combining on-the-job training with classroom instruction. Reviewers, including one journeyman, state they would “do it again in a heartbeat” and appreciate the school’s role in helping them get started in the electrical industry.
Strong Union Benefits: For those who go the union route (IBEW), a major positive is the strong support system and benefits package. This includes access to an “infrastructure to get you working,” a pension, and health benefits, which are often cited as a significant advantage over non-union options.
Effective for Career Changers: The program is praised for being a transformative opportunity for individuals from various backgrounds, including those who may have struggled to find a good job after college or were previously in difficult life situations.
Common Criticisms
Financial Strain of Training: A significant criticism, especially for those living outside of Anchorage, is the financial burden of attending the mandatory, in-person classroom training. The requirement to take 2-3 months off work for classes can be a major challenge.
Limited Flexibility: The union’s need-based job placement system and the requirement to be laid off for classroom instruction can be seen as less flexible than some non-union alternatives, which may allow for remote coursework.
Workplace Misogyny: A serious but isolated concern was raised in a forum discussion about a friend experiencing misogynistic behavior from a specific instructor within a local chapter, highlighting potential cultural issues within the industry.
Momentum
The program’s reputation shows a consistent positive momentum in online discussions and testimonials. While there isn’t a dedicated Google reviews page to provide a star rating, recent forum discussions from the last six months continue to recommend the program and praise its career-building potential. The comments generally reinforce that while there are challenges, the long-term rewards of the apprenticeship are significant. The school’s own website features recent positive testimonials, further demonstrating a sustained positive reputation.