Houston Electrical JATC at a glance: the IBEW Local 716 and NECA apprenticeship in Houston. Applications are Closed from August 1 to October 31, 2026, and the JATC says it is updating its application process and application costs. (source) You can still send your official transcript during the closure. (source)
The path: TDLR apprentice license, application, the electrical training ALLIANCE aptitude test, an interview with the Apprenticeship Committee, then placement with a sponsoring contractor from a ranking list. (source)
Every fact links to the JATC’s own page. Last checked: October 9, 2026.
What to do before October 31, 2026
- Get your TDLR Apprentice Electrician License. The JATC requires a current license and proof of it when you apply; the license costs US$20. (source)
- Send your transcript now. It must show one full credit of Algebra and your graduation date (a GED is accepted for the graduation date). It can come in a sealed envelope from your school, or straight from the school or an authorized third-party service. (source)
- Practice for the aptitude test. A passing score is what gets you to the interview. (source)
- Prepare for the interview. Apprentices are selected from the ranking list based on their interview score. (source)
- Check back after October 31. The JATC says to stay tuned for announcements on the new process and costs. (source)
Requirements and selection
| Item | What the JATC publishes |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | At least 18, physically fit and healthy, and one year of high school algebra or equivalent with a passing grade. (source) |
| License | A current TDLR Apprentice Electrician License (US$20). (source) |
| Test | The electrical training ALLIANCE General Aptitude Test. The JATC does not publish a numeric passing score. (source) |
| Experience shortcut | 4,000 hours of on-the-job experience in electrical construction can be exempted from the algebra and aptitude test requirements. (source) |
| Interview and ranking | A passing score leads to an interview with the Apprenticeship Committee; selection is from the ranking list by interview score. (source) |
| Competition | About 10 applicants for every available position. (source) |
| Intake | The Committee interviews and accepts apprentices year round, monthly, based on industry needs. (source) |
| Placement | The JATC places you with one of its sponsoring contractors when jobs become available. (source) |
| Drug testing | Failing a drug test can lead to termination from the program. (source) |
Pay, schedule and cost
Pay
Starting pay is US$17.33 an hour, with a raise after each completed year based on academic performance and on-the-job hours. (source) (careers page)
Schedule
A full-time 40-hour work week year round, plus class one night a week, 4 hours a night, generally September to June. (source)
To graduate
At least 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 180 classroom hours a year for four years. (source)
Cost and benefits
The JATC spends about US$4,500 a year per apprentice; apprentices pay minimal tuition, and most qualify for scholarships that cover most costs. Health insurance and pension match journeymen. (source) (careers page)
Graduates can currently receive up to 50 semester hours of college credit, and the program is recognized by the VA. (careers page) (source)
Contact
108 Covern Street, Houston, Texas 77061 · (713) 649-2739 · staff@houstonjatc.com (source)
Closed right now? Galveston Electrical JATC in Texas City takes applications year round, and IEC and ABC programs hire first. See all four Houston routes.
Getting ready for the aptitude test? Take the free timed practice: algebra and reading in the published format.
Entry Kit: 13 Texas programs, a 7-day start plan, 6 timed simulations, 1,300 math and 216 reading questions, interview prep and the Houston contractor call list. Launch price US$49 through November 30, 2026.
Questions people ask
When does Houston Electrical JATC reopen applications?
Applications are closed from August 1 to October 31, 2026. The JATC says it is updating its application process and application costs and will post announcements; official transcripts are still accepted during the closure.
What score do I need on the Houston JATC aptitude test?
The JATC does not publish a numeric passing score. It says a passing score on the electrical training ALLIANCE General Aptitude Test gets you an interview, and apprentices are selected from the ranking list by interview score.
How much does a Houston JATC apprentice earn?
Starting pay is US$17.33 an hour, with a raise after each completed year based on academic performance and on-the-job hours.
Can I skip the algebra and aptitude test?
Yes, with experience: the JATC says 4,000 hours of on-the-job experience in the electrical construction industry can be exempted from the algebra and aptitude test requirements.
How long is the Houston JATC apprenticeship?
At least 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 180 classroom hours a year for four years, with class one night a week from about September to June.
Change log
October 9, 2026: page published from the Houston Electrical JATC’s own pages, checked October 9, 2026. Next re-check: November 1, 2026, after the application closure ends. Spot an error? Email hello@tsaielectro.com and we correct it within 48 hours.
