IBEW Local 163 receives $297,000 to train apprentices

Pennsylvania’s Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Pre-Apprentice and Apprenticeship Grant Program recently awarded a $297,000 grant to the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 163 Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (JATC) to train 30 apprentices.

IBEW Local 163 JATC will use the funding for a five-year Qualified Electrical Workers apprenticeship program. The program is open to residents of Bradford, Luzerne, Sullivan, and Wyoming counties and involves 900 hours of classroom-related instruction and 8,000 hours of on-the-job training.

Participants will earn $13 to $27 an hour plus benefits while in the program and will earn a minimum of $37 an hour plus benefits as a Qualified Electrical Worker wireman.

“The demand for Qualified Electrical Workers in our four-county area is growing,” John Nadolny, JATC training director, said. “With support from DCED, our program will increase enrollment to meet the needs of local employers while also preparing individuals with a high school diploma or GED to earn a living wage. Beginning next year, apprentices will also have access to our new Advanced Technology Center where they can gain skills to work in green industries such as solar and electrical vehicles.”

IBEW Local 163 works to ensure members’ safety, rights, and benefits in Bradford, Columbia, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe, Sullivan, and Wyoming counties.