Advancing Utility Apprenticeship Training
The Joint Michigan Apprentice Program features smaller, segmented training labs and field instruction performed at a single location in northern Lower Michigan. All apprentices currently enrolled can transition to JMAP, remain on their current pace, and continue on-the-job learning from experienced journeymen.
For classroom, lab, and field training, Wolverine is partnering with Northwest Lineman College (NLC), an industry-leading educational institution that provides pre-apprentice, apprentice, and journey-level training for hundreds of companies throughout the United States and internationally. Graduates of NLC are highly regarded in the power delivery industry.
U.S. Department of Labor Standards
The Joint Michigan Apprentice Program is proudly certified by the U.S. Department of Labor. Click the links below to review standards of Apprenticeship.
· Standards of Apprenticeship
· Appendix A – Work Process Schedule and Related Instruction Outline
· Appendix B – Apprenticeship Agreement
· Appendix C – Affirmative Action Plan
· Appendix D – Qualifications and Selection Procedures
Enrollment Information
To register your apprentices for classes beginning September 18, 2017, please click here for more information.
Upcoming Events
Frequently Asked Questions
Please direct any additional questions to JMAP@wpsci.com and Wolverine will promptly respond.
NLC is an industry-leading educational institution that provides apprentice and journey-level training for hundreds of power and construction companies throughout the United States and internationally. You can learn more about NLC online at www.lineman.edu.
Wolverine has scheduled two orientation/enrollment meetings on July 18 (Boyne Falls) and July 19 (Lansing). Wolverine will provide details on June 7 and June 8.
- Provide for related instruction.
- Secure training facilities.
- Program administration.
- Select members of the committee.
- Select members of the committee.
- Review apprentice on-the-job and classroom training.
Northwest Lineman College (NLC) has been selected to provide related instruction; including: instruction materials, classroom, lab/field competencies, and curriculum.
Any apprentice that is currently enrolled in the Joint Apprenticeship and Training Program is eligible to enroll and continue at the same program step in the JMAP.
Compensation will not be impacted. Apprentices will still “top out” per their respective Collective Bargaining Agreement.
An apprentice who has completed all classroom, book work, and testing and has completed 6,000 hours of qualified on-the-job training reported to Great Lakes Energy no later than July 10, 2017 is eligible to complete apprenticeship in the Joint Apprenticeship and Training Program.
Satisfactory completion of JMAP results in a Utility Worker Ticket from the Department of Labor. A graduate is eligible to receive a “B” ticket from IBEW, Local 876, and may be eligible to receive “Journeyman A” status via testing administered by their local union.
Outline of the NLC Program:
| YEAR 1: | Climbing Rigging |
|---|---|
| YEAR 2: | Protective Grounding (OH & UG) Transformer Banking |
| YEAR 3: | Hot Line |
| YEAR 4: | Smart Grid Electrical Devices Journeyman Excellence |
| RESCUE: | Pole-Top Rescue Tower Rescue Enclosed Space Attendant |
Wolverine Power Cooperative is working to finalize a site. The goal is to provide a single location in northern Lower Michigan. A new location will be in place this fall (2017).
Classes will meet twice per year, likely in the spring and fall, for four consecutive days from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Monday through Friday). At present, no final decisions have been made on dates or location for training in Michigan.
The apprentice is expected to make-up classroom work, the location and timing will be determined case-by-case. Wolverine will ensure advanced notice is provided of class dates to allow planning of vacation and other life events.
Wolverine will provide facilities.
Wolverine is working to finalize the annual cost per apprentice. This will be determined prior to the information sessions on June 7 and June 8.
- Review progress of apprentice’s on-the-job training and related instruction.
- Determine satisfactory completion of JMAP requirements.
- Maintain registration, documentation, and records.
Participating utilities should expect ten (10) room nights, meal expenses, and fuel costs each year.
The JMAP Committee will have six (6) members (three selected by IBEW and three selected by Wolverine).
It is expected that each utility will be responsible for all costs associated with its apprentices’ participation.
The goal is to deliver training in Michigan this fall (2017).
Yes, the JMAP will have an apprentice committee.
The newly created Joint Michigan Apprentice Program (JMAP) between Wolverine and the IBEW Local #876.
GLE/IBEW Local #876 are no longer enrolling apprentices and expect to deregister the program by the end of 2017.