Before starting your online application, review the basic qualifications below.
Application Requirements
You must meet all of the following requirements.
Age Requirement
Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
Education
High School Graduate or GED with 2 Semester of HS algebra with a C or better or 1 semester of Post HS algebra with a C or better.
License & Eligibility
Valid Driver’s License, Birth Certificate, Official High School Transcripts or Proof of GED, and Official College Transcripts (if applicable).
All international transcripts must be translated into English by a Certified Translation Service prior to submission.
Work Requirements
Ability to pass a post-offer, pre-employment drug test and physical. Ability to comply with random drug-screening requirements.
How to Apply
Decide whether the Inside Wireman or Telecommunications Installer Technician program best fits your career goals. Review both program descriptions before beginning your application.
Visit the application website, create your account, and begin your online application. Read all instructions carefully before submitting information.
Applicants are required to pay the $40.00 application fee through the online application system. Once you pay, your application timeline begins.
After you begin the application, you have 28 days to complete the process and provide the required information. If the application is not completed within the allotted time, it will be closed and the application fee will not be refunded.
Applicants who qualify and provide the necessary information within the required timeframe will receive a letter in the mail with information about the aptitude test date.
The aptitude test is administered at our training facility in Merrillville, Indiana. This test can only be taken in person. The test consists of Algebra and Reading Comprehension.
Applicants who achieve a qualifying score on the aptitude test will receive information about the date and time of the interview. Applicants who did not achieve a qualifying score will receive a letter informing them how to apply again in the future if they wish.
Our ranked list is updated after each interview session. You will be notified of your interview score and ranked on the list from highest to lowest with the other qualified candidates. When a class is needed, applicants are selected from the top of the list based on the needs of the industry. Applicants will remain on the list for up to 2 years. If two years pass without being selected, applicants will need to reapply.
The Most Common Questions
How much does the apprenticeship program cost?
Once an applicant becomes an apprentice, the cost is minimal. Apprentices should expect to spend approximately $350 per year on books.
Can I continue working at my current job while completing the apprenticeship?
The apprenticeship requires 10,000 hours of on-the-job training. Participating contractors provide this training, and apprentices are paid while completing it. Because apprentices must be available for full-time employment at their assigned contractor, continuing another full-time job is generally not practical.
How much will I be paid while completing the apprenticeship?
Inside Wireman Apprentices start the program at 32.5% of the Inside Journeyman wage: $18.14/hour (June 1, 2026). Raises are earned at pre-determined intervals throughout the 5 years.
Telecommunications Apprentices start the program at 40% of the Telecommunications Journeyman wage: $17.48/hour (August 31, 2026). Raises are earned at pre-determined intervals throughout the 3 years.
When are classes held?
Apprentices generally attend class for eight hours, one day every other week. Apprentices are not paid for classroom hours, and some classes may require evening attendance.
How often are new apprentices selected?
Apprentices are selected from the ranked applicant list based on the needs of the electrical industry. There is no guaranteed schedule for when new classes will be formed.
Am I required to live in Lake County, Indiana?
No. Although most training and job assignments take place in Lake and Newton Counties, applicants are not required to live within those counties.
Still have questions?
Contact the training center and a member of our team will get back to you as soon as possible.