As a JATC Communication Technician Apprentice (formally known as Voice Data Video Technician Apprentice), you will be working for an employer affiliated with IBEW Local #354.

While the Inside Wireman is installing the conduit and power feeders on a project, the Communication Technician Apprentice, is working beside the Wireman installing the network of low voltage cabling that is used for video, voice and data , or other low voltage signaling.

While most installations are in buildings that are partially- or fully-enclosed to protect from sun, wind, and rain; these installations are often installed before air conditioning, heat, or permanent light fixtures have been installed in the buildings. Many jobs, however, are in existing buildings or offices and some work may be outside under varying weather conditions.

Backbone voice and data cables are routed between the entrance facility, where communications signals enter a building, to equipment rooms and telephone rooms. Voice and data horizontal cables are routed between telephone rooms or equipment rooms and individual workstations throughout the building. Equipment rooms often contain energized equipment such as hubs, file servers or telephone switches. These devices are configured and connected to the communications network that serves the building, and must not be interrupted as a result of work performed by unqualified workers or those only partially trained.

The Communications Installer Technician installs voice and data outlets at workstations. In addition, they install punch down blocks and cross connects in telephone rooms. These may be wall mounted or rack mounted, and must be grouped and identified according to specific installation standards. Whether the work is in new construction or in existing office or manufacturing space, the IBEW-NECA craftsman takes pride in the work he or she has and can perform.

The NJATC trains to TIA/EIA and other industry Standards. The NJATC also partners with the major manufacturers in the video, voice and data industry to assure training in the latest technologies including training for manufacturers warranted installs.

Job Description

Many of the work processes of the Communications Installer Technician are listed below.

There are many systems that utilize low voltage video, voice or data signals. Not all Communications Installer Technicians work on all systems. However, properly trained Installer Technicians can work on a variety of types of systems, including systems for video, voice and data.

• Plan and initiate projects
• Install underground voice or data circuit feeders to entrance facilities
• Provide or connect to the grounding electrode system
• Install pathways and spaces for installation of low voltage wiring
• Install, terminate and test wires and cables, both copper and fiber-optic
• Install, test, certify and troubleshoot local area network (LAN) cabling systems
• Lay out, install and verify operation of security and access control systems
• Install communications and sound distribution systems
• Provide testing, analysis and repair of video, voice and data systems; including electronic devices such as gateways, routers, hubs, NIC cards, telephone switches, etc.
• Prefabricate systems, such as telecommunications racks, for field installation
• Work on other sub-systems such as communications, entertainment, environmental, life safety, energy management and custom lighting

Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee Members

• Jim Clark, Chairman, Wasatch Electric
• Dan Stuart, Secretary, Membership Development International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local Union 354
• Myron Perschon, Cache Valley Electric
• Rich Kingery, Business Manager, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local Union 354
• Adam Pettersson, Wasatch Electric
• Mike Meredith, Sprig Electric

The Utah Electrical JATC is currently taking applications for the program. You may apply Monday – Friday from 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and from 2:00 – 4:30 p.m. Closed holidays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

Location:

3400 West 2100 South
Salt Lake City, UT 84119
Phone:  (801) 975-1945
Fax:  (801) 975-7424
Toll Free (877) 200-4200

You can visit our web site at http://www.uejatc.org ^[1] for additional information on getting started.

Websites with apprenticeship information, videos, and career information and descriptions:

http://www.electrifyingcareers.com/students/ ^[2]
http://www.njatc.org/training/apprenticeship/index.aspx ^[3]
http://www.electrifyingcareers.com/parents/articles.cfm ^[4]
http://ceenews.com/mag/electric_wiring_women/ ^[5]

Industry employers advise on up-to-date processes so students gain valuable employer requested skills and knowledge. The college electrician employer partners include:

• Coates Electric & Instrumentation
• Great Salt Lake Minerals
• Knight Electric, Inc.
• Line Side Electric
• Marietti Electric
• Platt Electric Supply
• Pure Power
• Utah Electrical JATC
• Weber School District