Construction Apprenticeship
Earn While You Learn
A construction apprenticeship is one of the most direct paths into the outside electrical construction industry. Through a structured, paid training program, apprentices develop the technical knowledge, safety habits and field experience required to build a long-term career.
For IBEW Local 71, apprenticeship training is provided through the American Line Builders Apprenticeship and Training(ALBAT) program.
Apprenticeship Program Overview (ALBAT)
ALBAT’s apprenticeship programs provide flexible training that combines job-related technical instruction with structured on-the-job learning experiences.
Apprentices in the ALBAT program Earn While They Learn, meaning that they get paid while having on-the-job experience in their field of study.
In addition to working in the field, students are required to attend mandatory related training classes, complete course material and attend several certification and qualification training courses. This training enhances their opportunity for success in the outside electrical construction industry.
Apprentices who complete ALBAT’s registered apprenticeship programs benefit through:
- Improved skills and competencies that meet the specific needs of the employer and industry
- On-the-job training and occupation-focused education
- Incremental wage increases as skills improve
- Career advancement
- Industry-issued, nationally recognized credentials
American Council on Education (ACE) college credit is available for those individuals who complete the curriculum, creating opportunities for college credit and future degrees
Programs Offered
ALBAT provides registered apprenticeship training in multiple specialties, including:
Cable Splicing
Outside Line
Substation
Traffic Signal
Transmission
URD
(Underground Residential Distribution)
Cable Splicing
The Cable Splicing program focuses on the specialized skills required to install, prepare and connect electrical cable systems used in utility and power distribution environments.
This pathway is well-suited for individuals who want to build expertise in precise, high-responsibility work that supports system reliability and safe electrical service.
Outside Line
The Outside Line program prepares apprentices for work on overhead electrical systems that move power from generation sources to local consumers.
Outside-line apprentices develop skills for work often performed outdoors, which may involve climbing poles or working from bucket trucks. The training is designed to support safe, professional performance in demanding conditions and during time-sensitive restoration work.
Substation
The Substation program provides training for work performed in and around substation critical facilities that help control, transform and distribute electrical power.
Apprentices learn the fundamentals and jobsite expectations needed to support safe, accurate work in high-energy environments.
Traffic Signal
The Traffic Signal program supports the skills used to install, maintain and repair traffic signals and related roadway electrical systems.
This work helps keep communities moving safely by supporting reliable signaling and control infrastructure.
Transmission
The Transmission program focuses on the large-scale systems that carry high-voltage electricity over long distances.
Apprentices in this pathway develop the knowledge and field-readiness required to support the backbone of the electrical grid.
URD
(Underground Residential Distribution)
The URD (Underground Residential Distribution) program focuses on underground electrical distribution systems commonly used in residential and commercial areas.
This pathway builds specialized skills for installing and maintaining underground infrastructure that supports safe, dependable power delivery.
About ALBAT
The American Line Builders Apprenticeship and Training (ALBAT) Committee was established on Aug. 26, 1958.
ALBAT is a cooperative labor-management training program funded and administered by the American Line Builders Chapter of NECA and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Fourth and Sixth Districts. Ohio is one of five states, plus Washington, D.C., that make up the Fourth District.
ALBAT’s training model combines job-related technical instruction with structured on-the-job learning experiences. The program is designed to keep pace with advancing technologies and innovations in training.
ALBAT performs training for multiple states across the IBEW Fourth and Sixth Districts, supporting a broad network of apprentices and signatory contractors.
ALBAT Training Center
ALBAT’s training facility is located in Medway, Ohio. The campus is designed to provide state-of-the-art training year-round and includes a range of learning environments and
- Classrooms and laboratories
- Lodging and dining
- Indoor and outdoor climbing arenas
- Underground facilities
- Substation and other simulated power system facilities
Ready to Apply or Learn More?
If you are interested in becoming an apprentice through IBEW Local 71, contact our office for guidance on eligibility, application steps and timelines.