Tidewater Electrical Industry Training Center

Congratulations to the 2026 graduates of the Tidewater Electrical JATC!!

Congratulations to the 2026 graduates of the apprenticeship program!

For the month of May 2026, the apprentice of the month is Kemon Greene. Kemon is a 4th year apprentice getting ready to top out at the end of May. Kemon stated” I’m 29 years old and I’ve been in the electrical program for 5 years. I’m also a father to my son, he is 4 years old. Joining this program by far has been one of the best decisions I’ve made since joining the Navy. In my spare time I also coach football in the Portsmouth area.” Congratulations Kemon!! Well deserved!

Happy Teacher Appreciation Week!!
We would like to extend our appreciation to our instructors who are the backbone of our program. These dedicated individuals work diligently in the field during the day and teach at night. Thank you for your hard work and commitment. Christina, Glendon, Bill, Tyler, Tim & Chris⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️

National Apprenticeship Week is coming to a close.

A huge thank you to the apprentices, instructors, NECA Contractors, IBEW Local 80, and training partners who make these opportunities possible. Your dedication is shaping the future of our workforce and opening doors for the next generation.

Apprenticeships change lives!!

National Apprenticeship Week
This is what it’s all about. Today, three of our graduating apprentices and their 4th-year instructor are out in the community promoting the JATC Electrical apprenticeship program. They are attending Future Pathways: Beyond the Diploma with Chesapeake Public Schools high school students. Providing hands-on tasks and real conversations with our apprentices. Thank you, Seth, Vanden, Taylor and Chris!!

The theme for NAW 2026 is "America at Work: Making America Skilled Again through Registered Apprenticeship". Stop paying to learn and start getting paid.
· Earn While You Learn: Unlike traditional college, you earn a paycheck from Day 1.
· Structured Raises: Your pay typically starts at ~60% of a journeyman’s rate and increases as you gain experience.
· No Student Debt: Graduate with a valuable credential and zero tuition debt.
· The Payoff: After completing a program, the average starting salary is approximately $80,000–$86,000.

The apprentice of the month for April 2026 is Lamar Williams, a fourth-year student. Lamar stated: I joined the apprenticeship straight out of high school to build a strong career and learn the trade the right way. I take pride in my work and look forward to continuing to grow. Congratulations Lamar and graduation is just a couple of weeks away!!

National Apprenticeship Week

At Tidewater Electrical Industry JATC, we’re proud to celebrate the power of earning while learning. Since 1945, our program has helped individuals build rewarding careers as skilled electricians through a registered apprenticeship that combines:
Paid, on-the-job training
Related Technical Instruction
Union benefits and long-term career opportunities
No College Debt

During National Apprenticeship Week, we celebrate the apprentices, instructors, and contractors who strengthen our workforce and power Hampton Roads every day.

This week marks the start of NAW: National Apprenticeship Week. This annual event raises awareness of the vital role Registered Apprenticeships provide in meeting critical industry workforce demands. Registered Apprenticeship programs develop the highly skilled workforce that employers need and create pathways for Americans to catapult into in-demand, high-paying careers. This week, the JATC will highlight the benefits and accomplishments of the Tidewater Electrical Industry apprenticeship program💡🔌