Brief History of ALBAT

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Brief History of "ALBAT"

The American Line Builders Joint Apprenticeship & Training Committee (ALBAT) was officially established on August 26, 1958, the result of a cooperative undertaking by the American Line Builders Chapter, NECA and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Fourth and Sixth Districts. This cooperative effort was in response to the need for a recognized, pragmatic program for training persons in the skills of performing outside electrical construction work.

In addition to the apprenticeship program for the occupation of Journeyman Lineman, ALBAT has also established programs for the occupations of Journeyman Sub-Station repairman and Traffic Signal Repairer/Street Light Serviceperson.

Qualified Employees make the Difference

All individuals who are indentured into the ALBAT Program are trained to make sure that they are qualified to meet any challenge in the outside electrical construction industry.

Introductory Training School

Each apprentice is required to attend a three week "Introductory Training" class session at the ALBAT Training Center in Medway, Ohio. The training consists of instruction in the following subjects: Climbing, First Aid and General Safety, Basic Electrical Theory, Knot Tying and Rigging, and IBEW and NECA Structures. Upon satisfactory completion of the "Introductory Training" school, the apprentice will be ready for assignment in their home local area to begin the OJT portion of their apprenticeship.

Classroom Instruction

Each apprentice shall be required to complete three years of related instructions away from the job for a minimum of 144 hours per year. The time spent in related instruction shall be in addition to the required 7,000 hours of "on-the-job" training and shall not be considered hours of work. Periodic examinations shall be administered and properly supervised with the results reported the committee so that the apprentice’s progress may be evaluated and monitored.

On–The–Job Training

In order to acquire the necessary skills of the trade in its various categories, the apprentice shall be provided with on-the-job training to round out his or her skills. View a complete breakdown of on-the-job training program.

Requirements for Graduation from the ALBAT Program

Apprentices must meet all requirements of the Apprenticeship Standards prior to graduating and becoming a Journeyman in their chosen field. The requirements include: 7000 hours of apprenticeship training, a minimum of 504 classroom and related instruction hours, successfully completing the prescribed set of course material consisting of 18 workbooks and 21 tests, obtaining and maintaining a Class "A" Commercial Driver’s License, and a Department of Transportation Medical Card, obtaining and maintaining current First Aid and CPR Training Certification Cards.

Further Information

Further information regarding of the apprenticeship programs or skill enhancement classes may be obtained by contacting Daniel Dade at the ALBAT office at P. O. Box 370, Medway, OH 45341, 937/849-4177 or 800/223-9339.

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