National Training Institute (NTI) 2026

NWEJATC sent 13 staff members and one committee member from IBEW Local 191 to the National Training Institute (NTI) near Ann Arbor, Michigan. As the premier training event for apprenticeship professionals across the country, NTI provides instructors and staff with valuable opportunities to expand their knowledge, strengthen their teaching techniques, and stay current with developments in the electrical industry.

A highlight of this year's event was the recognition of participants in the Fourth Year Instructor Group, who were honored for their ongoing commitment to professional growth. Their dedication over multiple years reflects a shared passion for delivering high-quality instruction and supporting the success of apprentices throughout the program.

NWEJATC also celebrated a significant milestone as Danielle Morse graduated from the NTI program. This achievement represents years of perseverance, hard work, and a steadfast commitment to excellence in education. Danielle's accomplishment is a point of pride for both NWEJATC and the students who benefit from that expertise.

Beyond the classroom, NTI offered attendees the opportunity to connect with peers from across the country, exchange ideas, and build lasting professional relationships. The experience reinforced a shared commitment to training the next generation of skilled electrical workers, and the knowledge gained will continue to strengthen NWEJATC's programs for years to come.

VEEP Cohort Completion - Spring 2026

The Northwest Washington Electrical JATC (NWEJATC) is pleased to celebrate the successful completion of our Spring 2026 VEEP cohort. The five-week program began on April 20 and concluded on May 22, 2026, with 11 students completing the course and participating in a completion ceremony hosted by the JATC.

VEEP, the Veterans Electrical Entry Program, is a nationally recognized pre-apprenticeship designed to provide transitioning service members and recent veterans with a direct pathway into the electrical trade. Developed by the electrical training ALLIANCE, VEEP prepares participants with foundational electrical knowledge, hands-on skill development, and exposure to the expectations of registered apprenticeship. Graduates of VEEP are able to transition directly into IBEW-NECA affiliated apprenticeship programs across the country, supporting a seamless move from military service to a career in the electrical industry.
Instructor Krystal McCann led this intensive five-week program, guiding students through classroom instruction and practical training while reinforcing the professionalism, safety awareness, and work ethic expected in the electrical trade.

Upon completion of the program:
• 4 students will remain with Northwest Washington Electrical Industry JATC
• 4 students will register with Puget Sound Electrical JATC
• 2 students will register with Southwest Washington Electrical JATC
• 1 student will register with Columbian Basin Electrical Training Alliance

This distribution reflects the statewide and national reach of the VEEP program and its ability to place graduates where they live and plan to work, while meeting the workforce needs of multiple training centers.
VEEP is proudly sponsored by the electrical training ALLIANCE, Milwaukee Tool, IBEW, and NECA, whose ongoing support makes it possible to expand access to high-quality training and career opportunities for veterans entering the electrical industry. NWEJATC is proud to support programs like VEEP that strengthen our apprenticeship pipeline, honor military service, and help build the future electrical workforce.

National Training Institute (NTI) 2025

In July, sixteen dedicated staff members and two committee members from NWEJATC attended the National Training Institute (NTI) near Ann Arbor, Michigan. This annual event is a cornerstone for professional development, offering participants the opportunity to refine their teaching skills and stay updated with the latest industry trends.

This year, the Fourth Year Instructor Group Participants were recognized for their unwavering commitment to becoming better instructors. Their multi-year dedication to enhancing their teaching abilities is a testament to their passion for the industry and their students. A special highlight of the week was the recognition of NWEJATC's Krystal McCann, who graduated from the NTI program. Krystal's achievement is the culmination of many years of hard work and dedication.

The NTI experience not only provided valuable learning opportunities but also fostered a sense of camaraderie and shared purpose among the attendees. As they return to their respective roles, the knowledge and skills gained at NTI will undoubtedly contribute to the continued success and growth of NWEJATC.

The Mount Vernon Library Commons had their ribbon cutting on September 28, 2024. 

Led by Training Director Rob Bartel, the Labor and Workplace Standards (LAWS) Committee toured the Mount Vernon Training Center and spoke with apprentices about their experiences in the electrical industry. 

Governor Inslee recently toured NWEJATC's Wenatchee Area Technical Training Site (WATTS). Our Training Director, Rob Bartel, showed the governor around the lab area. He congratulated us on opening the new site.

 We are pleased to announce that Skagit Valley College has a Multi-Occupational Trades (Apprenticeship), AAS Degree for students that have

completed a registered Inside Wireman or Limited Energy Apprenticeship program.

Please see the list below of additional general education courses required to obtain the AAS Degree:

• CSS 103 - First Quarter Experience Credits: (2)
• CMST& 210 - Interpersonal Communication: D Credits: (5)
• ENGL& 101 - English Composition I Credits: (5)
• MATH& 107 - Math in Society Credits: (5)

If you are interested in pursuing this degree, please send an email to counselingandadvising@skagit.edu or call 360-416-7654.

They will assist you through the process of acquiring the general education courses and the application process for your AAS.

Skagit Valley College is the facilitator of this program, not the JATC.. 

The Veteran’s Electrical Entry Program (VEEP) is designed by the electrical training ALLIANCE to fill two needs facing the United States currently. The first is providing transitioning service members, spouses, and recently separated veterans the ability to reenter the civilian workforce in a high demand field that offers excellent earning potential. This helps VEEP accomplish its second goal, providing high quality electricians to an industry facing a major shortage of skilled labor.

VEEP understands that the transition to civilian life can be stressful. To help alleviate that, the program is provided at no cost to the participant and can be done while transitioning out of the military. Prior to attending VEEP, participants decide where in the United States they would like to live and work after completion of the program. The electrical training ALLIANCE then facilitates an agreement for direct entry of the candidate into the training center (JATC) that has jurisdiction in that location. Once an agreement has been made, the participant is approved to attend VEEP.

Participation by active duty personnel also requires approval via the service mem bers’ chain of command and once enrolled, training is in lieu of daily duty requirements while still on active duty. The training must typically be started within the final 180 days of service, to take advantage of this aspect, check with your base Transistion Assistance team for details.

Once approved, the training will take place locally at a participating JATC over the course of several weeks. After completion of VEEP, the participant receives direct entry into the apprenticeship program at the agreed upon location. Since all NECA/IBEW Apprenticeship programs are state & federally accredited, participants are eligible to collect their GI Bill benefits while working towards becoming journey-level worker in their field.

https://in2veep.com/