Discussion Forum JATC112

Next Week

2012-01-11T08:05:00.001-08:00

Sup!

How goes the battle out there? It has been a fast start to the new year here. We have the pleasure of our Third Year Class in this week. They are studying semiconductors, First Aid, and Electrical Safety Related Work Practices. The class is doing well asking great questions. They even asked how you are all doing.

Your Second week of school is just about here….Just think, including next week you only have 21 weeks of class left. Time goes by really fast. Make sure to get the most out of each and every week. Still yet, make sure to learn as much as you can from your journeymen in the field. They will provide much of the knowledge it takes to be a success in this trade. Don't hesitate to ask them what it means to be a Union member. You have found not only a job, not only a career, but a way of life.

There are 5 points still available for this week's homework login. One point for answering the question, and four points for writing one…..remember the due date for logging in and receiving credit is on Friday.

See you all Monday. Wear substantial attire for lab. We will be spending time in the bending lab next week where there are trip hazards, drop hazards, and it is flippin cold out there.

Greg Greiner

LU112 NECA JATC

Instructor

greg.g@jatc112.org

Woot Woot!!! RLC Circuits Coming ThRouGh!!

2012-01-11T08:03:00.001-08:00

Hey 2^nd Year,

I hope you are all staying warm out there. Everyone seems to have varying opinions, but I personally would always choose to be too hot as opposed to too cold. It was all about layers.

I am writing to say hi and see if everyone is doing okay on homework. As for me, I am doing ok on mine. Capacitance jumped me a little but I have since beat it back a bit. Just remember it adds the opposite of Resistance. Also, watch out for what has positive angles versus negative ones in regards to Reactances. In series, inductive reactance is 90 degrees positive and capacitive reactance is 90 degrees negative. (They are 180 from each other.) In parallel, the inductive reactance is 90 degrees negative and the capacitive reactance is 90 degrees positive. Values calculated for resistors are always in phase at zero degrees.

One of the real keys to understanding AC theory is understanding how to find Z. In series, impedance triangles are your bestest friend. In parallel however, one cannot…NOT….not…N O T. (I have tried it ..ugh)..not make impedance triangles. Therefore, in order to find Z in a parallel branch, one must calculate the current through each component and make Current Triangles. The current through a resistor is at 0 degrees, the current through a capacitor is at 90 degrees, and the current through an inductor is at -90 degrees. Once you find the Current total (using Pythagorean), good old Georg Ohm comes in to play. Z equals the voltage divided by the current.

As I said, the key is knowing how to compute Z. In series use impedance triangles. In parallel use current triangles.

Hope that helps. If not, I am very sorry….and no, you cannot get back those 2 minutes of your life. maniacal laugh!!!

Greg Greiner

LU112 NECA JATC

Instructor

greg.g@jatc112.org

2012-01-03T15:46:00.001-08:00

Howdy first year apprentices-

Only three assignments left and the class average is only 66% complete. Of course two people with 0% turned in skews the numbers a bit but I was hoping for better results since it was the group that asked for points to be assigned.

On a brighter note there have been great questions posted. Here are a couple.

Q:This may seem like a silly question and I have laid almost 2 miles of ground cable but what exactly does a ground cable do in the event of electrical shock?
A: Check the NEC, ART 250, Section 250.2-Definitions. Piecing together a couple of thoughts there, grounding systems-stabilizes the voltage to ground during normal operation and facilitates the operation of overcurrent protection. Grounding equipment limits the voltage to ground on these materials. In other words, if you are touching a piece of electrical equipment and a fault happens; you, the equipment and the ground you are standing on will be close enough to the same potential as to avoid shock. Keeping all equipment, the building, and other systems like plumbing bonded together avoids arcing and sparking during events like lightning strikes, thus avoiding fires as well as shock.

Q:When it says due date, Nov 25 how do we submit homework?
A:You aren't submitting homework, you are answering specific questions. The questions are not too difficult. For example "I have met my goals for 9 DEC" just means yes, or no, did you do the homework you wanted to accomplish that week. Use the form, email, fax, leave a phone message, leave a note in our mailbox, whatever you want to do BEFORE THE DEADLINE to answer that simple question.

Greg McMurphy
Instructor
LU112-NECA Electrical Training Center
Kennewick, WA 99336

IMC v. RMC

2011-12-23T07:27:00.001-08:00

Another good question popped up on the first year homework check in page, it is:



.										What is the difference with RMC and IMC?

Answer: Bottom line is that IMC has a thinner wall but the steel is processed in a way that makes it stronger, so IMC is lighter yet just as strong. For example 1" IMC weighs 119 lbs/100' while RMC weighs 161 lbs/100'. They have the same external dimensions so they thread and bend in the same tools and screw into the same fittings. The thinner wall gives IMC a larger internal diameter which, coupled with an internal coating not always found in RMC, makes it easier to pull wire through. The manufacturers say that bending IMC is just the same as rigid. Your results may vary.

2011-12-09T08:10:00.001-08:00

Here are a couple of questions posted to the homework form.

The easy one first:
Question: Question number 14 on Lesson 23, im not quite sure what to answer there.

"What does OSHA require the employer to do concerning a written description of an employment grounding conductor program?"

Answer: read a little more slowly, it is an EQUIPMENT grounding conductor. The answer to your inquiry is to be found on page 141 in the top third of the right hand column.

Two other great questions came in:
Question: what is the differance between ampere rating and Ampacity? And would a Fuse or any type of OCPD work exactly they same if it was DC going through or AC passing through it?

Answer: Check Article 100 of the code book for the definition of ampacity. Ampere ratings are within the context of OCPD's at this point, ampacity ratings have to do with conductors, taking in to account their 'conditions of use'. More on that later.

RMS AC current has the same heating effect as DC. So if the OCPD is responding to HEAT, it will start to trip at the same time for AC or DC. Some OCPD's respond to instantaneous current values through magnetic or electronic means, and so the response is based on the peak of the ac waveform and therefore would trip with a lower value of current for RMS AC versus DC. Another issue this brings up is that AC current drops to zero and changes direction twice a cycle and is therefore 'easier' to interrupt than a like value of DC. Switches and OCPD's for DC need to be specially rated because of this phenomenon.

GREAT QUESTIONS.

Fourth Year Motor Control

2011-11-28T16:28:00.001-08:00

I have been getting questions related to the Motor Controls homework. Lessons 7-9 are the issue. There are holdover questions from the previous text and workbook. 4th year people are getting to those lessons and hitting the brakes. These questions are answerable but take some inference. I have responded with, "use google, discuss with journeymen and other apprs." I have also told them to do the best they can. The best they can seems to be shaking out to somewhere between 95 and 100% done with 4A. Another thing for 4th year folks to know is that starting at lesson 10 through the end of the workbook, the questions go back to the normal verbatim in order method much like lessons 1-6.

Fraternally,
Greg Greiner

Fifth Year Fire Alarm

2011-10-21T09:55:00.001-07:00

This should be an exciting week, I think you have a great opportunity to walk out of class with an incredible depth of knowledge about fire alarm. It won't happen if you don't get into it and study, though. Get green, orange and yellow highlighters and do the codeology method of highlighting. Get some generic tabs or postit notes for temporary tabs. You will have plenty of opportunity to highlight pertinent sections in NFPA 72 and tab the book. It will be a great tool if you take the time to do it.

Greg McMurphy
Instructor
LU112-NECA Electrical Training Center
Kennewick, WA 99336

2011-10-19T11:14:00.001-07:00

Fifth Year- NOTE WELL-
If you are having problems finding the references to NFPA 72 sections given in the information sheets, look at Annex I of NFPA 72, it is a cross reference from the old numbering scheme to the new one. You should be looking up and hiliting references in the NFPA 72 as you look through the information sheets. I am using codeology colors, green, orange and yellow. I suggest you do the same. You will have a great reference for test taking if you do so.

Greg McMurphy

2011-10-19T07:51:00.000-07:00

Rigging Saturday for Fifth Year

You are going to want work clothes, work shoes, prescription safety glasses if needed.

2011-08-19T20:23:00.000-07:00

Electric vehicles....Who knew they have been around as long as gas guzzlers? The LEAF is all about going green, here is a site http://www.teslamotors.com/models that shows just how awesome these machines can be. Three phase power at its finest! Best thing about it, every purchase will require a qualified electrician to facilitate an EVSE install.

Safety Reports

2011-08-19T16:25:00.001-07:00

If you have time look around at the AFL-CIO workers memorial day website.
Here is one sheet that shows we still have a way to go.
http://www.aflcio.org/issues/safety/memorial/upload/_07B.pdf

First Year Orientation Night

2011-08-03T19:39:00.001-07:00

After Orientation Night be sure to check in weekly on the following form.

https://spreadsheets.google.com/spreadsheet/embeddedform?formkey=dEdWV2J5U0pxb3ByaVc4NTNRaDliM2c6MQ

Year 4 Building Automation

2011-03-11T16:15:00.001-08:00

Lesson 14 Building Automation lesson reference is chapter 12, NOT chapter 14. Nota Bene

4th year PLC lessons

2011-03-08T16:52:00.001-08:00

Do the "Questions"
NOT the
"Web and Data Questions"
and NOT
"Problems"

Hands on slots

2011-02-20T16:07:00.001-08:00

During your next week of school we will be assigning slots for hands on testing in the summer. Look at your calendars and be ready. The tentative schedule is available to view at http://jatc112.org.

Sent from my handheld call dropping device

2011-02-19T20:40:00.001-08:00

Grounding sections went well for 3A. Bring your Test Instruments Text in by mid week, we will be doing a lab that goes with next week's info.

2011-01-25T14:32:00.001-08:00

will try to post here the workbook errata for the grounding book. if it doesn't work you might want to check with Greg M or Sasha for a copy.

NJATC Grounding and Bonding, 2008
Lesson 1, Learning Objectives, Page 1 Question #0
Close the space between the "s" and the "c" in learning objective 5. The word should be "scenario".
Lesson 1, Questions, Page 4 Question #18
The word "described" should be changed to "describe"
Lesson 4, Questions, Page 15-16 Question #3
There is no question #3 in the workbook.
Add a new question 3 as follows:
3. A premises wiring system supplied by an ungrounded service shall have all of the following except a
_____________ conductor at each service.
a. equipment grounding conductor
b. grounding electrode conductor
c. grounding electrode
d. grounded conductor Key 250.24(E)
Lesson 7, Questions, Page 30 Question #6
Change choice "c" to "250.66"
Lesson 7, Questions, Page 32 Question #22
In the instructors guide answer to this question the last line should be changed to the following: "Table 250.66-
266,200 cmil requires 2 AWG".
Lesson 7, Questions, Page 32 Question #22
In the answer given, from step 3 in the answer to step 4 there is a misprint, the answer changes from 266,200 cmil
in step 3 to 255,200 cmil in step 4. The correct answer is 266,200 from step 3.
Lesson 9, Questions, Page 41 Question #1
Change 250.18 to 250.118 in the text.
Lesson 9, Questions, Page 42 Question #9
Add the following text after the word "metallic" and before the ______.
"raceway that is included in the types provided in 250.118?"
Lesson 9, Questions, Page 43 Question #19
Change lighting pane to lighting panelboard.
Lesson 9, Questions, Page 44 Question #26
Revise choice "c" as follows, "Where used to connect equipment where flexibility is NOT necessary after
installation"
Lesson 10, Questions, Page 49 Question #12
Change the word "sparate" to "separate"
Lesson 11, Questions, Page 54 Question #23
Add an Instructor Note.
J210IG.H page 2
INSTRUCTOR NOTE: Calculate as follows:
66360 (cm 2 AWG from Table 8) ÷ 29.1 (multiplier for bare conductor withstand ratings based on ICEA information
Soares Book Chapter 11, also see Table 11-14 column 7)
66360 ÷ 29.1 = 2280.4
Lesson 13, Questions, Page 64 Question #2
Revise choice 5 as "Rod and pipe electrodes"
Lesson 13, Questions, Page 66 Question #18
In the last part of the question, the voltage given is 480Y/222 volt. It should be 480Y/277 volt.
Lesson 15, Questions, Page 78 Question #24
Change choice b. to 208Y/120-volts?
Lesson 21, Questions, Page 118 Question #46
The NEC reference given in the answer is 250.122(F)(1), this is wrong. That NEC section does not exist, it should
be 250.122(F).

Motor Control Lessons 6-8

2010-12-22T12:41:00.001-08:00

Lessons 6-8 will require some patience. They do go in order of the textbook. Unfortunately they are in the order of the OLD text book. Answers are there, for the most part. Your best bet is to follow the directions given in first year. READ THE TEXT FIRST. THEN try and answer questions. If you can't answer the question, RE READ THE TEXT. Rinse and repeat. You will end up with a handful of questions that are not word for word but that you should be able to get with logic and inference.

Great motor control info

2010-12-22T12:01:00.001-08:00

Hope you enjoy the following informational video. There is honestly lots of great info on youtube.
Greg m
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-2081189882805593268#

2010-12-04T11:14:00.001-08:00

2nd Year folks
Bring warm clothes, or conduit labs will be brutal next week.
AC theory starts, this week has a fairly slow tempo so we will be working ahead by the end of the week.

555 Timers

2010-12-02T16:51:00.001-08:00

Find info at
http://www.play-hookey.com/digital/timer_555.html
or
http://www.sentex.net/~mec1995/gadgets/555/555.html

fraternally
Greg M

shottky diode

2010-11-16T19:33:00.001-08:00

here on the other hand is an explanation of a schottky diode.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schottky_diode

Shockley diode

2010-11-16T19:29:00.001-08:00

here is a good explanation of a Schockley (not SCHOTTKEY) diode
http://www.allaboutcircuits.com/vol_3/chpt_7/3.html

Fourth Year Week 1

2010-10-19T07:51:00.001-07:00

For those in Fourth Year B class, we are trying to push ahead in to the Lighting Essentials book this week. If you get a chance to read ahead it will be advantageous.

picnic being put on by 22 apprentices

2010-09-09T21:40:00.001-07:00

Thanks so much for your hard work Ian, Mike, David, Josh, and those I haven't talked to but who are working on it. but really it feels a lot like this video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WxwTC13f1PE

Fifth Year Test 1

2010-09-08T15:45:00.001-07:00

Lesson 8 in the syllabus, J785-7 is color coded in the workbook for fourth year, but it is indeed part of fifth year. The syllabus is correct and the workbook is not. I think this material has moved to fifth year and rather than re-print the workbook with such a minor change they just let it ride until the next update. Give us a call or email when you notice stuff like this, thanks to Scott Breshears for the call this time!

2010-08-11T13:19:00.001-07:00

In preparing for next year's performance evaluations a few things come to mind:
1) buy a watch, in case you haven't noticed many jobs are cracking down on cel phone use anyway. A $25 dollar watch is cheap insurance versus a 90 day delay in uprate.
2) get a sense of urgency. Some of the complaints about time being inadequate come from people who dawdled through 2/3 of the time before they kicked it into gear
3) If you don't have a method expect madness. There really was no excuse for people getting lost in code calculations this year. There was plenty of notice to have practiced the necessary planning, which ties into:
4) If you haven't gotten experience in your soon to be tested skill, say motor control, it isn't so much of an excuse as a wake up call. If you have spent three years without what makes you think if you wait without doing anything that things will change? A lack of on the job experience isn't an excuse when you know ahead of time and had the opportunity to come in and practice.
5) Keep the hand outs we use for test prep. Seems like a no-brainer but you would be surprised about the number of people who come in to practice and don't have any of the materials we use for prep and need copies.

Applications Open

2010-07-22T22:07:00.001-07:00

On July 26 at 10 am applications will open. Advise any of those you know who are interested in applying to get it done and not wait.
Fraternally,
Greg M.

Level 3 almost done

2010-07-22T21:23:00.001-07:00

About to finish Level 3 and then the big push to get Level 4 incrementals done next week in time to leave for Ann Arbor, MI and NTI training. REMEMBER WORK SHOES, code book, calculator and writing sticks. It is likely going to be hot, bring water. Things are going reasonably well, I haven't crunched the numbers but it looks like the level 3 and 4 results will be better than last year. Levels 1 and 2 are likely about par at first glance. Books are in so get your books and start reading, we have a lot of new curriculum and will be interested in your take on the new material.

Fraternally,
Greg M

Lessons Learned

2010-07-20T18:58:00.001-07:00

Lessons learned from hands on testing:
ALL- time management is crucial. BUY A WATCH. I don't care about lame excuses about "I USE MY PHONE" you can't always use your phone. If you are constantly fiddling with your phone you are prone to be the first laid off.
First Year- you need to be smooth on bending. bend once. And sequence your work so you don't have to put things up on the wall three times.
Second year- there isn't any bending but you still have people running out of time because of sequencing. Mark it out, measure nipples, put in supports and mount the boxes once.
More to follow.
Fraternally
Greg M

Applications to Open

2010-07-20T16:10:00.001-07:00

On July 26 at 10 am applications will open. Advise any of those you know who are interested in applying to get it done and not wait.
Fraternally,
Greg M.

Year is Up

2010-06-19T19:35:00.001-07:00

Next week the first year class finishes up and we move into summer mode. There is a lot of hands on testing to do so be aware of your assigned date. Be ready, in the building at 8 AM, ready to go, ready for Greg G. or myself to start reading directions, not ready to ask "do I need to bring my work shoes in now??" READY.

We have started selling book packages, third year packages are ready and as the others become available we will get invoices out in the mail and post info on the website. Start your reading early!!
Take care and have a great summer.
Fraternally
Greg M

First Year Lesson 20

2010-06-11T15:54:00.001-07:00

There is an error on Lesson 20 of DC Theory, question 15. Please fix the drawing to match the attached file ( I hope it posts properly) or get with the Gregs for the right drawing.
Fraternally
Greg

Schedules

2010-06-06T21:25:00.001-07:00

The schedule for next year is approved and available for your viewing pleasure at www.jatc112.org. We also have the class assignments for those of you going into 3rd and 4th year that have "A/B" classes. We did mix things up again, I think the long term benefits of getting to know a larger percentage of your class, and forming long term relationships with the larger group outweighs the short term discomfort of change. We will have the hands on performance schedule for next year ready soon as well. Most of the books for next year have been ordered, and you will be getting book notices in the mail soon with book/tuition costs, scheduled lesson outlines, class assignments, and info on your next year hands on performance evaluation schedule. Please call with any questions, start your homework early and make a habit of doing a little reading every day.
Fraternally
Greg McMurphy

2nd Year Outline

2009-12-29T16:01:00.001-08:00

There was a problem with the second year scheduled lesson outline
linked from our website, brought to our attention by Chris Ferguson.
It is now fixed and the proper file is downloadable.
thanks for the heads up Chris.

Greg M

2009-09-21T11:30:00.001-07:00

The color coding for lesson 12 shows this lesson to be a third year lesson, yet it doesn't show up in the syllabus, what gives?? Well....the workbook is not due to be updated until the 2011 code comes out, but the information on calculating fault currents is covered in both grounding and electrical safety too. I think, reading between the lines, that the curriculum coordinating committee decided to take this out of the curriculum due to that duplication, but didn't think that warranted a re-printing of the book just to get rid of the color coding. Just go with the syllabus on this one. Thanks for bringing up the questions ahead of time though, it isn't always this simple to fix when we do find an issue and it helps to have some lead time to come up with a workaround.

2009-09-18T18:29:00.000-07:00

We finished a pretty strong week with 2B. 3A on the way. There may be a problem with the syllabus regarding the lesson in code and practices on calculating short circuit currents. We will get it done during the week if it turns out to be a problem but I don't remember that it is on that test so I think it might be that the lesson is color coded for apprentice use (golden) but might really need to be purple (journeyman). Remember 3A and 3B that you will have Saturday classes. This first week will be First Aid refresher.

Fraternally,
Greg M

2009-09-10T20:49:00.001-07:00

Preparedness-
You have an incredible opportunity in this apprenticeship, grab it and go with all your might. Giving it your all means going to work every day looking for ways to be better at what you do, and it means showing up for related training prepared for the task at hand. If scheduled for a hands on evaluation that means reviewing the information on your task ahead of time. Ahead of time with enough time to frame good questions about what you need to know in time to get an answer and practice skills. It means showing up dressed appropriately and rested. In short it means caring enough to show you care.

Privileged is not a strong enough word to describe your situation, name another job in this economy available to a high school graduate that has the earning potential that this apprenticeship affords. It won't be here forever if you don't protect it by being effective and productive every day.

Incremental Performance Exam Performance

2009-08-19T10:35:00.001-07:00

Beginning this academic year satisfactory performance on the incremental hands on performance evaluation will be a prerequisite for wage progression. Thank the people with the "I won't try unless you threaten me with consequences" attitude for this change. It might amount to a fine of $3000 dollars or more while waiting to re-take the exam after a bad result first try. Pretty ironic that the worst offenders are the least affected

2009-08-19T10:31:00.001-07:00

THE LU112-NECA ELECTRICAL TRAINING CENTER WILL BEGIN ACCEPTING APPLICATION
FOR THE CONSTRUCTION ELECTRICIAN APPRENTICESHIP ON JANUARY 4TH, 2010.

Lesson Outlines

2009-07-30T14:15:00.001-07:00

Lesson outlines for all years of school are available in PDF format on our website. Look on the page for your year. Note that we will be departing somewhat from the curriculum in your syllabus. There are no changes in your first week so just carry on as usual until further instructions.

Fraternally,
Greg M

2009-07-28T10:08:00.000-07:00

2nd Year Lesson 26

2009-03-18T09:03:00.001-07:00

For lesson 26, the unit of measure should be ohms in the diagram. Also, check the 2nd year page on the website for a downloadable page from our old text book that explains the lesson a little better.

Greg McMurphy
Instructor
LU112-NECA JATC
8340 W. Gage BLVD
Kennewick, WA 99336
509-783-0589 PH 509-783-6721 FAX
www.jatc112.org
instructor@jatc112.org

Third Year Syllabus

2009-03-17T11:39:00.001-07:00

There is an error in the Third Year Syllabus, see the Third year inside page on the jatc website or maybe the attached file will post to this blog properly.

Greg McMurphy
Instructor
LU112-NECA JATC
8340 W. Gage BLVD
Kennewick, WA 99336
509-783-0589 PH 509-783-6721 FAX
www.jatc112.org
instructor@jatc112.org

AC Theory

2009-01-23T13:12:00.001-08:00

Keep checking the website

Sent from my iPhone

1st Year Bending Book

2009-01-08T07:38:00.001-08:00

In the J204 Conduit Bending book on page 48 there is an error, for problem 23, calculate out each of the white rows, then make the green row below have the same rise and recalculate using the green row parameter. So there are six pairs of calculations with the same rise but different bend angles.

Greg McMurphy
Instructor
LU112-NECA JATC
8340 W. Gage BLVD
Kennewick, WA 99336
509-783-0589 PH 509-783-6721 FAX
www.jatc112.org
instructor@jatc112.org

Labs

2008-12-18T16:04:00.001-08:00

There have been several questions from first year apprentices regarding labs, specifically conduit labs. Labs are done in class. That goes for the DC theory labs as well. Don't be afraid to call or email when these questions come up, we are glad to help.

Greg McMurphy
Instructor
LU112-NECA JATC
8340 W. Gage BLVD
Kennewick, WA 99336
509-783-0589 PH 509-783-6721 FAX
www.jatc112.org
instructor@jatc112.org

2nd YR Inside Bending

2008-10-14T16:29:00.000-07:00

Attention 2nd Year Inside Apprentices:

Your syllabus is probably messed up, when you get to test 3, do the conduit lessons that are color coded for 2nd year (blue) and you will be fine. The labs in the syllabus are listed correctly. You should be doing lessons 7-10 in J204. It might be a J204-07 or a J204G, they are the same.

Greg McMurphy
Instructor
LU112-NECA JATC

2008-09-29T16:45:00.000-07:00

2nd Year Inside Week 2

There are a couple of new errata ready to download, which will help out when attempting the AC Theory Lesson 2 and one for the syllabus. Thanks to Fitsum for asking the important question. goto http://www.jatc112.org/a2text.htm

Greg McMurphy

2008-09-11T16:46:00.000-07:00

The Fourth Year Syllabus has an error, Lesson 2 is listed as J200 L24, but your J200 doesn't have a lesson 24. Don't fret, the test doesn't have any questions from that lesson. It is being phased in for later classes and the NJATC just got it in the syllabus too early

2008-08-26T15:56:00.001-07:00

Third Year Eratta for Code and Practices

Lesson 12, information sheet, page 120.

In Step C. for Procedure for Second Transformer in System Example, 1.732 needs replaced with .4286. This (.4286) is the answer found for M in Step B. By using the correct formula of Is(sca)= VP/VS x M x Ip(sca), .4286 is the substitution for the value of M

2008-07-12T17:06:00.001-07:00

Graduation was great this year, held at The Courtyard by Marriott in Richland, on Columbia Point. This is a small and close knit group that has always been a pleasure to have in class. We look forward to their growth and future leadership as Journeymen and industry leaders. Click the thumbnail below to access a web photo album. Contact the training center if you need help in getting prints made.

LU112_NECA Graduation Banquet

2008-06-11T12:37:00.000-07:00

Book packages are on hand, with the exception of a backordered book for the first year packages. We will mail out the book notices shortly. Pay attention to the due date. Next year's schedule is posted on the website. Note that the weeks labeled as "test" have been assigned per class, so when you get your book notice look at which weeks in the summer to keep clear for testing. That info is available on the website calendar as well, just scroll forward to the appropriate month to see which week you will be testing. The second week of August 2009 will be the "make up" week for testing.

2008-06-11T12:36:00.000-07:00

Hands on performance evaluations are going well, I think everyone is learning something from the experience, including Greg and I as instructors. We look forward to growing further from this experience.

2008-05-15T10:19:00.000-07:00

Entitlement vs. Empowerment
How unfair is it to expect someone to "miss a days work" for hands on evaluation? You "loose" wages with no immediate tangible return. Seems like a no brainer. Problem is that when you scratch the surface of those assumptions they evaporate like a soap bubble. For instance, "missing a day's work". Why do you have a job as an apprentice? What is an apprentice? Didn't you indenture yourself to the program in order to learn a trade? Part of learning is evaluation. If you are so short sighted as to hold one day's work in more regard than your training, then we did a poor job of interviewing and weeding out during the probationary period. How about the "lost wages" argument? Why do you have a good paying job anyway? Isn't it a training assignment? If you don't want the training part you actually don't want the high paying job either, but that is an inconvenient reality that many apprentices rationalize away. If you wanted a job with no lost time due to training you shouldn't be here, there are other options. Of course on interview day you were willing to go to school, do whatever the standards say, travel anywhere in the jurisdiction, whatever it took. Where did that attitude go? Somewhere about third year many folks start getting into the entitlement mindset. You "deserve" this opportunity. In fact we "owe it to you" to make it as effortles as possible, don't we? I call BS on that attitude. Getting in to the program isn't a lottery. In a lottery you don't have to do anything but buy a ticket. Here you need to demonstrate that you can be an asset to your employers and your Union in order to get in. And then you need to keep showing you are worth having on our team. We have high wages because people sacrificed, we have a training program in order to maintain high standards of performance, and that training program is funded by the sweat of our members. It is a small thing to ask, 5 hours of your time, in order to improve the program. Worst case is that you learn you have the skills it takes to be a certified wireman. Better yet, you might learn some areas you need to improve upon. You will be more marketable as a Journeyman because of that. Next, you might need certification some time down the line. When work slows down here the choice might be travel to California or go to work on that Boeing job that has Certified Wiremen in the specifications. I know where I would rather be. Finally and most importantly we as a program are learning what skills we need to do a better job teaching. These are the skills that keep us productive. Without productive labor YOUR retirement, YOUR health and welfare and YOUR wages are in jeopardy. But like I said earlier, there are other options, I just hope we can do a better job of identifying the people who are in it for the highest possible wages at the minimum possible effort. Those folks don't belong on the team. There is a reward for minimum effort, it is called minimum wage, and it is the direction we are all heading if we don't hold each other to the highest standards of safety, production and winning attitudes.

These are my opinions and do not necessarily express those of my employer, your JATC.

Greg McMurphy

First AND Fifth Year

2007-12-21T13:39:00.001-08:00

Make sure you get your 2008 code books soon.

Greg McMurphy
Instructor
LU112-NECA JATC
8340 W. Gage BLVD
Kennewick, WA 99336
509-783-0589 PH 509-783-6721 FAX
www.jatc112.org
instructor@jatc112.org

Second Year

2007-12-21T13:30:00.001-08:00

Third week coming up in January. Test 6, Semester 1, Test 7 Be proactive as we get deeper into AC theory. Ask questions before coming in to class. Find more resources such as alternate books or information from the internet if you are having a hard time grasping the concepts. I have links on our website contacts page as a start.

Greg McMurphy
Instructor
LU112-NECA JATC
8340 W. Gage BLVD
Kennewick, WA 99336
509-783-0589 PH 509-783-6721 FAX
www.jatc112.org
instructor@jatc112.org

First Year

2007-12-21T13:25:00.001-08:00

Friday of week 2 is First Aid.

We will be working on OSHA-10 this week.

Make sure to have all your homework done, ask questions BEFORE you come to school if you don't understand the assignment.

Greg McMurphy
Instructor
LU112-NECA JATC
8340 W. Gage BLVD
Kennewick, WA 99336
509-783-0589 PH 509-783-6721 FAX
www.jatc112.org
instructor@jatc112.org

Fifth Year

2007-12-21T13:23:00.001-08:00

Last week of school: First Aid on Friday. Tests 10, 11, 12 and Semester 2. On section 12 do NOT do lessons 7 and 8 regarding 2005 code changes, and do NOT do the lesson 16 practice exams.

Be prepared to do the certification competency tests this spring during the weeks labeled "test" on the schedule and do not schedule vacations during that time.

Thanks for putting in such a great effort over the past years.

Greg McMurphy
Instructor
LU112-NECA JATC

Book Packages

2007-06-28T08:37:00.001-07:00

Book packages will be available some time in July, sorry that we cannot be more specific, but we are waiting on CBC to get us the final numbers on tuition for next year. There are several new text books that look like real improvements, including the conduit text and workbook. It is good enough that I would suggest getting the new one even if you are done with conduit lessons. It comes with a pocket reference printed on tyvek paper that won't rip or smudge. Give us a call if you want to order one of the new conduit packages.

Greg McMurphy
Instructor

Third Year Inside January Class

2006-12-21T13:09:00.000-08:00

Lots and lots of grounding this week. Be prepared with all your homework done. There will be a COMET class on Saturday so be prepared to attend as your Business Manager and International Rep will be traveling in to teach.

Greg McMurphy
Instructor
LU112-NECA JATC

Homework

2006-11-08T14:00:00.000-08:00

All work planned for each week is due on Monday morning. All means every question complete. Any questions? Please call or email us.

Greg McMurphy
Instructor
LU112-NECA JATC

Book Packages

2006-07-21T11:21:00.000-07:00

Book Packages are in and available to pick up. Remember to bring check or money order.

Greg McMurphy
Instructor

2006-06-06T10:56:00.000-07:00

Graduation was May 12 and we had a great time. Good luck gents!

Picnic

2006-03-21T14:36:00.000-08:00

Picnic is Saturday September 9. Everyone has multiple responsibilities so stay on top of it. A meeting will be held on Saturday August 5 at 8:00 AM at the Country Gentleman in Kennewick to touch base on progress. There are many items which can be completed this month, however, so keep on it and don't wait until August to start.

Greg McMurphy
Instructor

Third Year Extra

2006-03-04T08:00:00.000-08:00

3^Rd Year Apprentices Take Note

You have a workbook titled 3^rd Year Supplemental, this workbook does not show up in the syllabus list. Come in to class on April 10 with this workbook completed along with your regular assignment. We will be administering a test on this subject so be prepared. This is material which has been moved from the Third Year curriculum back into First and Second Year. So for this year only they needed this supplemental pack. It is information which is needed early next year as we get into motors and power factor correction.

As always, if you have any questions about this or other homework call in and get help before your class week.

Greg McMurphy
Instructor
LU112-NECA JATC

Fourth Year Digital Electronics

2006-01-16T13:04:00.000-08:00

Reference for many of these lessons is Appendix A-NJATC Text on Digital Electronics. It is an APPENDIX, that means it is printed in the back of your lesson book. It contains excerpts of many of the chapters of the original text. If you want to check out a full copy of the original NJATC text you can. Please read the Information sheets too as most of your questions can be answered there. Also note that on lesson 22 they list Appendix-A Chapter 26 as a reference, but it is actually not included in the Appendix. I have gone through the lesson question by question and all of the information is on the Information Sheet (also a reprint from the old NJATC text).

Greg McMurphy
Instructor
LU112-NECA JATC

4th Year Questions

2005-12-27T16:35:00.000-08:00

Attention 4th Year Apprentices:

One of your classmates asked the following question-

Where is the Digital Electronics Text?

Answer----

It is published as excerpts in two appendices in the workbook. IF you want more information on the subject you can get the whole textbook and/or a computer based training cd-rom.

Greg McMurphy
Instructor
LU112-NECA JATC

Steward Training

2005-09-07T14:46:00.000-07:00

Steward's class will be held on December 15th and 20th for Fifth year apprentices. Brother Bill Grostick is presenting the class, plan on attending and representing your local with pride.

Greg McMurphy
Instructor

Fire Alarm Fifth Year

2005-08-23T11:47:00.000-07:00

Mark Arend called in and asked if he needed to have NFPA 72 to do the fire alarm lessons. Although it is shown as a reference, 99% of the information is available in the text. The fire alarm course book now includes information for a Journeyman class aimed at getting folks ready to take the NICET certification examination. A person preparing for that test would buy the NFPA 72 standard and go through it, marking it up during the class and getting familiar with where to find the requirements. You, as fifth year apprentices, do not need this reference because nearly all the information is reprinted or explained in your text book.

Thanks for looking ahead and asking questions!!

Greg McMurphy
Instructor
LU112-NECA JATC

Fifth Year Instrumentation Lessons

2005-08-11T14:08:00.000-07:00

Felix B. asked a couple of questions about the Instrumentation Lessons that you all may be trying to figure out soon. First off, the questions based on the glossary do have answers in the book. It is just hard to look up the term given the definitions. Try scanning through the glossary, reading the questions for similar wording and answering what you can, then repeat, getting as many as you can before you have to slog through reading all the definitions.

Secondly, the references are off for the Instrumentation lessons. All of the lessons reference chapter one in the reading, but if you look at the title of the lesson and the introductory information you could figure out which chapters in the reading apply pretty easily. Here is how they line up.

Lessons 1, 2, & 3 are from Chapters 1 & 2

Lessons 4 & 5 are from Chapter 3

Lesson 6 from Chapter 4

Lesson 7 from Chapter 5

Lesson 8 from Chapter 6

I hope this helps.

Greg McMurphy
Instructor
LU112-NECA JATC
www.jatc112.org
instructor@jatc112.org

2005-08-08T09:58:00.000-07:00

Back from Knoxville:
Dennis, Denny and Greg are back in town from Knoxville. There has been only one call from a fifth year apprentice regarding homework, so either things are going along nicely or only one person has started doing homework. Please go through the Inside Syllabus and look at how it is organized, call if you have any questions.

2005-08-01T18:56:00.000-07:00

Dennis, Greg and Denny are out of town. There have been some questions about homework already, please use a comment to this post or an email to greg to ask your questions. A post works much better because everyone can see the whole thread of the conversation and perhaps post something they have seen in the homework that I am not even aware of yet. Remember about 40% of the curriculum has changed and we just finished the last week of school a few days before leaving for Knoxville, so not all the answers will come trippingly off the top of our heads but we do have the authors of the texts right here to ask questions of so fire away. Just click below and on the right hand part of this pane that says how many comments there are. After you post a comment I will automatically get an email and will start working on the reply. Please sign your first name, last initial and make sure I know what year of the program you are asking about.

Greg

Fourth Year Elective Saturdays Set

2005-07-25T14:40:00.000-07:00

As of today, July 25, 2005, the elective Saturdays for Fourth Year are set as follows:

E1=Motors

E2=Grounding

E3=Branch Circuits and Feeders

E4=Transformers

E5=Wiring Methods and General Use Equipment

Fourth Year Apprentices will need to sign up for two elective Saturdays.

These classes are open to Journeymen so Apprentices should sign up early so as to be sure to get your space. You will show up the days you sign up for. Right now there is no sanction planned if you fail to show up. If this plan is abused we will decide on a consequence at that time, and there is no obligation on our part to let you know ahead of time. So be responsible by signing up early, and showing up to classes you sign up for.

Greg McMurphy
Instructor

BOOKS ARE READY

2005-07-08T16:50:00.000-07:00

Book packages are ready to pick up. We are working out the lesson schedule and should have them ready next week. I did update the FAQ pages for each year so check out www.jatc112.org for the latest. This year I am sure we will have to do some adjusting of the daily schedule as we go due to the approximate 40% change in curriculum. Be prepared to be flexible and make sure to communicate. Email works great.

Hope you have a great summer!!

Greg McMurphy
www.jatc112.org

2005-06-23T10:03:00.000-07:00

New classes scheduled-see the calendar at www.jatc112.org

TESTING NEWS

2005-06-22T20:58:00.000-07:00

JW test scheduled for Saturday June 25. Contact Dan Wolf through the Union Hall if you have specific questions on content. If you want to practice call ahead and come on in. We have first year in this week and we can accommodate some practice.

Fraternally,

Greg

2005-06-22T20:26:00.000-07:00

There are numerous changes to the curriculum this year, and a change in scheduling. Nearly all Third and Fourth year Saturday classes will include testing. Semester 1 and 2 tests will certainly be administered on the appropriate Saturday. This is so we can try and schedule in our vendor classes on weekdays and avoid any last minute cancellations and scrambling for content. Second big scheduling change is that Fourth Year apprentices will have three full 10 hour Saturdays scheduled and then they can chose from several offerings of elective classes. We will be giving JW classes on Saturdays (almost always the second Saturday of the month BUT ALWAYS CHECK THE CALENDAR) so you will designate which two of these half day classes you will attend in order to complete your hours. We are hoping a half day class will be more attractive and easy to schedule around. We know for sure there is a demand for such from the JW's. Read your book notices carefully and be prepared that first week of class by starting early. It may be a bit confusing right off the bat but I think in the long run the curriculum changes will be a benefit.

Fraternally,
Greg M

2005-06-22T20:10:00.000-07:00

Our hope is that this will become a discussion forum for training and curriculum issues for current apprentices. You will need to get a blogger id to post comments. We intend to post the same kinds of material that is on the jatc112.org website but in a way that is more interactive and less burdensome to update. Please keep the language appropriate and the content within the scope of the purpose. Politics of the local can wait for a better venue. I hope you enjoy and use this tool.

Greg