WCPA JATC Equal Opportunity Draft
Draft for reviewProposed Equal Opportunity page for wcpaejatc.org. Not on the live site. Anything marked confirm is a decision only you (or the committee) can make.
Equal opportunity

Every applicant gets the same shot.

The same documents, the same test, the same interview questions, the same scoring — for everyone who applies. Here is our pledge, how to ask for an accommodation, and what to do if you believe you were treated unfairly.

Need an accommodation?

For the test, the interview, class or the job. Asking will not count against you.

How to ask

Our pledge

This is the equal opportunity pledge our program is registered under. It is signed by the people who run the program and is posted at the training center.

The Western Central Pennsylvania Electricians' Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee will not discriminate against apprenticeship applicants or apprentices based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), sexual orientation, genetic information, or because they are an individual with a disability or a person 40 years old or older.

We will take affirmative action to provide equal opportunity in apprenticeship and will operate the apprenticeship program as required under Title 29 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 30.

Chairman, Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee Secretary, Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee Business Manager, IBEW Local Union 712 Chapter Manager, Western Pennsylvania Chapter NECA confirm the chapter name

What it means for you

When you apply

Every applicant is asked for the same documents and reviewed against the same list, however they finished school. Nothing on the application asks about your race, religion, or any of the categories in the pledge, except an optional form that is kept separate and is never seen by the people who score you.

At the test and interview

Everyone takes the same test and is asked the same interview questions, scored on the same sheet by the same panel. Your place on the eligible list comes from that score alone.

During the program

Job assignments, class placement, pay raises and discipline follow written rules that apply to every apprentice the same way. The training center is also required to recruit actively in communities that have been under-represented in the trade.

If you speak up

No one may be treated worse for asking for an accommodation, raising a concern, filing a complaint, or helping someone else with theirs. That protection is part of the same federal rule as the pledge.

Asking for an accommodation

If a disability, a medical condition or a religious practice means you need something done differently — extra time on the test, a large-print copy, a different interview time, a change to how a class or a task is done — ask.

  • Tell us as early as you can. For the test or interview, say so when you book your time, or call the office.
  • You can ask in person, by phone, by email or in writing. You do not need a special form to start.
  • We may ask for a note from a doctor or other professional if the need is not obvious, and we keep that information private and separate from your file.
  • We will talk it through with you and tell you in writing what we can do. If we cannot do exactly what you asked, we will offer the closest thing that works.
  • Asking will not count against you at any step.

Who to ask

Jeff Mendillo, Training Director
3891 Wilmington Road, Neshannock Township, PA 16105
724-775-6920 · [email protected] confirm email

Email the Training Director

If you believe you were treated unfairly

You can raise it with us, or go straight to an outside agency — or both. You do not have to try us first. Anyone can help you write a complaint, and you can bring someone with you.

Option 1 — with us

Tell the Training Director

In person, by phone, by email or in writing. If your concern is about the Training Director, write to the chairman of the committee at the same address. confirm

Jeff Mendillo, Training Director
3891 Wilmington Road
Neshannock Township, PA 16105
724-775-6920 · [email protected]
We answer in writing. Raising it with us does not stop the clock on the outside deadlines.
Option 2 — the state agency that registers our program

Pennsylvania Apprenticeship and Training Office

Department of Labor & Industry
1301 Labor & Industry Building
651 Boas Street, Harrisburg, PA 17121 confirm address
717-787-6997 · [email protected]
Deadline: 300 days from the day it happened.
Option 3 — federal or state civil-rights agency

EEOC or the PA Human Relations Commission

U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Pittsburgh Area Office
1000 Liberty Avenue, Suite 1112, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
1-800-669-4000 · 412-588-6905 · eeoc.gov
Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission, Pittsburgh Regional Office
301 Fifth Avenue, Suite 390, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
412-565-5395 · pa.gov/agencies/phrc
Deadlines: EEOC 300 days; PHRC 180 days.

What to put in a complaint

Your name, address and phone number; the name and address of the program; what happened, when, and who was involved; and your signature. That is all that is required. A complaint form is below if you would like to use one, but a plain letter or email with those four things is a valid complaint.

Complaint form (PDF) Your rights under equal opportunity in apprenticeship (PDF) post both? see decision 4

Contact the training center

Phone
724-775-6920
Email
[email protected] confirm
Address
3891 Wilmington Road
Neshannock Township, PA 16105
Director
Jeff Mendillo, Training Director
A crew of electricians and apprentices