What You Actually Do To Start An Apprenticeship

Becoming an apprentice electrician means signing a contract with an employer or training program, then working on job sites while attending classroom instruction. You do not need a high school diploma in most states, though some programs prefer it. The path takes three to five years depending on your state and the specific program.

The first step is finding an apprenticeship opening. Most come through union locals (the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, or IBEW, is the largest), non-union contractors, or community colleges that run pre-apprenticeship programs. You contact the program directly, submit basic information, and often take a math and reading test to show you can handle the coursework.

Once accepted, you sign an apprenticeship agreement that spells out your wages, hours, and training schedule. You then start working under a licensed electrician's supervision while taking classes — usually one or two nights a week or one day per week, depending on the program. The employer or union pays for the classroom instruction.

Key Takeaways

  • Union apprenticeships (through IBEW locals) typically pay better and include full tuition coverage, but have longer waiting lists and require passing a math test and interview.
  • Non-union apprenticeships with contractors start faster and have lower barriers to entry, but wages are lower and you pay for some or all of your own classroom costs.
  • Pre-apprenticeship programs through community colleges or nonprofits prepare you for the entrance test and help you find a sponsor employer, taking four to twelve weeks.
  • You need a high school diploma or GED in some states and some programs, but not all — ask the specific program before assuming you are disqualified.
  • The apprenticeship itself lasts three to five years of paid work plus classroom time, and you earn a journeyman electrician license at the end.

Union Apprenticeships Through IBEW Locals

Union apprenticeships are run by IBEW locals in your area. They pay the highest wages, cover all tuition and books, and lead to a union card and journeyman license. The tradeoff is that the entry process is more formal and waiting lists can be long — sometimes six months to two years depending on the local.

To explore, you contact your local IBEW office directly (find it at ibew.org by entering your zip code). You fill out an process, take a math and reading test, and attend an interview. The test covers basic algebra, geometry, and reading comprehension — nothing you cannot study for. The interview is about your work history, why you want the job, and whether you can commit to the full apprenticeship.

If you pass, you go on a waiting list. When a slot opens, the local pairs you with a union contractor who needs an apprentice. You then sign the apprenticeship agreement and start work. Union apprentices earn roughly 40 to 50 percent of a journeyman's wage in year one, rising each year. In most states, that means starting between $18 and $28 per hour depending on the local and region.

Non-Union Apprenticeships With Contractors

Non-union apprenticeships are offered directly by electrical contractors. They have lower entry barriers — no formal test or interview in many cases — and you can start faster. The downside is lower starting wages (often $15 to $20 per hour in year one), and you may pay for part or all of your classroom tuition yourself.

To find non-union openings, search online job boards (Indeed, Craigslist, local contractor websites) for "apprentice electrician" or "electrical apprentice" in your area. Call or email contractors directly and ask if they are taking apprentices. Some have formal programs; others hire apprentices as needed and enroll them in community college classes.

The process process is simpler: you submit a resume or fill out a form, do a brief interview, and may take a basic math or reading test. Some contractors require a high school diploma or GED; others do not. Once hired, you sign an apprenticeship agreement and start on the job. You attend classroom instruction at a community college or trade school, usually one night a week or one day per week. Some contractors pay for this; others expect you to cover the cost, which is typically $1,000 to $3,000 per year.

Pre-Apprenticeship Programs To Prepare You

If you are not ready for a full apprenticeship or want to improve your chances of being accepted, a pre-apprenticeship program is a middle step. These are offered by community colleges, nonprofits, and some unions. They run four to twelve weeks, teach basic electrical theory and math, and help you find an apprenticeship sponsor.

Pre-apprenticeship programs are often free or low-cost, especially if you have low income. They cover the math and reading skills you will need for the entrance test, give you hands-on experience with tools and basic wiring, and connect you with employers or union locals who are actively hiring. Many programs also help with resume writing and interview prep.

To find a pre-apprenticeship program near you, contact your local community college or search online for "pre-apprenticeship electrician" plus your city or county name. You can also call your local IBEW office — they often know which nonprofits run pre-apprenticeship programs in your area. Some programs require you to be at least 18 years old; others accept people as young as 16.

What You Need Before You Start

Most apprenticeships require a high school diploma or GED, though some non-union programs do not. Check with the specific program or contractor before assuming you need one. If you do not have a diploma, you can get a GED through your local school district or community college — the process takes a few weeks to a few months depending on how much studying you need.

You will also need a valid photo ID and a Social Security number for the background check and tax paperwork. Some programs require a driver's license, especially if the job involves traveling to different job sites. A few contractors ask for a clean driving record or background check with no felonies, though this varies widely.

You do not need to own tools when you start. Contractors provide most tools on the job. Over time, you will build your own toolkit — electricians typically spend $500 to $2,000 on personal tools by the time they finish the apprenticeship. Some programs or unions offer tool discounts or help you buy them gradually.

The Timeline From Start To Journeyman License

The full path takes different amounts of time depending on which route you choose. A union apprenticeship typically takes four to five years of paid work plus classroom instruction. A non-union apprenticeship can be three to five years depending on the contractor and state rules. A pre-apprenticeship program adds four to twelve weeks before you start the actual apprenticeship.

During the apprenticeship itself, you work full-time (usually 40 hours per week) and attend classroom instruction on top of that. Union apprentices typically go to class one night per week for four hours, or one day per week. Non-union programs vary — some are one night per week, others are one day per week, and a few use a block schedule where you attend for a week or two at a time.

At the end of the apprenticeship, you take a final exam and receive your journeyman electrician license from your state. This license lets you work independently and supervise apprentices. The license is recognized across most states, though some require you to pass a state-specific exam or pay a fee to transfer it.

Income and Job Prospects After You Finish

Once you have your journeyman license, you can work for any contractor, start your own business, or join a union if you did not already. Journeyman electricians in most states earn between $50,000 and $80,000 per year depending on the region, whether you work union or non-union, and how much overtime you take. Union electricians typically earn more and have better benefits.

Job demand for electricians is strong in most areas. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects steady growth in electrical work over the next decade. Once you finish the apprenticeship, you can move to a different state and your license is usually recognized, though you may need to register it with that state's licensing board.

Many apprentices go on to become supervisors, project managers, or inspectors. Others specialize in solar installation, industrial electrical work, or residential wiring. The apprenticeship gives you the foundation to move in any of these directions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a high school diploma to start an apprenticeship?

Most union apprenticeships and many non-union programs require a high school diploma or GED. Some non-union contractors do not require one. Contact the specific program or contractor to ask — do not assume you are disqualified without checking. If you need a GED, you can get one through your local community college or school district in a few weeks to a few months.

How much does an apprenticeship cost?

Union apprenticeships are free — the union covers all tuition and books. Non-union apprenticeships vary: some contractors pay for classroom costs, others expect you to pay $1,000 to $3,000 per year. Pre-apprenticeship programs are often free or low-cost. Ask the program directly what you will owe before you start.

Can I work full-time while doing an apprenticeship?

Yes — an apprenticeship is a paid job. You work full-time (usually 40 hours per week) and attend classroom instruction on top of that, typically one or two nights per week or one day per week. You cannot hold a second full-time job, but many apprentices pick up extra shifts or weekend work with their contractor.

What if I fail the entrance test for a union apprenticeship?

You can retake it, usually after waiting a few months. Many people use that time to study math or attend a pre-apprenticeship program. The test covers basic algebra and geometry — both are learnable skills. Tutoring and study guides are available free or low-cost through community colleges and nonprofits.

How long does it take to become a journeyman electrician?

The apprenticeship itself takes three to five years depending on your state and program. If you do a pre-apprenticeship first, add four to twelve weeks. After you finish and pass the final exam, you receive your journeyman license and can work independently.