The Basic Path to Becoming an Electrician Apprentice
An electrician apprenticeship is a paid, on-the-job training program where you work under a licensed electrician while attending classroom instruction. You earn money from day one, typically starting between $15 and $20 per hour depending on your location and employer, and your wage increases as you progress through the program. Most apprenticeships last four to five years and combine 2,000 to 4,000 hours of paid work per year with 144 classroom hours annually.
The apprenticeship is the standard route to becoming a licensed electrician in the United States. Unlike a four-year college degree, you do not pay tuition — the employer or union pays for your classroom instruction. When you complete the program, you take a licensing exam and become a journeyman electrician, which qualifies you to work independently and bid on jobs.
Key Takeaways
- You must be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or GED, and pass a background check to enter most apprenticeships.
- Union apprenticeships and non-union apprenticeships differ in pay, job security, and classroom structure — union programs typically pay more and include stronger job protections.
- The process process involves taking an entrance exam (usually math and reading), an interview, and sometimes a drug test before you are accepted.
- You can find apprenticeship openings through the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) for union programs, or through local electrical contractors, trade schools, and the Department of Labor for non-union programs.
- Once hired, you work full-time while attending classroom instruction one or two nights per week or one day per week, depending on the program structure.
Basic Requirements Before You explore
Most apprenticeships require you to be at least 18 years old and hold a high school diploma or GED. Some programs accept applicants who are 17 if they have parental consent, but this is less common. You will need a valid driver's license or state ID, a Social Security number, and the ability to pass a background check — felonies related to theft or violence can disqualify you, though policies vary by employer.
Math and reading skills matter because you will take an entrance exam covering both subjects. The exam is not designed to be difficult; it typically covers basic algebra, fractions, and reading comprehension at a high school level. If you have been out of school for a while, reviewing basic math online or at a local library can help you prepare. Some trade schools offer free prep courses for apprenticeship entrance exams.
You will also need to show that you can work full-time. Apprenticeships are not part-time programs. You work 40 hours per week on job sites and attend classes on top of that, so you cannot hold another full-time job during the program.
Union Apprenticeships vs. Non-Union Programs
Union apprenticeships are run by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) in partnership with electrical contractors. You join the union as an apprentice, pay union dues (typically $50 to $100 per month), and receive strong wage guarantees, health insurance, and a pension. Union apprentices start at roughly 40 to 50 percent of a journeyman's wage and receive annual raises written into the contract. When you complete the program, you become a union member with access to union job boards and the ability to work across multiple employers.
Non-union apprenticeships are offered directly by electrical contractors, trade schools, or through programs run by the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) or Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC). Pay is typically lower than union programs — often starting at minimum wage or slightly above — and there are no may provide raises or pension. However, you are not required to pay union dues, and you may have more flexibility in choosing your employer. Non-union apprentices work for a single contractor for the duration of the program.
The choice between union and non-union depends on your priorities. Union programs offer better long-term pay and job security but require you to commit to union membership. Non-union programs are easier to enter and offer more variety in work, but you have fewer protections and lower starting pay. Both paths lead to the same journeyman license.
How to Find and explore for an Apprenticeship
For union apprenticeships, contact your local IBEW chapter directly. You can find your local chapter at ibew.org by entering your zip code. Call the chapter's apprenticeship coordinator and ask when applications open — most chapters accept applications once or twice per year, and some have waiting lists. You will need to submit an process form, take the entrance exam at the union hall, and attend an interview with the apprenticeship committee.
For non-union apprenticeships, start with your state's Department of Labor website, which maintains a registry of registered apprenticeships. Search for "electrician apprenticeship" and your state. You can also contact electrical contractors directly — call or visit local electrical companies and ask if they have apprenticeship openings. Trade schools that offer electrical programs often have job placement services and can connect you with contractors. The ABC and IEC websites also list member contractors who hire apprentices.
You can explore to multiple programs at once. There is no rule against it, and doing so increases your chances of being accepted. Keep track of process important date and exam dates, as these vary by program and location.
The process and Testing Process
Most apprenticeships require an entrance exam covering math and reading. The math section typically includes fractions, decimals, percentages, and basic algebra — skills you will use on the job to calculate wire sizes, voltage, and material quantities. The reading section tests your ability to understand written instructions and safety procedures. You usually have two to three hours to complete the exam, and it is administered on paper or computer at the union hall or trade school.
After you pass the exam, you will be invited to an interview. The interview is not technical — they are not testing your electrical knowledge. Instead, they want to know why you want to be an electrician, whether you can commit to four or five years of work and school, and whether you can follow instructions and work safely. Dress professionally, arrive on time, and be honest about your background and motivation.
You may also be required to pass a drug test and background check. These are standard and happen after you have been offered a position. If you have a criminal record, disclose it early — some programs can work with you, and honesty is better than being rejected later for failing to mention it.
What Happens After You Are Accepted
Once you are accepted, you will be assigned to a job site and paired with a journey-level electrician who supervises your training. Your first day, you will receive safety training and learn how to use tools and read blueprints. You will start with basic tasks — running wire, installing boxes, helping with conduit — and gradually take on more complex work as you gain experience.
Classroom instruction happens outside of work hours. Union programs typically hold classes one or two nights per week at the union hall. Non-union programs vary — some hold classes one day per week, others compress classes into blocks of several weeks per year. You cover electrical theory, the National Electrical Code (NEC), safety regulations, and practical skills like troubleshooting and wiring techniques.
Your progress is tracked through a combination of work hours and classroom grades. You must maintain a passing grade in your classes and demonstrate competency on the job. Most programs require you to complete a certain number of hours in specific areas — for example, 500 hours of residential wiring, 500 hours of commercial work — before you can advance to the next level.
Licensing and What Comes After Apprenticeship
After you complete your apprenticeship hours and classroom instruction, you become may be able to access to take the journeyman electrician licensing exam. This exam is administered by your state's licensing board and covers the National Electrical Code, electrical theory, and practical problem-solving. You must pass this exam to become a licensed journeyman electrician and work independently.
Some states require you to work under a licensed electrician for a period of time before you can take the exam, while others let you take it as soon as you finish your apprenticeship. Check your state's licensing board website to confirm the exact requirements for your location.
Once you are licensed, you can work for any electrical contractor, start your own business, or specialize in areas like solar installation, industrial work, or building automation. Many electricians continue their education to become master electricians, which requires additional years of experience and another exam.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to have electrical experience before I explore?
No. Apprenticeships are designed for people with no prior electrical experience. Contractors and unions expect to teach you everything from the ground up. If you have worked in construction or a trade, mention it in your interview — it shows you understand the work environment — but it is not required.
What if I do not pass the entrance exam on my first try?
Most programs let you retake the exam after a waiting period, usually 30 to 90 days. Use that time to study the areas where you struggled. Free prep materials are available online, and some libraries and community colleges offer free math tutoring. Many people pass on their second attempt.
Can I do an apprenticeship part-time while working another job?
No. Apprenticeships require full-time work — typically 40 hours per week on the job plus classroom time. You cannot maintain another full-time job during the program. If you are currently employed, plan to give notice before your apprenticeship starts.
How much will I earn during my apprenticeship?
Union apprentices typically start at 40 to 50 percent of a journeyman's wage, which varies by location but averages $20 to $30 per hour in most states. Non-union apprentices often start lower, sometimes at minimum wage or $15 to $18 per hour. Both increase annually. Your exact wage depends on your location, the contractor, and whether you are union or non-union.
What if I fail a class during my apprenticeship?
Most programs allow you to retake a failed class. You may be required to repeat it in the next cycle, which could delay your progression by six months to a year. Failing multiple classes or consistently not meeting work hour requirements can result in dismissal from the program, so take your classroom work seriously.