Apprenticeship Programs
Inside Wireman Apprenticeship
The 5-year inside wireman apprenticeship develops expert electricians skilled in power distribution, lighting, controls, and general electrical work. Apprentices split training between 900 hours of classroom instruction and 8,000 hours of supervised on-the-job experience.
Apprentices gain comprehensive skills installing, troubleshooting, and maintaining electrical systems including:
- Power, lighting, and control systems in commercial buildings
- Electrical infrastructure in industrial facilities
- Electrical wiring and equipment for residential construction
They develop expertise in reading blueprints, operating tools/machinery, safety protocols, and the latest techniques and National Electrical Code standards. Apprentices work on varied projects from new construction to maintenance and upgrades.
Upon completing the rigorous program, inside wireman apprentices join the IBEW as journeyman electricians ready to thrive in a well-paid specialized trade. They possess the skills to have successful careers in fields ranging from construction to utilities to maintenance.
Telecommunications Electician Apprenticeship
The 3-year JATC telecommunications apprenticeship trains specialists in low voltage electrical systems used for communication and data. Apprentices divide their time between 640 hours of classroom instruction and 6,500 hours of on-the-job training under experienced telecom electricians.
The program provides comprehensive skills in installing, servicing, and troubleshooting various telecom systems including:
- Structured cabling for computer networks and data centers
- Fiber optic and CATV systems
- Alarm, security, and surveillance systems
- Audio/video distribution technologies
- Building automation and environmental controls
- Voice and phone networks
Apprentices work on both residential and commercial projects gaining broad experience. They become adept at working with the latest network standards, infrastructure, and industry trends. Safety procedures, blueprints, codes, and industry best practices are emphasized.
Upon completion, telecom electrician apprentices join the IBEW as journey-level technicians ready to kickstart their career in this essential and growing trade.
Apprenticeship Benefits
- Receive paid on-the-job training from experienced professionals – you earn while you learn.
- Get classroom education on theory, techniques, safety – over 900+ hours for inside wiremen and 640+ for telecom.
- Build specialized skills for a respected, in-demand profession with excellent pay and benefits.
- Join the IBEW union network of over 800,000 members across the U.S. and Canada.
- No educational debt – the JATC sponsors your multi-year training for free.
- Obtain certification and journeyman status upon completion of program.
- Career stability and security working for IBEW/NECA signatory contractors.
- Opportunity to work on varied, high-profile projects and continue developing your expertise.
- Hands-on experience gives you real-world skills that employers are looking for.
- Join a Brotherhood dedicated to exceptional workmanship and service.
The IBEW apprenticeship provides the knowledge, training, and connections to build a rewarding lifelong career as a union electrician.