How to Get a Job as an Electrician
You’ve decided you want to gain a trade and start your career in the fast-growing electrical field—congrats! The electrical trade offers stability and rewarding pay that’s hard to beat with a typical four-year college degree.
You can’t just start routing wires after watching some YouTube tutorials or observing a family member, though. In Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia, you need to gain work experience with a licensed contractor and enroll in an apprenticeship to become an electrician. In this blog, you’ll learn how to get started.
What is an Electrical Apprenticeship?
An electrical apprenticeship is an official training program that allows you to gain journeyman status as a certified electrician. Programs like those run by the Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (JATC) combine classroom and on-the-job training so you can learn theory and gain hands-on experience along the way.
Apprenticeships also allow you to earn a living wage while you train, which means you won’t be burdened by student loans.
Steps to Become an Electrician Apprentice
- The first step is finding an apprenticeship training program. There are many trades schools across the country, but we recommend the JATC. It doesn’t have tuition fees and sets you up for a stable career with the IBEW Local 26 Union based in Washington, DC.
- Apply to the program. For the JATC program, this involves making a Local 26 TradeSchool account. Once you create an account, you’ll also likely have to ask your previous school (e.g. your high school) to send a copy of your transcript to the JATC. Start here.
- Complete the vetting process. The program coordinators will get in touch if your application meets the criteria. You’ll then have to complete the additional application requirements. For the JATC Inside Electrical Track, this involves passing a math and science-based test and an interview.
Get ready! Once you’re accepted, you’ll begin classroom instruction and on-the-job training.
If you want to ease your way into the electrical trade or you’re not accepted into an apprenticeship right away, the JATC offers an excellent option called the Residential Track. This gives you a way to build skills and earn money while you work on your apprenticeship application.
How Much Do Electricians Make?
Once you complete a five-year apprenticeship, you can expect to earn up to $108,000 annually, plus $41,000 in health and retirement benefits (if you work 2,000 hours per year).
How Much Does Electrician School Cost?
Electrician school tuition typically costs thousands of dollars per semester, but it largely depends on your location and school choice. There’s a way to avoid those tuition fees though.
The JATC program won’t cost you anything because the Union Training Fund funds it, which means you’ll have zero student loans. At the same time, first-year apprentices make around $48,760 plus benefits so you can support yourself while you complete training.
Learn More About Becoming An Electrical Apprentice
The Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee (JATC) program is your ticket to a rewarding career with the IBEW Local 26 Union. Start your path to great pay, benefits, and job security with growth potential. At the JATC, you get cutting-edge classroom education combined with paid in-the-field experience—putting you at the top of your game.
There are three different tracks to choose from so you can find the path that suits you.
