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July 13, 2022

How to Become an Apprentice Electrician?

Apprentice Electrician.Krasula.iecrm.org

As a licensed electrician, you’ll have the opportunity to work as an in-demand professional in an ever-evolving field while earning an excellent wage. Plus, it’s one of the best trade jobs you can get without requiring a four-year college degree. But before you can work as an electrician, you’ll need to get the training and experience necessary to enter the field.

Apprenticeships for electricians have many different career paths. Most people begin by working as apprentice electricians. After completing an apprenticeship, you can move forward with the test to become a licensed journeyman electrician. 

Not sure where to find apprenticeships for electricians or what to expect from one? We have you covered with this useful guide that breaks down everything you need to know about an electrician apprenticeship, including how to get one, what your responsibilities will look like, and what comes after.

What is an Electrician Apprenticeship?

An electrician apprenticeship is a training program that will provide you with the skills and hands-on experiences needed to become a licensed electrician. It’s the perfect way to learn on the job, so you can put your new skills into practice right away. Also, as you build your experience and skill set, you can steadily increase your earning potential once you complete your four- or six-year apprenticeship. 

How Do You Get an Electrician Apprenticeship?

So, exactly where do you get an electrician apprenticeship? Apprenticeships for electricians are offered through trade schools and vocational colleges through electrician programs. 

They can register you as an apprentice through IEC Rocky Mountain if you currently work for an electrical contractor. Or, you can sign up yourself, and we will help you locate a position. 

IEC Rocky Mountain is the region’s largest apprentice training institution and an outstanding resource for apprenticeships for prospective electricians in Colorado and Wyoming. IECRM is Colorado’s first and only state-approved electrical training school. Through IECRM, you can sign up to work as an apprentice electrician.

What are the requirements for an electrician apprenticeship?

Although the exact entrance requirements may vary, depending on the trade school, they generally include:

  • Must be at least 18 years of age
  • Must have a high school degree (or GED)
  • Must have a reliable form of transportation 
  • Must be physically capable of performing the job’s requirements 

You may also be required to take an aptitude test for certain apprenticeships. The test assesses basic math skills related to the job.

Remember that experience is not required for IECRM apprenticeships, meaning that your apprenticeship can be an excellent first step toward your future career.

Also, you do not need to be currently employed by an electrical contractor. If you are not, you can sign up on your own, and our team will work with you to find a job with one of our member contractors. 

Do you get paid as an apprentice electrician?

Through the IECRM program, you’ll earn full-time wages from your employer. 

Entry wages will be based on experience but start at approximately $15/hour. You can also receive a raise every 6 months (or 1,000 hours of on-the-job training). 

How much does it cost to sign up for an electrician apprenticeship program?

Because an apprenticeship is essential for an in-field educational course, there are tuition costs. Your cost depends largely on the program you choose.

For example, IECRM apprentices often graduate debt-free because many contractors provide tuition and feed assistance (and even up to 100% reimbursement). Even without reimbursement, the apprenticeship program is a relatively affordable investment in your future – one that will certainly pay off tenfold.

How long is an electrician apprenticeship?

To take the journeyman electrician license exam, you must complete at least 4 years of apprentice experience, which equals 8,000 on-the-job training hours. This is in addition to the minimum of 288 classroom training hours. 

What to Expect from an Electrician Apprenticeship

What do you learn as an apprentice electrician? Throughout your four- to six-year apprenticeship, you’ll build a diverse skill set that will serve you in your future as a licensed electrician. 

In the first few months, you’ll likely spend considerable time observing. As you gain experience, you can look forward to taking on new duties and responsibilities. By the end of the apprenticeship, you’ll be performing many tasks independently. 

Some of the things you’ll learn to do include:

  • Installing, maintaining, and repairing electrical wiring, equipment, lighting fixtures, and various electrical control systems
  • Testing and inspecting electrical systems/components
  • Using specialized devices to locate system problems
  • Reading construction blueprints/diagrams for electrical plans
  • Make sure that all electrical work is in compliance with the National electric code, and any state/local regulations

After an Apprenticeship

Once you have completed your apprenticeship, you can move forward with taking your license exam. From there, the career possibilities are virtually limitless.

Pursue a Career as an Electrician with Help from the IEC Rocky Mountain Now

Are you ready to take your first steps towards a fulfilling, lucrative career as a licensed electrician? If so, the IEC Rocky Mountain is here to help. As the largest provider of apprentice training in the region, IECRM is a trusted educational institution and a respected name in the industry. We can connect you with training and job opportunities that open the door to the future you have been dreaming of.

For more information about getting a job as an apprentice electrician, contact the IECRM today.

Image by Krasula/ shutterstock.com

IECRM Self-Pay Tuition Policy

 

Self-pay students who are employed with a member company must register and pay through the member company using the IECRM Flashpoint Enrollment Portal/Process in order to qualify for member rates.

Self-pay students that are employed with a member company but that do not register and pay through the member will be charged the non-member rate for tuition, books and applicable fees.


Self-pay students who are employed with a member company and require a payment plan will not qualify for the member rate and will be charged the non-member rate for tuition, books and applicable fees.


Self-pay students who do not work for a member company will continue to be charged the non-member rate for tuition, books and applicable fees.


To maximize association/membership benefits, ALL member companies are encouraged to register and pay for all enrolled apprentices utilizing internal payment arrangements and processes between employer and employee.


We value our IECRM members and apprentice community. We encourage all apprentices to be enrolled in the four-year apprenticeship program, earning, and learning their way toward Journeyworker licensure. We encourage all members to utilize the member discount for tuition, books and applicable fees to ensure the long-term support and success of the next-generation electrician.


(Payment Plans are available, please reference the Self Pay Payment Plan Policy.)


Self-Pay Payment Plan Policy


We offer the following arrangements for students that are unable to pay in full at the time of registration.


● Self-pay students will be charged the non-member rate.
● A 50% down payment of total semester tuition, books and applicable fees are due at registration.
● Remaining balance can be divided up to 3 additional monthly payments ($10.00 processing fee applies on each installment)
● All payments that are declined will incur a $20.00 NSF fee.

 

We encourage all students who are employed with a member company to work with their employer to register and pay through the IECRM Flashpoint Enrollment Portal/Process. This will ensure the student is paying the lowest possible rate for tuition, books and applicable fees.