Those who apply for electrician apprenticeships must be at least 18 years old in most cases and have a high school diploma or a G.E.D. Applicants should have good math and English skills, since most electrician instruction manuals are written in English. They also could have to pass a test and meet other requirements prior to acceptance. Electrician apprenticeship programs can last 4 years with each year including a minimum of 144 hours of classroom instruction and 2,000 hours of on-the-job electrician training. They are usually offered by company management committees of individual electrical contracting companies. Apprenticeship training for union electricians takes place under the auspices of the National Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee. The NJATC is a joint project of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and the National Electrical Contractors Association. The NJATC has graduated more than 350,000 apprentices into a variety of electrician fields. This should be done without ever taking any taxpayer money, nor are students required to pay admission or tuition fees. The program is primarily funded by contractors who have collective bargaining agreements with IBEW.
There are several different kinds of electricians, all with their own apprenticeship programs. Outside linemen work with large-scale, outdoor electrical systems used to distribute power through the electrical grid. Inside wiremen install, repair and maintain the electrical systems of commercial and industrial structures. Residential wiremen perform much the same tasks as inside wiremen. However, they specialize on residential structures. Finally, VDI installer technicians install, repair and maintain audio-visual, telephone and data transmission systems.
In the classroom, electrician apprentices learn electrical theory as well as methods of installing and maintaining electrical systems. Apprentices also take classes in mathematics, blueprint reading, electrical code rules, and electrical safety practices. Apprentice electricians also could receive specialized training in soldering, communications, alarm systems, and heavy equipment. During on-the-job training, electrical apprentices work under the supervision of experienced electricians. To start, they drill holes, set anchors, and attach conduit as well as performing other low level duties. Later, they measure, prepare, and install conduit, as well as install, connect, and test electrical wiring, outlets, and electrical switches. Apprentices also learn to lay out and draw circuit diagrams for entire electrical systems. To successfully complete the electrician apprenticeship program become electricians, apprentices must demonstrate mastery of the electrician’s tools and work practices.
Electrician apprenticeships generally take about four years to complete. During this time, apprentices are expected to work full time at their trade during the day. Apprentices are also required to take additional classroom training at night. This classroom training is usually one night per week for three or four hours. Apprentices may also be required to take the occasional class on the weekend or another weeknight for their electrician apprenticeship.