Electrician at ASARCO-Ray Operations IBEW Local 518

Time-BasedRegistered ApprenticeshipUnionPaid Training

at ASARCO-Ray Operations IBEW Local 518 in Hayden, AZ

About This Program

ASARCO Ray Operations, in partnership with IBEW Local 518, sponsors a registered union electrician apprenticeship program in Hayden, Arizona. This JATC-affiliated program is tailored to the industrial mining environment, training electricians to work safely and effectively in heavy industrial settings. Apprentices are paid throughout the training period and benefit from the stability and protections of union membership.

The five-year, time-based program requires 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 576 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices develop skills in electrical theory, industrial wiring, motor controls, instrumentation, the National Electrical Code, and safety standards specific to industrial and mining operations. Classroom instruction supports the technical demands of working in a large-scale mining facility.

Graduates earn journeyman electrician status with experience in industrial electrical systems that is highly valued in the mining and heavy industry sectors. This credential supports long-term employment at ASARCO and with other industrial employers throughout Arizona.

Wage & Training

Journeyman Wage

$30

BLS 2023

OJT Hours

8,000

Apprenticeship.gov 2025

RTI Hours

576

Apprenticeship.gov 2025

Duration

5 years

Apprenticeship.gov 2025

Wage data is the national median for this occupation (BLS, May 2023), not specific to this program.

How to Apply

Electrician Career Outlook

National Median

$29.61/hr

~$61,588.8/yr

Apprentice Start

$15/hr

Earn while you learn

Job Outlook

Electrician employment is projected to grow significantly, driven by construction activity, renewable energy expansion, and EV infrastructure buildout. The increasing electrification of buildings and transportation systems creates strong long-term demand. Licensed electricians with experience in solar, battery storage, or industrial controls are especially sought after.

What to Expect as an Electrician Apprentice

Duration

5 years of combined on-the-job training and classroom instruction

On-the-Job Training

~32 hours/week of hands-on work under journeyman supervision (8,000 total hours)

Classroom Instruction

576 hours of related technical instruction (~115 hours/year)

Paid Training

You earn a wage from day one, starting at a percentage of the journeyman rate and increasing as you progress

Time-based program: You'll progress through the program based on completing a set number of hours in both on-the-job training and classroom instruction.

This is a union-affiliated program. Union apprenticeships typically offer strong benefits packages, pension contributions, and structured career advancement through the local hall.

Trade School vs. Apprenticeship for Electrician

Apprenticeship

Cost$0 (earn while you learn)
Duration5 years
Starting wage$15.00/hr
Journeyman wage$29.61/hr
CredentialJourneyman card

Trade School

Cost$5,000–$20,000+
Duration6–24 months
Starting wageEntry-level
ExperienceHands-on labs
CredentialCertificate / diploma

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