Electrician at Birmingham Electrical JATC

Time-BasedRegistered ApprenticeshipUnionPaid Training

at Birmingham Electrical JATC in Birmingham, AL

About This Program

The Birmingham Electrical JATC, located in Birmingham, AL, sponsors a union electrician apprenticeship in collaboration with IBEW affiliated local unions and area electrical employers. This Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee program combines employer-funded wages with structured classroom training, and apprentices receive increasing pay rates as they advance through the program.

This 5-year apprenticeship includes 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 576 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices develop skills in electrical system installation, conduit fabrication and installation, wiring of motors and controls, service panel setup, and code-compliant work practices. Classroom coursework covers electrical theory, the National Electrical Code, occupational safety, and preparation for Alabama journeyman licensure.

Graduating apprentices earn journey-level electrician status backed by one of the most respected training structures in the electrical trade. Birmingham's diverse construction and manufacturing base provides graduates with broad employment opportunities and a strong platform for career advancement.

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

Licensing in Alabama

Electricians in Alabama are required to hold a license. Licensing is issued by Alabama Electrical Contractors Board.

View full Alabamalicensing requirements →

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