Electrician at Boston Electricians Local #103
at Boston Electricians Local #103 in Dorchester, MA
About This Program
Boston Electricians Local #103 sponsors this union electrician apprenticeship in Dorchester, MA. This JATC program, affiliated with one of New England's most prominent IBEW local unions, provides apprentices with rigorous, union-backed training at the heart of one of the nation's most active construction markets. Apprentices receive pay for their work from the very beginning of the program.
The five-year program includes 8,000 hours of on-the-job training paired with 576 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices work on major commercial, industrial, and residential projects throughout the Greater Boston area under the supervision of journeyman electricians, gaining skills in electrical installation, wiring methods, switchgear, conduit, motor controls, and system troubleshooting. Classroom instruction covers electrical theory, the National Electrical Code, blueprint reading, and safety practices.
Graduates earn journeyman electrician status upon completion. As members of IBEW Local #103, apprentices benefit from collectively bargained wages that increase progressively through training, along with access to health insurance, pension contributions, and other union-negotiated benefits — making this a highly competitive program in the region.
Wage & Training
Journeyman Wage
$30
OJT Hours
8,000
RTI Hours
576
Duration
5 years
Wage data is the national median for this occupation (BLS, May 2023), not specific to this program.
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
Trade School
Licensing in Massachusetts
Electricians in Massachusetts are required to hold a license. Licensing is issued by Massachusetts Board of State Examiners of Electricians.
View full Massachusettslicensing requirements →Reviews
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