Electrician at Charlotte Electrical JATC
at Charlotte Electrical JATC in Charlotte, NC
About This Program
The Charlotte Electrical JATC sponsors this union electrician apprenticeship in Charlotte, NC. As an IBEW-affiliated Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee program, it offers employer-backed training that combines extensive field experience with formal technical education in one of the South's most economically active cities.
The program spans five years and requires completion of 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 576 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices work under the supervision of journeyman electricians, learning conduit bending and installation, wiring methods, electrical panels, lighting systems, motor controls, and National Electrical Code standards. Classroom instruction provides the theoretical grounding needed to perform electrical work safely and accurately. Apprentices receive pay from the first day and typically see wage increases at each program level.
Graduates earn journeyman electrician status upon completing all program requirements, qualifying them to work independently across a broad range of commercial, industrial, and residential projects. Charlotte's rapidly expanding construction and infrastructure sectors make this an ideal market for a career in the electrical trade.
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 North Carolina
Electricians in North Carolina are required to hold a license. Licensing is issued by North Carolina State Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors.
View full North Carolinalicensing requirements →Reviews
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience!
See something wrong? Help us improve this page.