Electrician at Chattanooga Electrical JATC
at Chattanooga Electrical JATC in Chattanooga, TN
About This Program
The Chattanooga Electrical JATC sponsors a union electrician apprenticeship program based in Chattanooga, TN. As a Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee program affiliated with the IBEW, this program combines union-quality training with paid, real-world electrical work experience from the first day on the job.
The program spans five years and includes 8,000 hours of on-the-job training alongside 576 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices work under journeymen electricians on commercial, industrial, and residential projects, learning conduit bending, wire pulling, panel installations, load calculations, and code compliance. Classroom instruction covers electrical theory, safety protocols, and the National Electrical Code to build a strong technical foundation.
Upon completing the apprenticeship, graduates earn journey-level status as union electricians. This credential is recognized nationally and positions graduates for long-term career growth, competitive wages, and access to union benefits including healthcare and retirement.
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.
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
Trade School
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