Electrician at CWLP and IBEW Local Union 193
at CWLP and IBEW Local Union 193 in Springfield, IL
About This Program
City Water, Light and Power (CWLP) and IBEW Local Union 193 jointly sponsor this union electrician apprenticeship in Springfield, Illinois. This unique employer-union partnership trains apprentices to work within Springfield's municipal utility system, offering a focused path into utility electrical work with full IBEW union membership and a paid apprenticeship from the start.
Over five years, apprentices log 8,000 hours of on-the-job training within CWLP's operations alongside 576 hours of related technical instruction. Field work includes working on municipal power distribution systems, utility infrastructure, and related electrical facilities. Classroom training addresses electrical theory, utility operations, safety standards, and the National Electrical Code as it applies to utility work.
Completing this apprenticeship leads to journeyman-level status in the utility electrical trade with IBEW Local 193 credentials. Municipal utility careers are known for strong job security, and union membership through IBEW Local 193 provides journeymen with competitive wages, health coverage, and pension benefits.
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
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