Electrician at Des Moines Electrical Apprenticeship

Time-BasedRegistered ApprenticeshipPaid Training

at Des Moines Electrical Apprenticeship in Urbandale, IA

About This Program

Des Moines Electrical Apprenticeship, based in Urbandale, IA, offers a registered electrician apprenticeship program serving the greater Des Moines metro area. This non-union, employer-sponsored program provides a practical and paid route into the electrical trade for individuals ready to learn on the job from day one.

The five-year program includes 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 576 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices gain hands-on experience working alongside licensed electricians on residential, commercial, and industrial projects throughout central Iowa. Technical instruction covers electrical theory, the National Electrical Code, conduit systems, wiring methods, and safety practices required at the journeyman level.

Graduates of this program complete training as journey-level electricians prepared for the full scope of professional electrical work. Des Moines continues to be one of Iowa's fastest-growing metros, driving consistent demand for skilled tradespeople and making this apprenticeship a practical investment in a stable, well-paying career.

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.

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.

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 Iowa

Electricians in Iowa are required to hold a license. Licensing is issued by Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing.

View full Iowalicensing requirements →

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