Electrician at El Dorado Electrical JATC
at El Dorado Electrical JATC in El Dorado, AR
About This Program
The El Dorado Electrical JATC, based in El Dorado, AR, offers a union electrician apprenticeship jointly sponsored by local electrical contractors and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW). As a JATC program, it provides a structured, standards-based training pathway with progressive wages and union membership benefits. All apprentices are paid while they train.
The program is 5 years long and includes 8,000 hours of on-the-job training alongside 576 hours of related technical instruction. Working with journey-level electricians, apprentices learn to install residential, commercial, and industrial electrical systems, including wiring, conduit bending, panelboard installation, and motor control systems. Technical instruction covers electrical theory, the National Electrical Code, safety standards, and Arkansas state licensing requirements.
Graduates achieve journey-level electrician status and are eligible to sit for Arkansas journeyman licensure. The El Dorado region's energy and industrial sectors provide steady employment opportunities for qualified electricians trained through this JATC program.
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
Licensing in Arkansas
Electricians in Arkansas are required to hold a license. Licensing is issued by Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing, Board of Electrical Examiners.
View full Arkansaslicensing requirements →Reviews
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