Electrician at Electricians IBEW Local 56 JATC
at Electricians IBEW Local 56 JATC in Erie, PA
About This Program
The Electricians IBEW Local 56 JATC sponsors a registered electrician apprenticeship program in Erie, PA. This union program, affiliated with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, provides a comprehensive path into the electrical trade for residents of the Erie area. Apprentices receive wages from the start of the program and earn pay increases with each year of completed training.
The five-year apprenticeship includes 8,000 hours of on-the-job training alongside 576 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices work with experienced journeymen on commercial and industrial electrical projects, developing practical skills in wiring installation, conduit systems, electrical panels, and circuit troubleshooting. Classroom instruction covers the National Electrical Code, electrical theory, safety practices, and the fundamentals of blueprint reading.
Graduates earn journeyman electrician status and join the IBEW — a credential and union membership that support long-term career stability and mobility. Erie's industrial and construction sectors provide steady work for licensed electricians, and completion of a union apprenticeship is among the most direct paths to a well-paying trade career in the region.
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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