Electrician at Fort Smith Electrical JATC
at Fort Smith Electrical JATC in Fort Smith, AR
About This Program
The Fort Smith Electrical JATC sponsors a registered union electrician apprenticeship in Fort Smith, Arkansas. As a Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (JATC) program, it is jointly administered by union and employer representatives, providing apprentices with strong industry backing, structured training, and union membership benefits from the start. Apprentices are paid throughout the program.
This time-based program runs five years and includes 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 576 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices develop skills in electrical theory, National Electrical Code compliance, conduit installation, wiring systems, motor controls, and job-site safety. Classroom instruction complements hands-on field experience at every stage of the apprenticeship.
Graduates earn journeyman electrician status, a nationally recognized credential within the union electrical industry. This designation typically leads to competitive wages, comprehensive benefits, and long-term career opportunities in the Fort Smith area and throughout 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
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
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience!
See something wrong? Help us improve this page.