Electrician at IBEW Local #9 Middle States

Time-BasedRegistered ApprenticeshipUnionPaid Training

at IBEW Local #9 Middle States in University Park, IL

About This Program

IBEW Local #9 Middle States sponsors this union electrician apprenticeship in University Park, Illinois. Located in the south suburban Chicago area, this JATC-affiliated program provides a fully paid, structured entry into the electrical trade for individuals interested in pursuing a union career in one of the country's most active construction markets.

Over five years, apprentices complete 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 576 hours of related technical instruction. Field work covers electrical installation and maintenance across a variety of commercial and industrial project types. The classroom component includes instruction in electrical theory, the National Electrical Code, motor controls, power distribution, blueprint reading, and OSHA safety compliance.

Graduates earn journeyman electrician status and full membership in IBEW Local 9, opening doors to a broad range of construction opportunities across the greater Chicago metropolitan area and beyond. Union membership provides negotiated wages, health benefits, and pension contributions that support long-term financial stability.

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.

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

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

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