Electrician at IBEW LU 40 - L.A. County NECA JATC

Time-BasedRegistered ApprenticeshipUnionPaid Training

at IBEW LU 40 - L.A. County NECA JATC in North Hollywood, CA

About This Program

IBEW Local Union 40, in partnership with the Los Angeles County NECA JATC, sponsors a registered union electrician apprenticeship program in North Hollywood, California. This JATC-affiliated program focuses on sound and communication systems within the entertainment industry, training electricians for specialized work in film, television, and broadcast production environments. Apprentices are paid throughout the program and receive union membership through IBEW Local 40.

The five-year, time-based program requires 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 576 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices develop expertise in electrical theory, audio-visual systems, signal distribution, the National Electrical Code, studio wiring, communication infrastructure, and safety protocols relevant to entertainment industry work environments. Training combines field experience with structured technical instruction.

Graduates earn journeyman electrician status with specialized qualifications in sound and communication systems. This credential supports a career in the Los Angeles entertainment industry, where skilled union electricians with expertise in studio and broadcast systems are consistently in demand across film, television, and live event production.

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.

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

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 California

Electricians in California are required to hold a license. Licensing is issued by California Department of Industrial Relations, Electrician Certification Unit.

View full Californialicensing requirements →

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