Electrician at International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) - Local Union 490
at International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) - Local Union 490 in Concord, NH
About This Program
IBEW Local Union 490 sponsors this union electrician apprenticeship in Concord, NH. As a JATC-structured, employer-backed program affiliated with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, it offers New Hampshire apprentices a direct route into the electrical trade with the full backing of one of the most established labor unions in the country.
The apprenticeship runs five years and combines 8,000 hours of on-the-job training with 576 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices work alongside experienced journeymen on commercial, industrial, and residential projects throughout the region, developing skills in wiring methods, conduit installation, electrical panels, motor controls, and NEC compliance. Classroom instruction covers electrical theory, safety, blueprint reading, and load calculations. Apprentices receive wages throughout the program, with increases at each advancement level.
Graduates complete the program as IBEW journeyman electricians, equipped with recognized credentials and union membership. The Concord area and broader New Hampshire market offer steady demand for qualified electricians across construction and maintenance sectors.
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.
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 New Hampshire
Electricians in New Hampshire are required to hold a license. Licensing is issued by New Hampshire Office of Professional Licensure and Certification, Electricians' Board.
View full New Hampshirelicensing requirements →Reviews
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