Electrician at Meridian Electricians' Area JATC
at Meridian Electricians' Area JATC in Meridian, MS
About This Program
Meridian Electricians' Area JATC in Meridian, MS offers a union electrician apprenticeship serving east-central Mississippi. Jointly administered through the JATC structure with IBEW and signatory electrical contractors, this program provides apprentices with paid, structured training aligned with national apprenticeship standards and union labor agreements.
The five-year program includes 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 576 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices work through a curriculum covering electrical theory, wiring methods, conduit bending and installation, motor and control systems, transformers, grounding, blueprint reading, and National Electrical Code compliance — gaining practical experience on commercial and industrial projects in the Meridian area.
Graduates earn journey-level electrician status with union credentials recognized by IBEW signatory employers. Meridian's commercial, industrial, and healthcare sectors provide apprentices with solid field experience and a foundation for a stable electrical trade career in Mississippi.
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
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