Electrician at Navopache Electric Cooperative / IBEW Local 387
at Navopache Electric Cooperative / IBEW Local 387 in Lakeside, AZ
About This Program
Navopache Electric Cooperative, in partnership with IBEW Local 387, sponsors a registered union electrician apprenticeship program in Lakeside, Arizona. As a JATC-affiliated program, it trains electricians for work within an electric cooperative setting, focusing on the unique demands of utility and distribution systems. Apprentices are paid from day one of the program.
This five-year program includes 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 576 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices learn electrical theory, distribution line work, transformer installation, metering systems, safety protocols, and the National Electrical Code. Training is closely aligned with the work performed at an electric cooperative, giving apprentices directly applicable skills from the start.
Upon completion, graduates hold journeyman electrician status recognized in the union electrical industry. A career with Navopache Electric Cooperative or similar utility employers offers stable employment, union wages and benefits, and a meaningful role in keeping communities powered across the White Mountains region of Arizona.
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
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