Electrician at NECA IBEW 461 JATC
at NECA IBEW 461 JATC in Aurora, IL
About This Program
NECA IBEW 461 JATC sponsors this union electrician apprenticeship in Aurora, Illinois. As a joint program between the National Electrical Contractors Association and IBEW Local 461, it provides a rigorous and fully paid training pathway for individuals in the Fox Valley and surrounding areas who want to enter the electrical trade with union wages and benefits from the start.
This five-year apprenticeship includes 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 576 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices work on commercial and industrial electrical systems alongside journeyman electricians, developing skills in wiring, conduit installation, panel work, and systems troubleshooting. Technical classroom instruction covers electrical theory, load calculations, the National Electrical Code, motor controls, and workplace safety.
Graduating apprentices earn journeyman electrician status and full IBEW Local 461 union membership. Aurora's position within the greater Chicago metro area means strong and consistent demand for skilled union electricians, with journeymen enjoying competitive union wages and comprehensive benefits throughout their careers.
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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