Electrician at Raleigh Durham Electrical JATC
at Raleigh Durham Electrical JATC in Durham, NC
About This Program
The Raleigh Durham Electrical JATC offers a union electrician apprenticeship based in Durham, NC. This employer-sponsored JATC program provides IBEW-affiliated training that prepares apprentices for a full career in the electrical trade through a combination of supervised field work and formal classroom instruction.
The apprenticeship runs five years and includes 8,000 hours of on-the-job training plus 576 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices work alongside licensed journeymen on real job sites, gaining hands-on experience with wiring systems, conduit installation, electrical panels, motor controls, and NEC code compliance. Classroom coursework covers electrical theory, load calculations, blueprint reading, and safety. Apprentices are paid throughout the program, with wages increasing as they progress.
Upon successful completion, apprentices become IBEW journeyman electricians with credentials recognized nationwide. Durham and the broader Triangle region continue to see significant construction growth, giving graduates a strong local job market and long-term career prospects in the electrical trade.
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 North Carolina
Electricians in North Carolina are required to hold a license. Licensing is issued by North Carolina State Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors.
View full North Carolinalicensing requirements →Reviews
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