Electrician at Raleigh Durham Electrical JATC
at Raleigh Durham Electrical JATC in Rtp, NC
About This Program
The Raleigh Durham Electrical JATC sponsors this union electrician apprenticeship serving the Research Triangle Park area of North Carolina. Backed by the IBEW and employer partners, this JATC program provides a rigorous, structured path into one of the most in-demand skilled trades in the region.
Apprentices complete a five-year program that includes 8,000 hours of paid on-the-job training and 576 hours of related technical instruction. Field work covers residential, commercial, and industrial electrical systems, including conduit bending, wiring methods, panel work, motor controls, and code compliance. Technical classroom hours reinforce electrical theory, blueprint reading, and safety standards. Apprentices earn wages from the start and typically receive pay increases as they advance through each year.
Graduates leave the program as IBEW journeyman electricians, prepared to work across a wide range of project types. The Research Triangle region is one of the fastest-growing economic areas in the Southeast, making this an especially strong time to enter the electrical trade through a union apprenticeship.
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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