Electrician at Reading Electricians JATC Local 743
at Reading Electricians JATC Local 743 in Reading, PA
About This Program
Reading Electricians JATC Local 743 sponsors a registered electrician apprenticeship program in Reading, PA. This union JATC program, affiliated with the IBEW, offers a paid and structured training pathway into the electrical trade for apprentices in the greater Berks County region. Wages are earned from the first day on the job and increase progressively as apprentices develop skills throughout the five-year program.
The apprenticeship includes 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 576 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices work under the supervision of journeymen electricians on commercial and industrial electrical projects in and around Reading, gaining experience in electrical installation, conduit systems, wiring, and troubleshooting. Classroom instruction covers electrical theory, the National Electrical Code, safety practices, and the technical knowledge necessary for journeyman licensure.
Upon completing the program, graduates earn journeyman electrician status and IBEW Local 743 membership. Reading and Berks County have a significant manufacturing and distribution presence, alongside active commercial construction, creating steady employment opportunities for licensed electricians and a strong return on the investment made during the 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
Reviews
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience!
See something wrong? Help us improve this page.