Electrician at Sacramento Regional Transit and IBEW Local 1245
at Sacramento Regional Transit and IBEW Local 1245 in Sacramento, CA
About This Program
Sacramento Regional Transit, in partnership with IBEW Local 1245, sponsors a registered union electrician apprenticeship program in Sacramento, California. This JATC-affiliated program trains electricians for work in the public transit environment, focusing on the electrical systems that power light rail, buses, and transit infrastructure. Apprentices are paid throughout training and benefit from union membership with IBEW Local 1245.
The program runs five years and requires 8,000 hours of on-the-job training along with 576 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices learn electrical theory, traction power systems, overhead catenary systems, signal and control systems, the National Electrical Code, and transit-specific safety protocols. The training is closely aligned with the technical demands of maintaining and repairing a regional public transit network.
Graduates earn journeyman electrician status recognized within the union electrical industry. A career with Sacramento Regional Transit offers stable public-sector employment, union wages and benefits, and a specialized skill set in transit electrical systems that is highly valued in the transportation sector.
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
Licensing in California
Electricians in California are required to hold a license. Licensing is issued by California Department of Industrial Relations, Electrician Certification Unit.
View full Californialicensing requirements →Reviews
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