Electrician at San Diego & Imperial County Electrical JATC
at San Diego & Imperial County Electrical JATC in San Diego, CA
About This Program
The San Diego and Imperial County Electrical JATC sponsors a registered union electrician apprenticeship program in San Diego, California. As a Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee program, it is jointly managed by union and employer representatives and is recognized as one of the established pathways into the electrical trade in Southern California. Apprentices are paid from day one of training.
This five-year program requires 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 576 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices learn electrical theory, the National Electrical Code, commercial and industrial wiring, conduit bending and installation, motor controls, grounding and bonding, and job-site safety. Training covers the full breadth of skills needed to work as a professional electrician in the region's diverse construction market.
Graduates are awarded journeyman electrician status, a credential that carries strong recognition in the union electrical industry throughout California. This qualification supports access to competitive wages, union benefits, and significant employment opportunities across San Diego and Imperial counties.
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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