Electrician at Southwest Electrical Apprenticeship Program

Time-BasedRegistered ApprenticeshipPaid Training

at Southwest Electrical Apprenticeship Program in El Paso, TX

About This Program

The Southwest Electrical Apprenticeship Program offers a registered electrician apprenticeship in El Paso, TX. This non-union, employer-sponsored program provides a structured and paid pathway into the electrical trade for individuals seeking a skilled career in one of Texas's border region's growing construction markets.

The program spans five years, incorporating 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 576 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices work alongside experienced electricians on real job sites, gaining practical skills in wiring, conduit bending, electrical panel installation, circuit troubleshooting, and National Electrical Code compliance. Classroom instruction covers electrical theory, safety practices, and blueprint reading to round out the apprentice's knowledge base.

Upon completion, graduates are qualified to work as journey-level electricians. A registered apprenticeship credential is recognized across the industry and supports access to higher-paying positions, supervisory roles, and opportunities in residential, commercial, and industrial electrical work throughout the El Paso region and beyond.

Wage & Training

Journeyman Wage

$30

BLS 2023

OJT Hours

8,000

Apprenticeship.gov 2025

RTI Hours

576

Apprenticeship.gov 2025

Duration

5 years

Apprenticeship.gov 2025

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.

Trade School vs. Apprenticeship for Electrician

Apprenticeship

Cost$0 (earn while you learn)
Duration5 years
Starting wage$15.00/hr
Journeyman wage$29.61/hr
CredentialJourneyman card

Trade School

Cost$5,000–$20,000+
Duration6–24 months
Starting wageEntry-level
ExperienceHands-on labs
CredentialCertificate / diploma

Licensing in Texas

Electricians in Texas are required to hold a license. Licensing is issued by Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.

View full Texaslicensing requirements →

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