Electrician at Tucson Electrical JATC

Time-BasedRegistered ApprenticeshipUnionPaid Training

at Tucson Electrical JATC in Tucson, AZ

About This Program

The Tucson Electrical JATC sponsors a registered union electrician apprenticeship program in Tucson, Arizona. Jointly administered by union and employer representatives, this JATC program offers apprentices strong industry support, structured training, and the advantages of union membership throughout their careers. All apprentices are paid from the start of training.

This five-year, time-based program combines 8,000 hours of on-the-job training with 576 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices study electrical theory, National Electrical Code requirements, conduit installation, wiring systems, motor controls, and electrical safety. Hands-on field experience is reinforced by classroom learning each year of the program.

Graduating apprentices earn journeyman electrician status, a credential that carries weight throughout the union electrical industry. In the Tucson market, this qualification opens the door to stable employment, competitive union wages, and long-term career growth opportunities in both commercial and industrial sectors.

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.

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

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

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