Electrician at Washington, D.C. Electricians JATC, I.B.E.W. Local No. 26

Time-BasedRegistered ApprenticeshipUnionPaid Training

at Washington, D.C. Electricians JATC, I.B.E.W. Local No. 26 in Lanham, MD

About This Program

The Washington, D.C. Electricians JATC, I.B.E.W. Local No. 26 offers a union electrician apprenticeship program based in Lanham, Maryland. As a Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee program affiliated with IBEW Local 26, this apprenticeship combines hands-on field experience with classroom education, preparing apprentices for a full career in the electrical trade in the greater Washington, D.C. metro area.

The five-year program includes 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 576 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices work alongside journeyman electricians on real job sites, learning electrical theory, wiring methods, conduit bending, load calculations, the National Electrical Code, and workplace safety. Training wages are paid from the start and increase as apprentices advance through each year of the program.

Graduates complete the program as journeyman electricians, a credential recognized across the industry. Union membership with IBEW Local 26 provides access to collectively bargained wages and benefits, making this an excellent long-term career path for those entering the electrical trades in Maryland and the D.C. region.

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.

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

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 Maryland

Electricians in Maryland are required to hold a license. Licensing is issued by Maryland Department of Labor, State Board of Master Electricians.

View full Marylandlicensing requirements →

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