Electrician at West Michigan Electrical JATC
at West Michigan Electrical JATC in Coopersville, MI
About This Program
The West Michigan Electrical JATC sponsors this union electrician apprenticeship program in Coopersville, Michigan. Jointly administered by labor and employer partners serving the western Michigan region, this JATC program offers a structured, paid pathway into the electrical trade for individuals in the greater Grand Rapids and Lakeshore areas.
This five-year, time-based program includes 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 576 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices work alongside journeyman electricians on commercial, industrial, and residential job sites, gaining hands-on experience in electrical wiring, conduit installation, panel assembly, equipment controls, and National Electrical Code compliance. Classroom sessions cover electrical theory, blueprint reading, load calculations, and safety practices. Apprentices receive wages from the start, with pay increasing at each stage of progression.
Upon completing the program, graduates earn journeyman electrician status and union membership, providing a platform for a stable and well-compensated career in western Michigan's construction industry. Union affiliation brings access to negotiated wages, health coverage, and pension benefits.
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.
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 Michigan
Electricians in Michigan are required to hold a license. Licensing is issued by Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Bureau of Construction Codes.
View full Michiganlicensing requirements →Reviews
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