Electrician at WI River Valley Area Electrical JAC
at WI River Valley Area Electrical JAC in Madison, WI
About This Program
The WI River Valley Area Electrical JAC sponsors a union electrician apprenticeship administered through Madison, WI. This IBEW-affiliated program serves apprentices in the Wisconsin River Valley region, offering paid, structured training that leads to journeyman electrician status with union credentials.
The apprenticeship lasts five years and includes 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 576 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices develop skills in electrical installation, wiring systems, conduit bending, panel assembly, and diagnostic troubleshooting on active job sites. Classroom instruction covers electrical theory, the National Electrical Code, safety standards, and blueprint reading.
Graduates earn journeyman electrician status with IBEW backing, ready for careers in electrical construction and maintenance across the Wisconsin River Valley and surrounding communities. Union membership provides access to competitive wages, benefits, and continued professional development.
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 Wisconsin
Electricians in Wisconsin are required to hold a license. Licensing is issued by Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services.
View full Wisconsinlicensing requirements →Reviews
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