Electrician Apprentice HQ #1 Online Resource For Becoming An Electrician 
Last updated on October 22nd, 2026.
An IEC apprenticeship gives you a way to begin your career.
Electrical work is exciting and rewarding. It is one of the best trades!
The Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) is a leading national trade association for merit shop electrical and systems contractors. Under the “merit shop” approach, your pay depends directly on your skills and performance.
If you’re not familiar with the term “merit shop”, it’s the same as an “open shop” or “non-union” company.
Merit Shop = Open Shop = Non-Union.
This means you’re responsible for negotiating your wages based on your “worth” or “merit”.
The IEC has more than 54 chapter training centers nationwide and trains approximately 10,000 electrical apprentices each year.
Their training programs combine on-the-job work with formal related technical instruction. You gain knowledge and technical skills alongside practical experience in the electrical trade.
These are the requirements for getting started with the IEC Electrical School.
Requirements To Begin An IEC Electrical Apprenticeship
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have a high school diploma or GED
The IEC also expects a few things that do not require paperwork:
- needing a reliable mode of transportation to work and school
- having the ability to work by yourself or with a team
- being comfortable working on ladders and scaffolds
- understanding there is a risk of electrical shock while performing electric work
If you’re 18 years old and have a diploma or GED, you meet the minimum standards to get in. Each local chapter is different and may have more requirements.
Locate a local chapter in your area here.
Application Process
Each school has its own application process. These are the usual steps.
- Find a school near you (see the previous section).
- Complete application paperwork and turn it in.
- Pay an application fee (~$20)
- Take a math assessment test. This is to gauge your ability to do basic algebra.
- Attend your local chapter’s program orientation.
If you want to refresh your algebra skills, Khan Academy’s Algebra 1 Course can help you review.
It’s free!
If you fail the math assessment, you may need to attend a 3-day math class.
Reviewing the course linked above might save you the time spent in that class.
Once your application is processed you’ll be notified if you’ve been accepted into the program.
Start looking for work while you wait. Ask people you know about openings, search online and contact companies directly.
Does the IEC Have Different Apprenticeship Programs?
Yes, the IEC has two training programs:
#1. Electrical Apprentice Training
This program is for apprentices who want to work in commercial or industrial electrical settings.
The four-year program allows an electrical apprentice to accumulate at least 8,000 hours of paid on-the-job training.
During this time you’ll receive over 576 hours of instruction from your local chapter.
Topics covered throughout your training include:
• Safety, First Aid, and CPR
• Mechanical Skills
• Electrical Skills
• Electrical Theory
• Codes and Standards
• Residential, Commercial, and Industrial Wiring
• Fire Alarm, Signaling, and Life Safety Systems
• Lighting Systems
• Transformers
• Motors and Control
• Electrical Troubleshooting
#2. Residential Electrical Specialist Apprentice Training
This residential electrician apprentice program prepares you to work in single and multi-family dwellings (homes). Depending on your state, that may include apartment complexes.
This program varies between two to three years in length, depending on state requirements. As a residential electrical specialist apprentice, you’ll gain a minimum of 4,000 hours OJT as well as 288 hours of academic instruction.
Topics covered throughout your training include:
• Safety, First Aid, and CPR
• Mechanical Skills
• Electrical Skills
• Electrical Theory
• Codes and Standards
• Residential Wiring
• Residential Fire Alarm, Signaling, and Life Safety Systems
• Residential Lighting Systems
• Transformers
• Motors and Control
• Electrical Troubleshooting
IEC Electrician Apprentice Pay Scale
Probably the most sought after answer regarding joining the electrical trade is, “How much does an electrician apprentice make?” (i.e. what is an electrician apprentice salary?)
Well, Payscale.com states that on average an electrician apprentice makes $13.64 per hour. Pay rates or wages are specific to local areas but can range from $9.94 – $18.88 per hour.
You’ll have to check the going rate for your area.
You’re applying for an entry-level position, so the starting pay is relatively low. Work hard on the job. Show your boss that you work hard and take initiative.
After 6 months you possibly can renegotiate your wages by stating to the boss, “I believe I bring value to the team and company, and I’m $XX.XX per hour.”
Many apprentices have successfully boosted their wages by over 20% simply by confidently expressing their value to their employers.
(It’s a pretty good return on your time)
For more about electrician apprentice pay, read this post (it breaks down pay by state and compares union and non-union wages, including what you can make as a journeyman electrician)
