Going back to school after you’ve already entered the workforce might at first seem like a no-win situation. Leaving work for school is a risky proposition for many people.

But is it actually so risky? Not when you’re pursuing an education that directly relates to the career you’ve already chosen!

The construction trades offer great opportunities for career advancement. But while on-the-job experience is key to your success in the field, moving up from entry-level positions to journeyman and management roles won’t happen if you don’t have the necessary education. 

Becoming an electrician doesn’t require a degree, but it does require a formal education. If you want to advance in your career, you have two options: attend school full-time and get your education done upfront, or work as an apprentice/trainee and spread your classroom education over the course of 4 or 5 years.

At Independent Training & Apprenticeship Program (I-TAP), you can work full-time while going to school. Our 5-Year Commercial Electrician Training Program is a flexible training program that gives you the chance to work and learn. You will work as an electrician trainee, spending the majority of your time on the jobsite, while taking off a few weeks per year for classes.

How does the 5-year commercial training program work?

As previously discussed, enrolling in our 5-year program means that you are classified as an electrician trainee. This is the entry-level electrician job, and you will work under the supervision of journeyman electricians. 

The majority of the 5-year program is spent in the field. Electrician trainees start out doing very basic work. The job is entry level for a reason: you aren’t expected to have much expertise. You’ll start out digging holes, running electrical wire, and assisting your on-site supervisors. 

For two weeks per semester, students leave the field and move into the classroom—with classes being held during the day for five days each week—where you study theory and code. Just as understanding how to terminate  wire and use specialized equipment is important, electrical theory and code is essential to the trade. Classroom learning will give you a better understanding of the work you do in the field. During this time, you will also utilize I-TAP’s lab, where you get the chance to work hands-on and apply what you’ve learned in class. 

Classroom work is designed to be exhaustive, but not exhausting. The course covers all you need to know to become a certified electrician. Classes are held during the day, when you don’t have field work, so that you aren’t running around from work to class. This allows for students to work overtime, as opposed to the night class routine. Its also easier on families because they aren’t working 8 hours then going to school 2 nights a week for 3-4 hrs each night year aroudn

Our 5-year program is great for those that want to work and attend school. You will get practical experience in the field and grow your knowledge in the classroom, while earning a paycheck. 

How much does an electrician trainee make?

We previously covered how much an electrician apprentice is likely to earn. Suffice to say, more experience results in higher pay. Because it is an entry-level position, trainees can expect to earn right around minimum wage at first, but as much as $18 to $24 per hour after a couple years. 

In addition to our 5-year program, we also offer a 26-week electrician trainee program. 

The 26-week electrician trainee program is an all-in-one program that gets your education out of the way up front, qualifying you to take the certification exam, and enter the workforce once you pass. Trainee programs cost more upfront, but get you certified sooner. 

Be sure to consider your situation when deciding which program is right for you. The great thing about the 5-year program is that you can get field experience and earn money while working towards your certification. But you can complete the course in as little as 26 weeks, which is a popular choice for many people. 

If you have questions about I-TAP’s electrician trainee programs, or if you are interested in attending I-TAP, contact us today! We’ll be happy to answer all your questions so that you can make the most informed decision.