Best Electrical Apprenticeship Resources
Becoming an electrician means getting into a paid apprenticeship. These are the best resources to find one — from the official IBEW/NECA pathway to government finders.
Last updated 2026-06-27
How we chose
We prioritized official and union-backed electrical apprenticeship pathways that are free and paid, weighting trust and apprenticeship value with monetization at zero.
electrical training ALLIANCE
Union training · National
The IBEW/NECA training arm behind union electrical apprenticeships — find a local JATC and apply for paid electrician training.
Best for: Aspiring electricians who want a paid union apprenticeship
Apprenticeship.gov
Government resource · National
The U.S. Department of Labor's official apprenticeship finder — search Registered Apprenticeship programs by trade and location and connect to local sponsors.
Best for: Anyone who wants a paid apprenticeship and a recognized credential without student debt
Apprenticeship.gov Partner Finder
Government resource · National
A free U.S. Department of Labor tool for finding registered apprenticeship partners — sponsors, educators, and intermediaries.
Best for: Finding official registered apprenticeship partners and program contacts
Helmets to Hardhats
Nonprofit · National
A nonprofit that connects military veterans and transitioning service members to registered apprenticeships and careers in the building trades.
Best for: Veterans and transitioning service members entering the union building trades
North America's Building Trades Unions (NABTU)
Union training · National
The umbrella organization for North American construction unions — a gateway to registered union apprenticeships and the MC3 pre-apprenticeship curriculum.
Best for: Anyone seeking a paid union apprenticeship pathway
Apprenticeship Illinois
Government resource · State
Illinois's state apprenticeship initiative, hosted on the Illinois workNet portal, connecting career seekers to registered apprenticeship pathways statewide.
Best for: Illinois residents exploring registered apprenticeship options statewide
IBEW Local 134 / Chicago EJATT
Local union · Metro
Chicago's IBEW electrical union local and its Electrical Joint Apprenticeship & Training Trust — paid electrician apprenticeships in the Chicago area.
Best for: Chicago-area residents who want a paid union electrician apprenticeship
Chicago Women in Trades
Pre-apprenticeship · Metro
A Chicago nonprofit offering free pre-apprenticeship training and support to help women enter and succeed in the skilled construction trades.
Best for: Women in the Chicago area starting out who want free pre-apprenticeship training and support
Frequently asked questions
How do I find an electrician apprenticeship?▾
Start with the electrical training ALLIANCE (IBEW/NECA) to find a local JATC, plus Apprenticeship.gov for both union and non-union registered programs.
Do electrician apprenticeships pay?▾
Yes. Registered apprenticeships are 'earn while you learn' — you're a paid employee from day one, with raises as you progress.