Best Electrical Apprenticeship Resources in Illinois
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.
Showing options that serve Illinois — local Illinois programs are ranked first, followed by national resources available statewide.
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Convenience links to each board's own search — they may change without notice. We don't control what a board shows.
Apprenticeship Illinois is the state's apprenticeship-expansion initiative, supported by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and hosted on the Illinois workNet portal. It provides apprenticeship information for career seekers, program-development guidance for employers, and resources for workforce partners across industries including construction.
Why we like it: It's the official state source for registered apprenticeships across every Illinois region and industry, and it's free.
- +Official state source
- +Spans all industries and regions
- +Free
- –Broad aggregator portal, not a direct application path
Chicago's IBEW electrical union local and its Electrical Joint Apprenticeship & Training Trust — paid electrician apprenticeships in the Chicago area.
Why we like it: It's the premier paid path to becoming a union electrician in Chicago, with strong wages and benefits.
- +Free, paid apprenticeship
- +Strong Chicago wages/benefits
- –Chicago jurisdiction only
- –Competitive, periodic intake
Chicago Women in Trades (CWIT) runs the Technical Opportunities Program — a free, hands-on pre-apprenticeship that prepares women for registered apprenticeships in the building trades — plus ongoing retention support, tutoring, and advocacy. It's a model local program: tuition-free, women-focused, and directly connected to Chicago-area union apprenticeship pathways.
Why we like it: It's a free, proven, women-focused on-ramp tied directly to Chicago union apprenticeships — exactly the kind of local support that changes outcomes.
- +Free pre-apprenticeship training
- +Women-focused with retention support
- +Connected to local union pathways
- –Chicago-area only
- –Cohort-based with limited seats
At a glance
| Resource | Cost | Experience | Coverage | Time to apply |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apprenticeship Illinois | Free | No experience OK | 1 state | Varies |
| IBEW Local 134 / Chicago EJATT | Free | No experience OK | 1 state | Varies |
| Chicago Women in Trades | Free | No experience OK | 1 state | Cohort-based; check upcoming start dates |
| electrical training ALLIANCE | Free | No experience OK | Nationwide | Varies |
| Apprenticeship.gov | Free | No experience OK | Nationwide | Application windows vary by program; some open seasonally |
Official & union pathways
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
How a registered apprenticeship works
- 1Find a programSearch Apprenticeship.gov or a union JATC by trade and ZIP code.
- 2Apply & testSubmit an application — many programs require an aptitude test or interview.
- 3Get placedOnce accepted, you're matched with a sponsoring employer or union local.
- 4Earn while you learnYou're a paid employee from day one, combining paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction.
- 5Graduate to journeymanComplete your hours and coursework to earn a nationally recognized credential.
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.
How long is an electrician apprenticeship?▾
Most union and non-union programs run 4–5 years, combining paid on-the-job hours with classroom instruction toward journeyman status.
Union or non-union apprenticeship — which is better?▾
Union (IBEW/NECA) apprenticeships offer standardized training and wage scales; non-union programs via Apprenticeship.gov are more numerous and open in every state. Both lead to a recognized credential — pick based on what's available and hiring near you.