What Are The Best Electrician Apprenticeship Programs in Colorado

Key Takeaways

• Colorado offers diverse electrician apprenticeship programs through union, non-union, and community college pathways, providing multiple entry points into the electrical trade.
• Most electrician apprenticeship programs in Colorado last four years, combining approximately 8,000 hours of on-the-job training with 288 hours of classroom instruction to prepare students for journeyman licensure.
• Completing an apprenticeship is an important step toward obtaining a journeyman electrician license, which opens opportunities for career advancement in residential, commercial, and industrial electrical work.
• Applicants often need to be 18 years old, possess a high school diploma or GED, and demonstrate basic math and physical capabilities for electrical work.

Colorado offers a wide range of excellent electrician apprenticeship programs, providing aspiring electricians with the opportunity to earn while they learn. These programs combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction, preparing students for a rewarding career in the electrical industry. Here's a detailed look at the top apprenticeship options in the Centennial State.

Types of Electrician Apprenticeship Programs

Colorado offers three main types of electrician apprenticeship programs:

Union Apprenticeship Programs

Non-Union Apprenticeship Programs

Community College Programs

Union Apprenticeship Programs

The National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) typically partner to offer union programs. These programs are known for their comprehensive training and competitive wages.

Here are some of the top NECA-IBEW programs in Colorado:

Denver JATC (IBEW Local 68)

Colorado Springs JATC (IBEW Local 113)

Pueblo Electrical JATC

Western Colorado IBEW (Grand Junction)

The Denver JATC, for example, offers a four-year program that leads to certification as a journeyman Inside Wireman (JIW) electrician. Graduates receive certificates from both the Department of Labor and the National Electrical Training Alliance.

Non-Union Apprenticeship Programs

Non-union programs are often associated with organizations like the Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) or the Construction Industry Training Council. Notable programs in this category include:

IEC Rocky Mountain

IEC Southern Colorado Chapter

Western Colorado IEC

Construction Industry Training Council of Colorado

These programs typically offer similar benefits to union programs, including the ability to earn while learning and comprehensive training.

Community College Programs

Several community colleges in Colorado offer excellent electrical training programs, including:

Red Rocks Community College

Emily Griffith Technical College

Western Colorado Community College

Colorado Technical University

These programs often lead to certificates and can provide a solid foundation for aspiring electricians.

Program Structure and Duration

Most electrician apprenticeship programs in Colorado follow a similar structure:

Duration: Approximately four years

‍On-the-job training: 8,000 hours

Classroom instruction: 288 hours

Although some programs may offer different schedules, classes typically take place one or two evenings per week for three to four hours. For instance, the IEC Southern Colorado Chapter program holds classes one evening per week from 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM.

Benefits of Electrician Apprenticeship Programs

Electrician apprenticeship programs offer numerous benefits:

Earn while you learn: Apprentices work full-time while attending classes, allowing them to earn a salary while gaining valuable experience.

Career advancement: These programs prepare students for journeyman electrician licensure, opening up opportunities for career growth.

Industry-recognized certifications: Graduates often receive certificates from reputable organizations, enhancing their employability.

No student debt: Unlike traditional four-year college programs, apprenticeships allow students to graduate without accumulating significant debt.

Competitive salaries: Graduates of these programs can earn between $60,000 and $85,000 per year.

Application Requirements and Process

While specific requirements may vary by program, general application requirements include:

• Must be 18 years of age or older
• High school diploma or GED
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation
• Physical capability to perform needed functions
• Basic math skills, including high school algebra
• Pass a general aptitude test (for union programs)

Some programs, like the IBEW apprenticeships, require additional testing and interview processes, with candidates placed on eligibility lists based on their scores.

Licensing and Career Progression

In Colorado, the electrical career path typically progresses as follows:

Apprentice Electrician: No experience required, but must register with the Colorado State Electrical Board.

‍Residential Wireman: Requires 4,000 hours of residential experience and allows work on 1-4 family dwellings.

‍Journeyman Electrician: Requires 8,000 hours of experience, including 4,000 hours of commercial/industrial work and 288 hours of classroom education.

‍Master Electrician: Requires meeting one of three criteria, including an engineering degree, a trade school degree, or supervisory experience.

Colorado has a state-level licensing system administered by the Department of Regulatory Agencies. All electrical work requires proper licensing, and licenses must be renewed every three years with continuing education requirements.

Top Colorado Apprenticeship Programs in Detail

Denver JATC

This program offers a four-year apprenticeship leading to journeyman certification through IBEW Local 68. The Department of Labor recognizes this program, which combines classroom instruction with on-the-job training with successful contractors throughout Colorado.

Colorado Springs JATC

Labor and management jointly sponsor the Colorado Springs JATC program through IBEW Local 113, which trains skilled electricians for southern Colorado. The program follows electrical training ALLIANCE standards and provides comprehensive safety training.

IEC Rocky Mountain

This four-year program includes 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and classroom instruction. IEC Rocky Mountain is the largest electrical apprenticeship program in Colorado and Wyoming, offering accreditation through Apprenticeship Colorado and U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs recognition.

IEC Southern Colorado Chapter

The Southern Colorado Chapter offers a four-year electrical apprenticeship program in Colorado Springs. Their program includes evening classes, FastTrack options for experienced apprentices, and continuing education courses for licensed electricians.

Emily Griffith Technical College

Emily Griffith Technical College partners with unions and trade organizations to offer registered apprenticeship programs. They provide coursework and work with apprenticeship partners to deliver comprehensive training in Denver, Pueblo, and Colorado Springs.

Colorado offers a wealth of excellent electrician apprenticeship programs, providing aspiring electricians with multiple pathways to enter and advance in the field. Whether through union, non-union, or community college programs, these apprenticeships offer the opportunity to earn while learning, gain valuable skills, and prepare for a rewarding career in the electrical industry.

With the growing demand for qualified electrical workers and Colorado's construction boom, there has never been a better time to consider an electrician apprenticeship program in Colorado. These programs not only provide comprehensive training but also offer a debt-free path to a well-paying career, making them a desirable option for many people entering the electrical trade.