What Are The Best Electrician Apprenticeship Programs in Georgia
5
min read
Seth Brown
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Georgia offers diverse electrician apprenticeship programs through union, non-union, and technical college pathways, providing multiple entry points into the electrical trade
- Most electrician apprenticeship programs in Georgia require 8,000 hours of on-the-job training combined with 576 hours of classroom instruction over four years
- Completing an apprenticeship leads to a nationally recognized journeyman certificate, opening opportunities for career advancement in residential, commercial, and industrial electrical work
- Applicants typically need to be 18 years old, possess a high school diploma or GED, and demonstrate basic math capabilities for electrical work
Georgia provides aspiring electricians with excellent apprenticeship programs that combine earn-while-you-learn opportunities with comprehensive training. These programs merge on-the-job training with classroom instruction, preparing students for rewarding careers in the electrical industry. Here's a detailed examination of the top apprenticeship options in the Peach State.
Types of Electrician Apprenticeship Programs
Georgia offers three main types of electrician apprenticeship programs:
Union Apprenticeship Programs
Non-Union Apprenticeship Programs
Technical College Programs
Union Apprenticeship Programs
The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) partners with the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) through Joint Apprenticeship Training Committees (JATCs) to offer comprehensive union programs. These programs are recognized for their rigorous training and competitive wages.
Top IBEW programs in Georgia include:
- IBEW Local 613 Atlanta - Atlanta Electrical Training Center
- IBEW Local 1579 - Serving Columbus, Albany, and Southwest Georgia
- Regional JATCs - Augusta, Savannah, and Macon
The IBEW Local 613 Atlanta program operates from a state-of-the-art Electrical Training Center in Norcross. This four- to five-year registered apprenticeship program provides the comprehensive education needed to become a highly skilled electrician. Apprentices earn while they learn, working alongside experienced journeymen electricians while receiving scheduled wage increases and excellent benefits packages.
Non-Union Apprenticeship Programs
Non-union programs are typically associated with organizations like the Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) or the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC). Notable programs include:
- IEC Atlanta & Georgia Chapters
- Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) of Georgia
- Individual electrical contractor programs
The IEC Atlanta & Georgia Chapters offers a four-year apprenticeship program certified by the US Department of Labor, Office of Apprenticeship. Entry wages average $15.00 – $18.00 per hour, with most apprentices doubling their wages within four years. The program provides job referral services and offers both online and classroom programs starting year-round throughout Georgia.
Technical College Programs
Several technical colleges in Georgia offer electrical training programs, including:
- Augusta Technical College - Electrical Systems Technology diploma and associate degree programs
- Savannah Technical College - 54 credit hour diploma program with residential and industrial specializations
- North Georgia Technical College - Comprehensive electrical systems programs
- Georgia Piedmont Technical College - Electronics technology associate degree
These programs often integrate with apprenticeship requirements and provide pathways for students seeking additional educational credentials.
Program Structure and Duration
Most electrician apprenticeship programs in Georgia follow a similar structure:
Duration: Four to five years
On-the-job training: 8,000 hours minimum
Classroom instruction: 576 hours
Schedule: Classes typically one evening per week, 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM
The Georgia Technical College System has partnered with the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Apprenticeship to offer registered apprenticeship programs. Students work 30-40 hours per week while attending classes part-time, gaining both practical experience and theoretical knowledge.
Benefits of Electrician Apprenticeship Programs
Electrician apprenticeship programs offer numerous advantages:
Earn While Learning: Apprentices work full-time while attending classes, earning wages that typically start at $15-$18 per hour and increase with experience and skill development.
Career Advancement: Programs prepare students for journeyman electrician certification, creating pathways to roles such as estimator, foreman, project manager, or business owner.
Industry-Recognized Certifications: Graduates receive nationally recognized certificates from the Department of Labor, Office of Apprenticeship, making them qualified to work in all 50 states.
Debt-Free Education: Unlike traditional college programs, apprenticeships allow students to graduate without accumulating student loans while earning competitive salaries.
Comprehensive Benefits: Union programs particularly offer excellent health insurance, retirement benefits, and job security through collective bargaining agreements.
Application Requirements and Process
While specific requirements vary by program, general application criteria include:
- Age: Must be 18 years old (16 with high school work-based learning program approval)
- Education: High school diploma or GED required
- Transportation: Valid driver's license and reliable transportation
- Academic Requirements: Passing algebra grade or demonstrated math competency
- Physical Capability: Ability to perform electrical work functions
- Additional Requirements: Some programs require aptitude testing, interviews, drug screening, and background checks
The IEC Atlanta program requires interested candidates to possess reliable transportation, a valid email address, internet access, and a computer or smartphone for online components. Application fees typically range from $25-$50.
Licensing and Career Progression in Georgia
Georgia has a unique licensing structure compared to other states. The Georgia Construction Industry Licensing Board does not require individual journeyman licensing. After completing an apprenticeship, graduates can work as journeymen under licensed electrical contractors without additional state licensing.
The typical career progression includes:
Apprentice Electrician - Working under supervision while completing training requirements
Journeyman Electrician - Can work independently under a licensed contractor after apprenticeship completion
Electrical Contractor - Requires business license and four years of experience to work independently
For those seeking electrical contractor licenses, Georgia offers two classifications:
- Class I License: Limited to single-phase installations up to 200 amperes
- Class II License: Unlimited electrical work capabilities
Top Georgia Apprenticeship Programs in Detail
IBEW Local 613 Atlanta
Operating from the Atlanta Electrical Training Center in Norcross, this four to five-year program combines mandatory classroom instruction with comprehensive on-the-job training. The program emphasizes quality craftsmanship and efficient work practices, earning industry-leading OSHA safety certifications. Labor and management jointly sponsor the program, ensuring high training standards and excellent job placement rates.
IEC Atlanta & Georgia Chapters
This Department of Labor certified program requires 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 576 hours of classroom instruction. The program offers flexible scheduling with evening classes and online options. Member contractor employees pay approximately $1,395 per year in tuition, while the program provides job referral services connecting apprentices with IEC contractor members throughout Georgia.
Georgia Technical College System Partnerships
Augusta Technical College offers both diploma (43 credit hours) and associate degree (62 credit hours) programs in electrical systems technology. Savannah Technical College provides a 54-credit-hour diploma program with specializations in residential or industrial electrical systems. These programs often serve as stepping stones to formal apprenticeships while providing foundational electrical knowledge.
Specialized Programs
Augusta Technical College recently launched a Nuclear Science Apprenticeship Program in partnership with the Savannah River Site, providing unique opportunities in nuclear facility electrical systems. The program combines 530 hours of classwork with 480 hours of specialized on-the-job training.
Salary and Career Outlook
Georgia offers competitive wages for electrical workers. According to recent data, apprentice electricians earn average wages of $17.35 per hour, with potential for significant increases throughout the program. Experienced electricians in Georgia earn annual salaries ranging from $55,000 to over $70,000, with the mean annual wage for electricians at $61,590.
The job outlook for electricians in Georgia remains strong, with employment projected to grow 17% from 2022 to 2032, far exceeding the national average. This growth is driven by infrastructure development, renewable energy expansion, and the need to replace retiring workers.
Regional variations exist, with the Atlanta metropolitan area offering the highest wages and most job opportunities. Electricians with specialty certifications in areas like renewable energy, industrial systems, or advanced control systems command premium wages.
Georgia offers excellent electrician apprenticeship programs, providing aspiring electricians with multiple pathways to enter the electrical trade. Whether through union programs like IBEW Local 613, non-union options like IEC Atlanta, or technical college partnerships, these apprenticeships combine earn-while-you-learn opportunities with comprehensive training.
With 17% job growth projected through 2032 according to the U.S. Department of Labor and competitive wages, there has never been a better time to consider an electrician apprenticeship in Georgia. These programs offer a debt-free path to a well-paying career, making them an excellent choice for people entering the electrical field.
FAQs
How much do electrician apprentices make in Georgia?
Electrician apprentices in Georgia start at $15-18 per hour with most doubling their wages within four years. Entry-level positions require no prior experience, making this an accessible career path with strong earning potential.
Do I need a license to work as an electrician in Georgia?
Individual electricians don't need a license in Georgia, but electrical contractors must obtain a license from the Georgia State Construction Industry Licensing Board to operate legally.
How long does electrician apprenticeship take in Georgia?
Most Georgia electrician apprenticeships require four years, combining 8,000 hours of paid on-the-job training with 576 hours of classroom instruction. IBEW union programs may extend to five years depending on the specific track.
What are the requirements to become an electrician apprentice in Georgia?
You must be 18 years old (or 16 with high school work-based learning approval), have a high school diploma or GED, and pass basic math requirements. Most programs also require a valid driver's license and physical ability to perform electrical work.
Which is better - union or non-union electrician apprenticeships in Georgia?
Union programs like IBEW 613 typically offer higher wages and comprehensive benefits but are more competitive to enter. Non-union programs like IEC provide more flexibility and year-round enrollment but may have lower starting wages.
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