Start a career in the electrical industry through a four-year registered apprenticeship program that combines paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction.

IEC apprentices work for electrical contractors while attending class one evening per week to build the knowledge and experience needed for long-term success in the trade.

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Watch our short welcome video to learn how IEC Fort Worth apprenticeship works and which pathway may be right for you.
Be sure to watch the whole video—it’s critical to your future success.

Earn While You Learn

Apprentices work full-time for electrical contractors while gaining real jobsite experience.

Weekly Classes

Students attend related training instruction one evening per week during the school year.

Build a Skilled Career

Graduates gain the knowledge and experience needed to advance in the electrical trade.

Two Pathways. One Standard.

IEC Fort Worth offers two pathways into electrical training. Both follow the same curriculum and standards.

Employer-Sponsored Apprenticeship

  • Employed by an IEC contractor
  • Registered in a DOL apprenticeship program
  • Tuition is typically paid by the employer
  • In-Person and Online Classes
  • Classroom, lab work, and on-the-job training
  • At least 18 Years of Age
  • Need: See Below

Self-Pay Apprenticeship

  • Only available for Fall Semesters
  • Tuition paid directly by the student
  • Not DOL registered
  • Online Classes Only
  • Pathway into the electrical trade
  • At least 18 years of age
  • Need Government-issued photo ID or other applicable I-9 Documents to verify identity before submission.

Before You Apply (Employer-Sponsored)

Before you begin your application, please have the following ready:

  • Texas Electrical Apprentice License (TDLR)
  • Government-issued photo ID
  • Proof of eligibility to work in the U.S. (Social Security card or birth certificate)
  • Diploma (or high school transcript) or equivalent
  • Selective Service registration (if applicable) at www.sss.gov

Your application may be denied or rejected if the required documents are not provided upon submission.

In addition to the documents, you must complete a Drug Test within 14 days of submission. To register for a drug test: Click Here

The Program

The IEC Electrical Training Apprenticeship Program is the answer for both the individual wanting to jump-start their career and the Electrical Contractor seeking skilled, productive employees. With an increasing dependency on electrical systems in homes and businesses, trained electricians are more important than ever.

  • IEFWTC’s apprenticeship program lets you earn while you learn and earn a license to operate as an electrician in the state of Texas.
  • The US Department of Labor, Office of Apprenticeship (OA) certifies IEC’s Electrical Apprenticeship Program.
  • Students will receive no less than 580 hours of hands-on training as part of their classroom activities and 8,000 hours of on-the-job training.
  • Apprentices attend classes one time per week (6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m, September-June)
  • Earn college credit towards a Bachelor’s or Associate’s degree.

Apprenticeship vs. Traditional College

Did you know that most electrician apprenticeship programs take about four years to complete, similar to the time required for many traditional college degrees? A Master Electrician trains as long as a doctor studies, requiring at least eight years on the job and four years of classroom study. There are many paths to a successful career.

Electrical apprenticeship offers a different model from traditional college education:

 TRADITIONAL UNIVERSITYIEC FORT WORTH APPRENTICESHIP
Tuition & Education CostsTuition and fees required each yearLower training cost ($1080 employer-sponsored or $3150 self pay).
Earn While LearningStudents typically do not earn income related to their studiesApprentices earn wages while gaining experience
Hands-On ExperienceLimited during schoolDaily jobsite training with experienced electricians
Time CommitmentFull-time school scheduleWork full-time while attending evening classes
Career PreparationEducation first, job experience laterTraining and work experience at the same time

Note: University costs vary widely depending on housing, meal plans, and personal living expenses and may differ significantly between institutions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are answers to the most frequently asked questions about our Apprenticeship Program. If you’re unable to find the answer to your question here, please contact us or call (817) 496-8422.

Apprentice Overview

An electrical apprenticeship is a structured training program that combines paid on-the-job experience with classroom instruction.

Apprentices work full-time for electrical contractors while attending classes that teach the theory, safety practices, and technical knowledge required for the trade.

This model allows apprentices to earn while they learn, gaining real jobsite experience while building the skills needed for a long-term career as a licensed electrician.

No prior electrical experience is required.

Many apprentices begin the program with little or no construction experience. The IEC apprenticeship program is designed to train individuals from the ground up through a combination of classroom instruction and on-the-job training.

Motivated applicants who are willing to learn and work hard are encouraged to apply.

The IEC apprenticeship program typically takes four years to complete.

During this time apprentices complete:

• 8,000 hours of on-the-job training working with experienced electricians (for employer-sponsored)

• 576 hours of classroom instruction covering electrical theory, safety, and code

This combination of practical experience and formal training prepares apprentices for long-term success in the electrical industry.

Yes, if students are on the employer-sponsored path. Self-paid apprentices may also have a full-time job, but they are not part of the registered DOL program.

Apprentices work full-time for electrical contractors during the day and attend related training classes one evening per week during the school year.

This schedule allows apprentices to gain valuable real-world experience while continuing their technical education.

Apprentices attend one evening of classroom instruction each week during the school year. (First-year January students spend the first month attending one night a week, then do accelerated learning two nights a week for the rest of the first semester.) Then they go to a one-night-a-week program during their second week. Self pay students may not enter into the January accelerated program.)

Classes cover electrical theory, National Electrical Code (NEC) requirements, safety practices, and practical applications used in the field.

Students also participate in hands-on lab activities to reinforce the concepts learned in class.

Classroom instruction provides the technical knowledge electricians need to work safely and effectively in the field.

Training topics include:

  • Electrical theory and fundamentals
  • National Electrical Code (NEC)
  • Wiring methods and installation practices
  • Electrical calculations
  • Safety procedures and OSHA practices
  • Motor controls and troubleshooting

Many lessons also include hands-on lab work to reinforce real-world skills.

Yes. Apprentices are typically required to purchase basic hand tools used on the job.

Contractors will usually provide a recommended starter tool list, and apprentices build their tool collection over time as they gain experience in the trade.

Most tools can be purchased gradually and are considered a long-term investment in your career.

Employment & Wages

No.

Some applicants begin the program after being hired by an IEC contractor and enter the employer-sponsored apprenticeship. Employer-Sponsored pathway students would select that option and we add you to the hire list after completing an application and a drug test.

Others may begin through the self-pay pathway, which allows students to start training while working toward employment with an IEC contractor.

Both pathways follow the same curriculum and training standards.

$16.25 per hour with periodic raises based on the program wage scale. Apprentices receive wage increases as they progress through the program every 1000 hours (roughly once every semester if full-time).

Yes.

Apprentices receive regular wage increases as they progress through the apprenticeship program. Raises are typically tied to both hours of on-the-job training and advancement through the training curriculum.

Most apprentices receive increases approximately every 1,000 hours of work, which is roughly once every six months for full-time apprentices.

Employment is not guaranteed.

However, IEC Fort Worth works closely with contractor members and may refer qualified applicants to employers seeking apprentices. If a contractor hires an applicant, the individual will be registered with the IEC Apprenticeship and Training Committee as soon as possible.

Apprentices who change employers may be able to continue their apprenticeship with another IEC contractor, provided they remain in good standing with the program.

IEC Fort Worth works with both apprentices and contractors to help ensure training can continue whenever possible.

Employer-Sponsored vs. Self-Pay

The employer-sponsored pathway is the traditional registered apprenticeship program.

In this pathway, apprentices are employed full-time by an IEC contractor while completing both classroom instruction and on-the-job training. Apprentices are registered in the U.S. Department of Labor registered apprenticeship program and work toward becoming licensed electricians.

In most cases, contractors help cover a portion of the apprentice’s training costs.

The self-pay pathway allows individuals to begin electrical training before securing employment with an IEC contractor.

Students complete the same classroom curriculum while working toward employment opportunities in the electrical industry. This pathway provides an opportunity to begin learning the trade and gaining foundational knowledge while pursuing job opportunities with IEC contractors.

Yes.

Both pathways follow the same curriculum, training standards, and instructional materials. Students in both pathways attend the same classes and receive the same technical training. Self-pay students are online only, however.

The primary difference is whether the student is currently employed by a contractor and registered as an apprentice.

Yes.

Many students who begin in the self-pay pathway transition to employer-sponsored apprenticeships once they secure employment with an IEC contractor during their second year. You just may not become employer-sponsored during the school year as a self-pay student.

When hired, apprentices may be registered in the U.S. Department of Labor registered apprenticeship program.

Applying to the Program

Applicants must meet the following basic requirements:

  • Be at least 18 years of age
  • Have a valid photo ID or driver’s license
  • Be eligible to work in the United States
  • Provide proof of high school graduation or GED
  • Be able to obtain a Texas Electrical Apprentice License through the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR)
  • Have reliable transportation to work and class

Applicants must also be physically capable of performing the essential duties of the electrical trade and may be required to pass a drug screening depending on employer requirements.

Applicants should be prepared to provide documentation such as:

  • Texas Electrical Apprentice License (TDLR temporary license screenshot is acceptable)
  • Photo identification (driver’s license, passport, or state-issued ID)
  • Proof of employment authorization (Social Security card, passport, or other acceptable documents)
  • High school diploma, transcript, or GED documentation

Additional documentation may be requested depending on the applicant’s background.

To begin the application process, complete the IEC Fort Worth interest form, selecting the appropriate pathway to get the apprenticeship application and submit the required documentation. Employer-sponsored students are also required to take a drug test within 14 days of submitting the application.

After submitting your application, IEC staff will review your information and may contact you regarding next steps, potential contractor referrals, or program placement.

For additional assistance, applicants may contact the IEC Fort Worth office.

No.

Some applicants enter the program after being hired by an IEC contractor, while others begin training through the self-pay pathway while working toward employment in the electrical industry.

IEC Fort Worth may also refer qualified applicants to contractor members who are seeking apprentices.

No, you do not need to be already employed. If you’re interested in starting a career in the electrical trade, we encourage you to apply or contact our office for more information. If you are employed with a contractor with IEC Fort Worth, please let us know as that will expedite your approval process.