• Posted: September 23, 2025
• better careers, better communities, better construction, Chicago electrician training program, Electrical apprenticeship in Chicago, Electrician apprenticeship in Illinois, IBEW Local 134, IBEW Local 134 apprenticeship, IBEW-NECA Technical Institute, Skilled trades career path

As Chicagoland students returned for the 2025 school year, Powering Chicago—the voice of the unionized electrical industry in Chicago and Cook County— welcomed the next generation of electricians to its Registered Apprenticeship Program at the IBEW-NECA Technical Institute (IN-Tech) in Alsip, Illinois.

While many students choose the traditional college route and graduate with significant student loan debt, apprentices in this program spend five years in paid, intensive training. This equips them with the skills and certifications needed to secure high-demand union positions with competitive wages in the electrical construction industry without incurring tuition costs.

“Union electricians have long been in high demand, and the need for skilled tradespeople continues to grow across every sector of the electrical industry,” said Elbert Walters III, Executive Director of Powering Chicago. “We know college isn’t the right fit for everyone, and we’re committed to showing young people alternative career paths in the trades—paths that offer rewarding, well-compensated, and impactful work.”

Job Growth Opportunities for Illinois Electricians

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for electricians is projected to increase nationally by 9% from 2024 to 2034—much faster than the average for all occupations. That number represents a national growth of approximately 77,400  openings over the next decade.

The IN-Tech apprenticeship program offers a comprehensive blend of classroom learning and hands-on training. Over the five-year program, apprentices complete:

• 8,000 hours of combined on-the-job and classroom instruction
  
• Approximately 300 hours of safety-specific training
  

The state-of-the-art facility includes a renewable energy training field, giving apprentices practical experience with wind, solar, EV charging, and battery storage systems.

Graduates enter the electrical construction industry debt-free and receive job placement assistance, and the financial difference is significant. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, workers in the Chicago–Naperville–Elgin metropolitan area earned an average hourly wage of $34.42 in May 2024, compared to the nationwide average of $32.66. By contrast, a journeyperson in the skilled electrical construction trade earns nearly double that rate, with an hourly wage rate of  $57.75 working under prevailing wage agreements in Cook County.

Building a Workforce for the Future

As demand for skilled electricians continues to rise, Powering Chicago’s apprenticeship program offers a proven, well-paying alternative to traditional college. Apprentices graduate with no student loan debt, in-demand skills, and the opportunity to build long-term, stable careers, all while contributing to the infrastructure that powers our communities.To learn more about Powering Chicago, visit our website. For information on the IBEW Local 134 apprenticeship program or for how to apply, visit ejatt.com.