Independent Electrical Contractors

IEC Apprenticeship Program

The IEC apprenticeship program is designed to train individuals in the electrical trade through a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on experience through a DOL certified program. Apprentices complete a multi-year program that covers topics ranging from including electrical theory, safety practices, code compliance, and more. The program equips apprentices with the skills needed for a successful career in electrical work, emphasizing both practical skills and theoretical knowledge.

IEC apprenticeship programs are offered at local training centers run by our 53 chapters throughout the United States. To get started- contact your local chapter directly or fill out the interest form at myelectriccareer.com

Why choose the IEC Apprenticeship Program

Earn While You Learn

Get paid while you learn. You’ll get on-the-job training with an IEC contractor during the day and attend classroom and hands-on instruction in the evening.

Top-Notch Curriculum

The IEC Apprenticeship Curriculum is recognized as one of the best teaching tools for electrical apprentices in the nation.

Nationwide Training Locations

Benefit from more than 70 training locations around the U.S. Training is designed to fit into your lifestyle.

U.S. Department of Labor Recognition

IEC’s program is recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Apprenticeship & Training, making it an approved program with nationwide credentials.

Earn College Credit

Put your training to work for you. When you finish your four-year training program, you’ll qualify for 46 college credits through the American Council on Education, making a college degree more affordable and less time consuming.

No Student Loans!

The cost of your classroom education is often shared by your employer or covered by state funding.

What opportunities exist for graduates

Application Process

The application process varies by IEC Chapter location, but the information below is a general illustration of the application process:

  1. Be a high school graduate, possess a GED, or be a high school youth apprentice.
  2. Have a reliable form of transportation to get to and from classes and job sites.
  3. Contact your local IEC chapter office to learn more about their application process by visiting MyElectricCareer.com to determine the closest chapter location to your area.

It was amazing going to IEC. It opened my horizons to the entire electrical field.

Entrance Requirements

While specific requirements vary by training program, applicants for apprentice positions generally must be at least 18 years old and have earned a high school diploma or equivalent. Regardless of the specific career track selected, previous education and training is helpful. High school courses in mathematics, physics, electricity, mechanical drawing, and shop provide a good background. Special training offered in the U.S. Armed Forces or postsecondary technical schools is also beneficial. Successful applicants must be able to meet certain physical requirements and demonstrate mechanical aptitude.

The nature of the job demands that an electrician be in good physical condition and tolerant of working in varied conditions such as heat, cold, rain, and snow. Other environmental factors include exposure to heights using ladders and scaffolds, risk of electrical shock, and lifting and moving heavy objects.

  • You must have a high school diploma or GED and have good employability skills.
  • You must have a reliable source of transportation to school and to the job site.
  • You must be able to work independently and as a member of a team.

What practical skills are learned in IEC apprenticeship curriculum

Year 1 Practical Skills

  1. Conduit Bending
  2. Conductor sizing, outer covering and insulation removal (wire preparation) includes NM, UF and MC
  3. Wire Switches – SP, 3-way, 4-way and double pole
  4. Wire GFCI outlet
  5. Wire a service – Overhead and Underground
  6. Wire a doorbell

Year 2 Practical Skills

  1. Transformers 1Ø
  2. Transformers 3Ø
    • Delta/Delta
    • Delta/Wye
  3. Buck/Boost
  4. Transfer Switch
  5. Identify Motor Leads
  6. Make-up Motor Junction box
    • 12 lead
    • High/Low voltage
    • Reversing 1Ø & 3Ø
  7. Branch Circuits (Motor)
  8. Overcurrent Protection
  9. Feeders (Motor Transformers)

Year 3 Practical Skills

  1. Print Reading
  2. Grounding/Bonding
  3. Motor Control
    • Start/Stop/w/sealing contacts
    • Selector Switch
    • Time Clock
    • Photocell
    • Relay
    • Motor Starter
      • NEMA
      • IEC
      • Reversing
      • Electrical Interlock
    • Limit Switch (Pressure/Float/Vacuum/etc.)
    • Indicating lights

Year 4 Practical Skills

  1. Special Relays (Phase Failure Relay)
  2. Timers
    • On-Delay
    • Interval
    • Recycle
    • Off-Delay
    • One Shot
  3. Counters & Sensors
  4. Motor Starters
  5. Solid State Devices