Electrician Apprenticeships in New Jersey

Do you qualify for most New Jersey electrician apprenticeships?

Usually yes. Most New Jersey electrician programs look for a valid ID, high school diploma or GED, reliable transportation, and readiness for math screening or background checks.

• Most programs ask for a valid government-issued ID and proof of high school completion or GED.
• You need reliable transportation to job sites and evening classroom instruction, which typically meets from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
• Expect screening for basic math and reading readiness, as classroom work covers electrical theory and code.
• Some employers add drug screening and background checks depending on the contractor and jobsite.

What electrician apprentices make in New Jersey

Current New Jersey electrician openings on tradeschool.fyi show starting pay around $17-$26/hr and completion pay around $65/hr.

Pay varies by location, employer, and union agreement, so check the listings below for current starting offers.

Listings often show both starting pay and completion pay—use both to gauge the full four-year training progression.

Programs listed

7

Accepting now

0

Starting pay

$17-$26/hr

Completion pay

$65/hr

Do you need a license before you apply?

Usually not. You start by applying to a program or employer first, register as an apprentice with the state, and deal with contractor licensing later in your career.

Electrician apprenticeships in New Jersey are structured to provide aspiring electricians with a comprehensive blend of on-the-job training and classroom instruction. Typically lasting four years, these apprenticeships require participants to complete 8,000 hours of supervised work under a licensed electrical contractor. This hands-on experience is complemented by related technical instruction, which helps apprentices develop the necessary skills and knowledge to progress in the trade.

In New Jersey, apprentices do not need to obtain a license before starting their training, as they work under the supervision of licensed contractors. The state’s Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors, part of the Division of Consumer Affairs, oversees the licensing of electrical contractors and the registration of journeyman electricians. Aspiring apprentices must meet certain prerequisites, such as being at least 18 years old, possessing a high school diploma or GED, and having reliable transportation to job sites and classes.

Numerous apprenticeship opportunities are available across the state, with several International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) locals accepting applications. These include IBEW Local 351 in Hammonton, IBEW Local 827 in East Windsor, and IBEW Local 456 in North Brunswick, among others. Upon completion of their apprenticeship, individuals can advance to a journeyman position, typically requiring an additional year of experience, and eventually pursue a master electrician status after two more years.

How to apply

Start with an opening that has an application status on file, then follow that sponsor's instructions.

1. 1. Begin by exploring the 7 active electrician apprenticeship openings in New Jersey listed on TradeSchool.fyi, including IBEW Locals 351, 827, 456, 400, 164, 102, and 269.
2. 2. Prepare necessary documents such as your resume, identification, high school transcripts or GED proof, and work history to streamline the application process.
3. 3. Follow the specific application procedures for each program, which may include tests, interviews, or document verifications.
4. 4. Upon acceptance, register as a Class A electrical apprentice with the NJ Division of Consumer Affairs - Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors.
5. 5. Confirm with your employer how your on-the-job training hours and classroom education will be tracked to ensure compliance with state requirements.

Common questions

Official New Jersey sources

Use these state and licensing sources to verify rules, deadlines, and longer-term credential requirements.

• NJ Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors
• NJ Division of Consumer Affairs - Electrical Contractors Application Process Overview
• N.J. Admin. Code § 13:31-7.1 - Class A Electrical Apprentice License
• U.S. Department of Labor Office of Apprenticeship