Utah Electrical Apprenticeship Resources
Your guide to electrician programs in Utah — from pre-apprenticeship training through licensing. Learn about pathways, wages, and how to land your first electrical apprenticeship.
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Apprenticeship 101
Everything you need to understand about electrical apprenticeships in Utah.
What is an Electrical Apprenticeship?
An electrical apprenticeship is a structured, paid training program that combines hands-on work experience with classroom instruction. You earn while you learn, gaining real-world skills under the mentorship of experienced electricians while completing related technical instruction.
OTJ & Classroom Hours
Apprenticeships require 8,000 hours of on-the-job training (OJT) and 576 hours of classroom instruction. OJT hours are spent on job sites learning practical skills, while classroom hours cover electrical theory, codes, safety, and technical knowledge.
Becoming a Journeyman
After completing your apprenticeship, you're eligible to test for your Journeyman Electrician license. This credential demonstrates you have the knowledge and skills to work independently on electrical projects and oversee apprentices. Journeymen earn significantly higher wages and have greater career flexibility.
How to become an electrician in Utah: Where do I start?
Getting into an apprenticeship has two pieces — finding a job with a contractor and enrolling in classroom training. Most programs require both. Here are your paths forward.
You must have both
Choose your approach
Both paths can lead to the same destination — an apprenticeship and a career.
Start with a pre-apprenticeship
Best if you're new to the trades and want structured support before job hunting.
Electrical Bootcamp
8 weeks, evenings. 8 weeks in the evening. A focus on getting you ready for an electrical apprentice.
Learn moreUtah Women in Trades
12–15 weeks, 3 days/week. Explores all trades — open to women and men.
Learn moreSLCC Lineworker Pre-apprenticeship
Power-line focused training at Salt Lake Community College — prepares you for utility and line-work careers.
Learn moreGo straight to the source
You don't need a pre-apprenticeship — apply directly to employers and programs.
Open Houses
UETA, IEC Utah, and local technical colleges hold open houses throughout the year — low-pressure and informative.
Apply to a Contractor
Approach electrical contractors directly for an informational meeting or to ask about hiring apprentices.
Apply to the Union
UETA (IBEW Local 354) accepts applications on a rolling basis with an aptitude test and committee interview.
The Payoff
How much do electricians make in Utah?
Electricians earn competitive wages that grow steadily throughout their career — with no student debt and raises built into the apprenticeship path.
Starting Apprentice
First-year apprentices in Utah typically start in this range. With no experience required, you earn a paycheck from day one while learning on the job.
Mid-Apprentice
By year 2–3, apprentices see meaningful pay increases. Many programs — including IBEW Local 354 — guarantee raises every 6 months as you accumulate hours and classroom training.
Journeyman Electrician
After completing your apprenticeship (~4–5 years, 8,000 hours) and passing the journeyman exam, you earn a license that's yours for life. This is where most electricians spend the bulk of their career.
Master / Experienced
With experience, specialization, or a master electrician license, earnings climb further. Overtime, prevailing wage projects, and leadership roles push many electricians well into six figures in Utah.
Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024), Electricians (47-2111), Utah state data · IBEW Local 354 Apprenticeship Program · Indeed Utah Apprentice Electrician salary data (2026). Ranges reflect typical market variation across union and non-union paths.
Electrician programs in Utah: Classroom training options
Your employer often helps choose and pay for the schooling options. Here are three overviews of some of those options in Utah.
Union Pathway — The Utah Electrical Training Alliance
- 1Full union membership with guaranteed salary steps, benefits, health insurance, and pension — you always know what you'll earn next
- 2Paid apprenticeship: you work full-time and earn a paycheck the entire time
- 3In-person classroom instruction with full-time instructors roughly every 6 weeks — structured and consistent
- 4Pass an aptitude test covering algebra and reading comprehension to apply
- 5One of the most respected credentials in the electrical trade
Independent Training Center (Merit-Based) — IEC Utah & WECA
- 1IEC Utah: Online courses held weekly plus in-person labs — providing flexibility versus all in-person
- 2WECA: Offers full-time instructors — 2 consecutive weeks of full-time classroom roughly every 6 months
- 3Available to apprentices employed by contractors belonging to IEC or WECA
- 4Paid apprenticeship: you work full-time and earn a paycheck the entire time
- 5Strong industry-recognized training option with flexible options
Technical College Pathway
- 1Davis Tech, MTECH, SLCC, and Mountainland offer programs with evening classes roughly 2x per week
- 2Paid apprenticeship: you work full-time and earn a paycheck the entire time
- 3Accredited coursework with transferable credits
- 4Financial aid, scholarships, and employer tuition reimbursement often available
- 5Strong industry-recognized training in a setting with strong wrap-around services