Earn & Learn
Apprenticeship is a program where one “Earns While They Learn” the trade. Apprentices are paid a percentage of the Journeyman Wireman rate for the job they are on. The Journeyman Wireman rate is currently over $32.
The following table identifies minimum requirements to enter each Period of Apprenticeship for advances in pay rate. The ETA has established six periods of apprenticeship as stipulated below.
| Period | % of Rate | Min Accum. OJT Hours | + | Related Training |
| 1 | 50% | 0 | + | N/A |
| 2 | 55% | 1,000 | + | Satisfactory Progress |
| 3 | 60% | 2,000 | + | 1st Year School Completed |
| 4 | 65% | 3,500 | + | 2nd Year School Completed |
| 5 | 75% | 5,000 | + | 3rd Year School Completed |
| 6 | 80% | 6,000 | + | 4th Year School Completed |
| Completion | 100% | 8,000 | + | 5th Year School Completed |
To be advanced, the apprentice must have satisfactorily completed both requirements: OJT hours and Related Training as indicated above.
Example: To advance to third period, one must have satisfactorily completed the first-year of related training and must also have accumulated 2,000 hours of OJT with satisfactory performance.]
One can see how an apprentice can earn over $218,000.00 during their apprenticeship and have an income over $70,000.00 per year after completion of apprenticeship. Keep in mind that contracts are negotiated periodically and wages and benefits are subject to change.
Health Insurance
Health insurance is offered to all periods of Apprenticeship, however both periods 1 and 2 receive a Tiered Insurance Plan. Periods 3, 4, 5, &6 all receive Full Medical Insurance plus Dental and Vision. The family of the Apprentice is also covered under the plan with proof of marriage and birth certificate(s). The insurance is offered at NO Additional Cost to the Apprentice. Deductibles are $400 for the individual and $800 for the family and offer an 80/20 coverage.
Retirement
As the Apprentice goes through the five-year program they will receive per hour a contribution into two (2) separate retirement funds, a Pension and an Annuity. Starting at period 3 the contribution will raise each period until completion of program. All contributions are based on a percentage of the Journeymen Contribution Rate. These contributions are made by the employer and are at NO ADDITTIONAL COST to the Apprentice.
| Period | % Contribution |
| 1 | 0% |
| 2 | 0% |
| 3 | 20% |
| 4 | 40% |
| 5 | 60% |
| 6 | 80% |
A 401k can be set up on the Apprentice’s behalf. He/she may voluntarily contribute on their own merit but will not be matched by the employer. Contributions will be deducted from the weekly paycheck.