IBEW – Wireman, Lineman, and Telecommunications
Trade Schools and Apprenticeships in Alaska / IBEW – Wireman, Lineman, and Telecommunications
IBEW – Wireman, Lineman, and Telecommunications Apprenticeship
Programs Offered
- Inside Wireman Apprenticeship (5-Year Program)
- Outside Lineman Apprenticeship (4-Year Program)
- Telecommunications Technician Apprenticeship (3–4-Year Program)
- Pathways to Journeyman Electrician, Lineman, or Communications Specialist Certification
Program Overview
The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) offers nationally recognized apprenticeship programs for wiremen, linemen, and telecommunications technicians. Each program combines classroom instruction with structured, hands-on field experience to prepare apprentices for high-demand careers in the electrical and communications industries. Apprentices learn the theory and practical application of electrical systems, power transmission, and modern communication technologies while emphasizing safety, precision, and professionalism.
IBEW apprenticeships are registered with the U.S. Department of Labor and are widely respected for producing some of the most skilled and safety-conscious professionals in the electrical trades.
Hands-On Training
Apprentices gain real-world experience and classroom instruction that includes:
- Installing and maintaining electrical wiring and power systems in residential, commercial, and industrial settings.
- Working on high-voltage power lines, transformers, and substations (for linemen).
- Installing and maintaining communications systems such as fiber optics, data networks, and low-voltage wiring (for telecommunications technicians).
- Reading blueprints, schematics, and electrical diagrams accurately.
- Following OSHA safety protocols, NEC regulations, and IBEW safety standards.
Certification & Licensing Prep
- Completion qualifies apprentices for Journeyman certification through the IBEW and the National Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (NJATC).
- Includes classroom courses in electrical theory, NEC code, and safety certifications such as OSHA 10 and CPR/First Aid.
- Graduates are fully qualified for careers in electrical construction, power transmission, and communications systems.
Career Paths & Salary Outlook
- Electrical Apprentice (Wireman or Lineman): Earn while learning through on-the-job and classroom instruction.
- Journeyman Electrician or Lineman: Eligible for full trade pay and certification upon program completion.
- Telecommunications Specialist: Qualified to install and maintain advanced communication and data systems.
- Advanced Roles: Opportunities include foreman, project manager, instructor, or estimator positions.
Program Length
- Inside Wireman Apprenticeship: 5 years (approximately 10,000 hours of on-the-job training).
- Outside Lineman Apprenticeship: 4 years (approximately 7,000 hours of field experience).
- Telecommunications Apprenticeship: 3–4 years (approximately 6,400 hours of combined training).
Admission Requirements
- High school diploma or GED.
- Passing score on the NJATC aptitude test (algebra and reading comprehension).
- Physical ability to meet job demands, including climbing and lifting for linemen.
- Completion of health and safety screenings prior to program enrollment.
Compensation & Benefits
Apprentices earn competitive wages that increase as they progress through the program. Participants also receive union benefits including healthcare, pension contributions, and paid training. IBEW apprentices are paid while they learn, making this a cost-effective path into a stable and well-paid career.
Cost & Financial Support
The apprenticeship is tuition-free. All training is funded through IBEW’s partnership with the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA). Apprentices receive paid, on-the-job experience and formal classroom education without student debt.
Location
International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW)
Programs available through local IBEW training centers across the United States.
Training coordinated by the National Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (NJATC).
Apprenticeship Cost & Career Outlook
This is a Registered Apprenticeship Program — meaning you will earn while you learn.
- Paid on-the-job training with increasing wages
- Classroom or technical instruction provided by the program
- No tuition costs — apprentices are paid during training
- Nationally recognized credential upon completion
Because apprenticeships are managed through the U.S. Department of Labor, College Scorecard data for tuition and earnings does not apply. Apprenticeships provide real-world experience and a direct path to journeyman-level wages without student debt.