Our series on apprenticeships for Economic Development Week highlights the correlation between business, education, jobs, and the economy. All of these contribute to a healthy economy, which we are dedicated to strengthening through the attraction and retention of local businesses, enriching our local workforce, and promoting the area’s amenities. This week, we are focusing on apprenticeships to highlight an amazing career opportunity at companies that are right here in Lenawee County.
Get Educated, Get Paid
Most of us take advantage of the fact that electricity powers nearly everything in our home or business until something unexpected happens. Every day, electricians around the country are solving problems and working hard to keep our lives powered 24/7.
Qualified electricians are highly sought for jobs in residential, commercial, and manufacturing. If you enjoy finding solutions to complex problems, like using a variety of different tools, and are serious about safety, an apprenticeship as an electrician may be the right fit for you.
“I’ve definitely seen more interest in electrician apprenticeships in the last couple of years from people who want to get paid while getting their education, like working with their hands, and don’t like working in an office,” said Josh Bishop, owner of Positive Electric in Addison, Michigan. “I’m glad to see that all of the skilled trades are being promoted more because they are a great opportunity for the right type of person.”
Apprenticeships can be found with electrical contractors, manufacturing facilities, and labor unions. Once a person enters an apprenticeship program, they work side-by-side with a journeyman or master electrician to complete 8,000 hours and 4 years of on-the-job training. While earning a salary, they are also completing 576 hours of related technical instruction through a local or online school. All of this is typically paid for by the company that is sponsoring the apprenticeship. Once the training is complete, the apprentice takes a test through the state of Michigan and once passed, becomes a licensed journeyman electrician.
A journeyman’s card allows the electrician to earn higher wages and take the lead on jobs in the field. There are even options for advancement with 2 additional years and 4,000 hours of on-the-job training to become a master electrician. Once a master electrician, there are just a few additional steps to become a contractor and start a business.
Locally, electricians earn a base annual salary of $45,000-$50,000 once they have earned their journeyman’s card. With more experience, electricians have the potential to earn at least $65,000-$75,000 annually.
“People who work hard, show up on time, and have a good attitude can be successful in an apprenticeship,” said Bishop. “That’s what every employer is looking for because all of the training happens on the job.”
The best place to learn about companies that may be hiring apprentices is through the local township or county building department. Unions are also a good place to find apprenticeship programs. Larger companies are more likely to post their job opportunities online, but many rely on word of mouth to promote apprenticeship opportunities they have available.
If you are interested in a skilled trade apprenticeship, you could also look for jobs with equipment or parts suppliers, or other companies that work with the skilled trades to make connections and learn more about apprenticeship opportunities.
Visit Apprenticeship.gov to learn more about skilled trade apprenticeships.