The Electrical Apprenticeship Program is maintained by MSIECEA (Mid-South Independent Electrical Contractors Educational Association) which is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. MSIECEA is in place to help individuals receive an education that leads them to have a trade that the electrical apprentices can use for the rest of their lives. Therefore developing self-esteem and the ability to have a positive impact on themselves, their families and the community.

Apprenticeship training is a form of education that incorporates workplace training with technical in-school training. Since 1972, National IEC has conducted apprenticeship training programs under standards approved by the U.S. Department of Labor and the Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training.

The Mid-South IEC's Electrical Apprenticeship Program has many certifications to assist the Mid-South IEC in delivering a quality education. Below are the certifications of the Mid-South IEC's Electrical Apprenticeship Program.

What makes IEC's program so successful?

• 144 hours of classroom training per year with lectures, demonstrations, labs, homework, and a comprehensive final that must be passed prior to graduating to the next level.
   

• 2,000 hours On-The-Job training per year (8,000 hours for all four years).
   

• The nationally approved electrical curriculum is in use nationwide by nearly 10,000 electrical apprentices annually.
   

• Dedicated professional staff and instructors are available to assist you in progressing through the apprenticeship program.

Course outline

Below are links, (in.pdf format) of the course outlines to each year of the electrical apprenticeship program. These outlines identify specifically what will be taught throughout the four year program:

• Course Outline - Year One

• Course Outline - Year Two

• Course Outline - Year Three

• Course Outline - Year Four

With a growth rate in excess of 20% per year, IEC's electrical apprenticeship program is rapidly becoming recognized as the premier electrical apprenticeship program in the industry. Through this combination of education, training, and hands-on experience, students not only learn an understanding of theory, operation, and code. They also learn how to develop management and leadership skills.

What is an electrician?

An electrician is a skilled tradesperson who combines electrical theory with the knowledge of the operating characteristics of electrical equipment and devices. Along with this knowledge and the necessary job skills, this individual safely and correctly wires commercial, industrial, residential and other types of building facilities. Thus, the electrician performs a service which enables the consumer to use electrical energy for such purposes as lighting , heating and the operation of electrical equipment, motors, control systems and appliances.

Why become an electrician?
 

Electricians earn high hourly wages and experienced men and women are always in demand. Many who complete apprenticeship move up the career ladder as estimators, supervisors and superintendents. You might even own your own company someday.

What is the apprenticeship program for electricians?
 

The apprenticeship program is a combination of "classroom" and "on the job training" over a four year period of time. The program is designed to provide the apprentice with the necessary theory and practical training to earn the status of electrician. For completion, 576 hours of classroom instruction and 8,000 on the job training hours are required. Those apprentices, who satisfactorily complete the requirements, will be certified by the Apprenticeship and Training Committee. This committee sponsors, supervises and regulates the program. At the end of training, the apprentice receives a Completion Certificate from the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training.

What are the job opportunities?
 

During the training period, the apprentice will be employed by IEC Electrical Contractor Members of the association. After the training period and when the apprentice has achieved electrician status, job opportunities will exist locally and nationally. The demand for an electrician's services will be in direct proportion to attitude and eagerness to produce quality, useful work.

What pay can an apprentice expect?
 

The minimum pay an apprentice can expect is 50% of the hourly rate of pay for Journeymen Electricians. This rate is determined by the Apprenticeship and Training Committee. The apprentice then receives 5% hourly wage increases when the following are completed; every 1000 hours worked, complete the semester and pass the semester. This process continues throughout the 4 year training period. When the apprentice has successfully completed the apprenticeship and training program, including qualifying tests, that person will be eligible for Electrician wages.

Who can apply to the program?

Any person at least 17 years of age can apply. The Apprenticeship & Training committee will review results of applicants educational background, references and conduct record and whatever related work experience they may have, if any, and interview all applicants that meet the minimum requirements. They will then select, strictly and totally on the basis of merit, the most qualified applicants.

What are the minimum requirements for consideration and the procedure to apply for the apprenticeship program?

• Applicants must be at least 17 years of age.
   

• Applicants must be a High School Graduates or have successfully passed the GED equivalent. A copy of the high school transcript and transcripts of other specialized education will be required.
   

• The applicant must have their own reliable transportation to the employer's place of business and/or job site and to the place where job related instruction is conducted.
   

• The applicant must be able to perform the essential functions of the trade.
   

• In the four year period, applicants must attend 576 hours of classroom instruction at night without compensation and 8,000 hours in an on the job training program supervised by the Apprenticeship & Training Committee.
   

• Applicants must complete the apprenticeship application and submit it to the Apprenticeship & Training Committee.
   

• Applicants must pass a basic math and reading test. You can follow this link for a practice math test: PRACTICE MATH TEST 
   

• Applicants must pass a drug test
   

• Applicants must appear for all scheduled interviews

"Apprenticeship: Another Career Opportunity" Article