Electrical Apprenticeship Programs

Are you interested in pursuing a career where you can work with your hands, encounter versatile and challenging tasks, and enjoy high compensation and job security? With a growing shortage of qualified electrical workers, it has never been a better time to join the electrical industry. There are plenty of job opportunities available in this high demand field. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), electricians will have a 23 percent growth rate between 2010 and 2020, which is higher than the national average! Electricians are among the highest paid jobs in the construction sector, according to the U.S. News “Best Construction Jobs” Rankings.

As published on the Maryland DLLR Website, “apprenticeships are jobs. The apprentice works full time and receives training from the sponsoring organization. […] Apprenticeships are designed to meet the workforce needs of the sponsors. Because of a need for highly skilled workers many sponsors use apprenticeship as a method to train employees in the knowledge necessary to become a skilled worker.”

The IEC Apprenticeship Program is a combination of classroom and on-the-job training over a four-year (three-year for Low-Voltage) period of time. The program is designed to provide the apprentice with the necessary theory and practical training to earn the status of electrician.

IEC Chesapeake currently offers a 4-year Electrical program and a 3-year Telecommunications Technician program. Contact us for more information about our programs.

4-Year Electrical

• Traditional Classroom Instruction
• Our oldest and most populated program, the IEC Chesapeake 4-Year Electrical Apprenticeship Program is powered by the IEC National Curriculum. Our program has the distinction of being one of few programs that focuses heavily on solar and other renewable energies in the 4th year.
• Most of our students enroll with the ambition of earning their Journeyman or Master Electricians License, and many of our students go on to become Project Managers, Foremen, Estimators, and upper management.

3-Year Telecommunications Technician

• Live Online Web-casting
• A BICSI-recognized program, our Telecommunications Technician 3-Year Apprenticeship program prepares students to excel in low-voltage applications. The Live Online Web-casting format was developed to meet the unique needs of Low-Voltage contractors who regularly move their employees, which makes it difficult to participate in a traditional classroom-based program.
• Classes are taught by experienced, engaging instructors who encourage students to participate as they would in the classroom.
• To ensure students are receiving the necessary hands-on training, we require our apprentices to complete labs and skills training under the supervision of a Journeyman or Foreman on the job site.
• Students are eligible to apply to take the BICSI level one exam at the end of their second year, and can apply to take the level two exam at the end of their third year.

Web-Based Online Electrical Program (E Apprenticeship)

• Our E Apprenticeship (Online) Electrical Program is designed to allow flexibility for students who live too far away to commute, or who are currently assigned to evening or overnight work.
• This 4-year, web-based program uses an integrated training model to train online at your convenience. As a state approved sponsor in DC, MD and VA*, the Online Electrical Apprenticeship Program through IEC Chesapeake will meet the same Department of Labor requirements as the traditional live classes
• To be considered for an Online Program, a student must live more than 45 miles away from the nearest IEC Chesapeake classroom training site or must be maintaining a work schedule that precludes them from classroom training. To be considered for an Online Program, all applicants must include a letter from their employer recommending them for the program.

Click on the links below to learn more about each program and to download the curriculum for each:

• 4-Year Electrical Program Curriculum
• Telecommunications Technician Curriculum
• Web-Based Online Electrical Curriculum

To complete the program, students must attend a minimum of 144 hours of classroom instruction per year. This typically means two 3.5 hour sessions a week, or one 4 hour session depending on the program and location.

Apprentices receive their entire classroom schedule at the start of the year.

Absolutely not! The IEC Chesapeake program utilizes hands-on training as much as possible to supplement the classroom curriculum. Just take a look at some of the videos from our year-one students participating in a hands-on lab!

The IEC Chesapeake curriculum is a combination of the most innovative and comprehensive training programs in the country. It emphasizes a hands-on learning experience in conjunction with traditional classwork, utilizing purpose-built labs that give your employees a true real-world experience in the classroom.

Our curriculum exposes students to new and changing technologies in renewable energy, and features numerous third-party presentations from manufacturers and other vendors to provide students with a thorough understanding of the products they use in the field.

No! Whenever possible, we incorporate our Associate Partners into the curriculum, bringing manufacturing and distribution representatives to teach apprentices about products they will commonly be using in the field. 

Not only does it give our students an in-depth look at current and evolving technologies, it also promotes engagement by bring in new and different personalities to teach on different subjects.

So glad you asked. Please take a moment and watch a quick video tour of one of our facilities.

Yes! The IEC Chesapeake curriculum is Federally Approved, and recognized by Maryland, D.C., and Virginia.

The IEC Chesapeake curriculum is designed to give students the necessary foundation to pass their Journeyman’s exam.

In general, Apprentices do not receive their Journeyman’s license without completing and recording 8000 on-the-job training hours, and passing the Journeyman’s Exam.

However, different jurisdictions have different rules. Apprentices that complete the program as registered students are eligible to receive a journeyman’s license in D.C., and Maryland without the need to take an exam. Other jurisdictions require an exam and other qualifications may apply.

We are up-front here at IEC Chesapeake. When you enter into an Apprenticeship Program, you are looking at 3 to 4 years of working full-time and attending class in the evenings. It is not an easy path by any means, and we wouldn’t have it any other way.

We find that our graduates leave the program with more confidence and self-awareness, most having been challenged to maintain a rigorous work and training schedule with the demands of their personal lives.

Graduates leave the program knowing what they’re capable of accomplishing. Moreover, as an IEC Chesapeake graduate entering into a booming market, you have proven your dedication to your trade, and shown yourself to be a valuable asset to the industry.

Apprentices are given the choice between our training locations based upon where they live. Apprentices must attend a physical classroom location, unless they qualify for the online program.

Once the Apprentice chooses a location, they are required to stay at that location for the entire school year. Students may request a change to their training location prior to a new school year.

IEC Chesapeake has training facilities throughout Maryland, DC, Virginia and through E Apprenticeship (online).

See all of our locations here.

Our Online Programs are designed to allow flexibility for students who live too far away to commute, or who are currently assigned to evening or overnight work.

To be considered for an Online Program, a student must live more than 45 miles away from the nearest IEC Chesapeake classroom training site or must be maintaining a work schedule that precludes them from classroom training. To be considered for an Online Program, all applicants must include a letter from their employer recommending them for the program.

Transferring from another IEC Chapter / Returning IECC Students

• If a student completes a full year at IEC and misses the following school year, they may return to the program by updating their personal information. [No Additional Cost]
• If a former IEC apprentice has been out of the program for one school year or longer, they will be allowed to re-enter the program where they left off without testing if they can show proof they have maintained their OJT hours while not attending related instruction.
• If a former IEC apprentice has been out of the program for one school year or longer and is unable to provide proof that they maintained their OJT hours while not attending related instruction they will be required to test into the program. [Challenge Exam is an Additional Cost of $100] The Challenge Exam will be based upon the final exam of the last year successfully completed and will require a re-testing fee of $100. If the apprentice fails the test, then he or she will be allowed to re-take the exam on a date determined by the IECC Staff. If they fail a second time, the apprentice must re-take the previous Year at the full cost of tuition and any additional books required.

Attended Trade school

• A person who has attended “Test, Allstate, or a Trade school” may be allowed to take a Challenge Exam for years 1 or 2 and Transfer in. Student must provide transcripts from trade school.  i.e.: if a person has completed their classes at a Trade School and feels as though they have obtained enough knowledge to take a Year 1 Exam and move into year 2, we shall allow them to do so [Additional Cost of $100] The Challenge Exam will be based upon the final exam of the last year successfully completed and will require a re-testing fee of $100. If the applicant fails the test, then he or she will be allowed to re-take the exam on a date determined by the IECC Staff. If they fail a second time, the applicant must re-take the previous Year at the full cost of tuition and any additional books required.

Transferring from Other Apprenticeship Programs

• A person may be allowed to transfer into IEC if they have taken 1 year of another approved Apprenticeship program in the most recent school year and has been working for an Electrical Contractor. Must apply with transcripts and pay application fee.
• Non-IEC students seeking to enter the program after a year or more away from related instruction will be required to test into the program regardless of OJT status. They must apply with transcripts, interview, and take the Challenge Exam for the last year they attended.  [Additional Cost of $100] The Challenge Exam will be based upon the final exam of the last year successfully completed and will require a re-testing fee of $100. If the apprentice fails the test, then he or she will be allowed to re-take the exam on a date determined by the IECC Staff. If they fail a second time, the apprentice must re-take the previous Year at the full cost of tuition and any additional books required.

Challenge Exam

The Challenge Exam will have two parts: a 1^st Semester exam and a 2^nd Semester exam. You will have 200 minutes to complete the test.

The Challenge Exam will be administered online through the LMS. The cost of the Challenge Exam is $100.

Grades/scores for the Challenge Exam are made available to the student immediately after concluding each part of the exam. The student must score a passing grade of at least 70% (failing grade is below 70%) on both semesters of the Challenge Exam in order to pass.

If the applicant fails the test, then he or she will be allowed to re-take the exam on a date determined by the IECC Staff. If they fail a second time, the apprentice must re-take the previous Year at the full cost of tuition and any additional books required.

On-The-Job Learning (OJL) Hours

• Students transferring from another program must submit an OJL report from previous program in order to receive OJL credit
• Students returning after a break in attendance cannot submit hours for months they were not in attendance in a program.

You can download a practice exam here: Download Practice Exam.

We do not “place” students with employers.

Once accepted into the program, IEC Chesapeake will provide a list of its Contractor Members who are currently hiring. While we will offer tips to better prepare the apprentice in the interview process, it is the apprentice’s responsibility to contact potential employers and set up interviews.

Out-of-Work Apprentices will also be listed on our own internal list, which is accessible to our contractor members. When hiring, it is possible that a contractor will reach out to names on this list to set up interviews.

We ask that when a student finds employment, they notify our office so we can take them off the Out-Of-Work Apprentice list.

Let us be very clear: we strongly recommend that all students be employed full-time prior to class starting in order to gain the most from the experience.

However, economic issues can play a role in an Apprentice’s ability to find employment. Provided the Apprentice has made a good-faith effort to find employment, they are not required to be employed by a contractor at the time they start the program will be charged the member rate for tuition.

However, all first-year apprentices must find full-time employment must find employment with an electrical contractor prior to being accepted into the following school year.

If, for whatever reason, an Apprentice is terminated or laid-off while attending an IEC Chesapeake apprenticeship program, they will be given the same resources as a first-year apprentice to aid in finding new employment. In addition to being directed to other IEC Chesapeake members who are currently hiring, they will also be placed on the Out-Of-Work Apprentice list.

All students who are terminated, or are laid-off while enrolled at IEC Chesapeake have 1 calendar year from their termination date to find new employment.

We ask that when a student finds employment, they notify our office so we can take them off the Out-Of-Work Apprentice list.

Click here to obtain a detailed description of How to Apply.

The application fee goes towards administrative time required to process applications. There are no refunds for application fees.

Applications are submitted online here.

While IEC Chesapeake maintains a rolling admission cycle and accepts applications year-round, we cannot guarantee entrance into the Fall or January sessions unless you apply by the following dates:

For the Fall Semester:
July 15^th

For the January Semester:
December 1^st

We will not start a student after classes have begun.

As part of the IEC Chesapeake Application, prospective students are required to submit one Letter of Reference. A Letter of Reference is a short letter written by a non-family member that speaks to the character and qualifications of the student. It should also explain how the person knows the prospective student.

The letters can be typed, or handwritten but must come from a non-family member. We suggest asking your current or former employers, former or current teachers, former or current coworkers, or people who can specifically speak to your character. 

Be sure to give your reference plenty of notice, and thoroughly explain what is expected.Both letters must be included with your other documents to ensure your application is processed.

In the event that an applicant is not accepted into the program, they will be given an opportunity to requalify at the discretion of the IEC Chesapeake Staff, and the Apprenticeship Committee.

IEC Chesapeake will accept any and all students who apply to and qualify for the program.

If you think you are eligible to skip a year of our program because of your work experience, and you are certain you know the code book inside and out, you may request an Advanced Placement Test.

Be warned, these tests are not easy. Before attempting to skip a year, be sure to review our curriculum. An Advanced Placement Test requires a $100 nonrefundable processing fee. All Advanced Placement Tests must be taken at least 1 month prior to the start of class.

To schedule a test, first submit your application here then email your request to [email protected]

Yes, you are able to earn credits towards a degree through ACE, and through several of our Community College partners.

Contact [email protected] for more details.

The current IEC Chesapeake Electrical Classroom pricing is as follows:

• Member: $2,750
• Non Member: $4,125

​These rates are per school year, and are subject to change.

Tuition is non-refundable once a student starts class and/or issued books.

The member/nonmember rates are determined by your employer. To be eligible for the member rates, your employer must be a current member of IEC Chesapeake. 

To learn about Contractor Membership, please have your employer contact us at 301-621-9545.

Yes.

Tuition invoices are sent directly to the apprentices at enrollment. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure the bill is paid online by the deadline to avoid incurring any additional fees.

Contractors have different policies concerning Tuition for Apprentices that range from non-involvement to partial and full tuition reimbursement.

We encourage you to ask your current or potential employer about their tuition policy prior to tuition deadlines. 

Please note: Contractors with Apprentices Registered in the District of Columbia are required to pay for their tuition.

The early deadlines for Tuition Payment are July 1^st for the Fall Session, and December 1^st for the January Session.

All Tuition must be paid in full 10 days prior to the first night of class.

If you do not pay your tuition prior to arriving the first night of class, you will not receive your books and will be dismissed from the program if not paid by the fourth class.

Tuition is non-refundable once a student starts class and/or issued books.

All tuition invoicing and payment is done online. Invoices are available after Apprentices are enrolled in classes and assigned a schedule. Please keep in mind that apprentices at different years, or different sites may receive their invoice sooner than others. You can access your invoice by logging in at the IEC Chesapeake website.

If your invoice is not posted in your student account after having received your schedule, contact [email protected]

We do not currently offer student loan financing.

Yes, you can apply your GI Bill benefits to apprentice training at specific IEC Chesapeake locations.

Contact [email protected] for more details.

HERE ARE THE TOP 5 REASONS TO CHOOSE IEC CHESAPEAKE

1. An Industry-Leading, Hands-on Learning Experience

• The IEC Chesapeake curriculum is a combination of the most innovative and comprehensive training programs in the country.
• It emphasizes a hands-on learning experience in conjunction with traditional classwork, utilizing purpose-built labs that give your employees a true real-world experience in the classroom.
• Our curriculum exposes students to new and changing technologies in renewable energy, and features numerous third-party presentations from manufacturers and other vendors to provide students with a thorough understanding of the products they use in the field.

2. An Online Student Invoicing & Tracking System

• Your time is valuable. We make it easy to hold your employees accountable. All of our students are tracked for you via our AMPs database.
• Your designated company contact will automatically receive an email if your employees miss class, or are in danger of failing.
• Any time of day, you can log-in to check grades, attendance, and approve OJT Hours.
• At the start of each school year, all students receive their invoices and pay online, eliminating the extra headaches, while lessening the paperwork.

3. We have multiple School Locations, with an Available Online Program

• In addition to our 30,000 Square Foot facility in Laurel, Maryland, IEC has satellite schools in Hughesville, Catonsville, Takoma Park, Hagerstown, Salisbury, Frederick, Hagerstown, Washington D.C., and Dulles, Virginia.
• Apprentices choose the location that is closest to them, making it easier to get to class.
• Are some of your employees working remotely? Do you have a considerable amount of night-work on the horizon? IEC has the only online electrical programs approved by the state of Maryland and the District of Columbia. We have contractors with students enrolled online all over the country and the world.

4. Our Programs Are Approved Everywhere, Government Work is Easier.

• Our curriculum is recognized by the Apprenticeship and Training Programs in Maryland, Virginia, DC, West Virginia, and by the US Department of Labor.
• We regularly work with the Department of Labor to register apprentices for contractors completing government work, and keep up to date on new and changing requirements related to Davis-Bacon Prevailing wage and employee compensation.
• As a proactive trade association, we also have members sitting on apprenticeship councils in multiple states, and actively participate in new legislation that affects the electrical industry.
• We fight on the front-lines to ensure our members, our students, and all independent electrical contractors have a voice in new legislation.

5. Our Program Creates Well-Rounded Employees

• Your best employees are your most responsible employees, on and off the jobsite. They show up on time, always stay busy, work safely, and keep problems from their personal lives from affecting their work. This is why we offer an education beyond technical training.
• Our students receive CPR, First Aid, and safety training.
• We also offer opportunities to learn about financial planning, time management, and jobsite etiquette.
• Most of the younger men and women joining the industry are not properly prepared to plan for the future and make responsible home decisions. You are making an investment by sending your employees to school; we want to provide the best possible resources to offer you the greatest return on your investment.

To set up a tour of our facility, or for questions not addressed in the FAQ, please call 301-621-9545 today.

For a detailed overview of the application process, please visit click the link below:

Our AMPs Database tracks everything from attendance to grades. You can also designate a company contact to receive emails and updates concerning your employees.

Yes. If you currently employ Apprentices, it is your responsibility to verify and approve On the Job Training (OJT) hours. You can do so via our AMPs database. To be assigned a log-in, contact [email protected]

The Membership Discount rate is available to apprentices who work for active contractor partners of IEC Chesapeake. For more information about membership, call us at (301) 621-9545. 

IEC Chesapeake Standards includes provisions concerning wage percentage and fringe percentage that will save you 10% on wages on all State Registered Apprentices. For more details, contact us.