How To Become an Electrician

Electrify Your Career:

A Guide to Becoming an Electrician with Wheeler Electric & IBEW Local 449

Wheeler Electric, Inc. is dedicated to shaping the next generation of skilled electricians in Idaho. Whether you aim to become a union Inside Wireman through the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 449 or are currently a licensed Electrician outside of the union, we provide clear pathways to help you achieve your goals.

This guide outlines the different roles within the electrical trade, the steps to becoming a licensed electrician, and how you can transition from a CE (Construction Electrician) to a union electrician if desired.

Benefits of a Career in the Electrical Trade

    • Earn While You Learn – Apprentices start earning wages immediately while training.
    • No Student Debt – Unlike college, apprenticeship training is covered by the union.
    • High Earning Potential – Journeymen earn $60k+ per year plus benefits and a pension.
    • Job Security – Skilled electricians are always in demand.
    • Clear Career Progression – The electrical trade offers a structured path from apprentice to foreman, general foreman, and beyond.

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Understanding the Roles: Your Path in the Electrical Trade

The electrical trade consists of various levels of expertise, each with increasing responsibility and career potential.

1. Construction Wireman (CW): Entry-Level Electrical Work

A Construction Wireman (CW) is often the starting point for individuals new to the electrical field. While not an official apprentice, a CW:

    • Assists journeymen with material handling, wire installation, and job site setup.
    • Gains hands-on experience to determine if electrical work is the right career path.
    • Prepares for entry into an apprenticeship program or other electrical career opportunities.

Many CWs use this experience to apply for the Inside Wireman apprenticeship.

2. Inside Wireman Apprentice: The Path to Becoming a Journeyman

The Eastern Idaho Electrical Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (EIJATC), in partnership with IBEW Local 449 and the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA), offers a structured 4-year apprenticeship to become a licensed union Journeyman Electrician.

Inside Wireman Apprenticeship Breakdown:

    • On-the-Job Training (OJT): 8,000 hours of supervised, paid work experience.
    • Classroom Training: 576+ hours covering electrical theory, blueprint reading, the National Electrical Code (NEC), safety, and technical skills.
    • Progressive Wage Increases: Apprentices receive scheduled raises as they advance.
    • Zero Student Debt: Unlike college, the union covers training costs through employer contributions.

Apprentices train under experienced journeymen and, upon completion, receive their Journeyman Inside Wireman License to work independently in residential, commercial, and industrial electrical systems.

3. Journeyman Electrician: A Licensed and Skilled Professional

After completing the apprenticeship and passing the Idaho State Electrical Test, an electrician earns Journeyman status, which means they can:

    • Install, maintain, and troubleshoot electrical systems.
    • Interpret blueprints and technical diagrams to execute electrical layouts.
    • Work in compliance with the NEC and local electrical codes.
    • Supervise apprentices, passing knowledge and experience to the next generation.

Journeyman electricians must obtain an Idaho state license from the Idaho Division of Building Safety (DBS) to work legally.

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Transitioning from CE to Union Inside Wireman

If you are a licensed Electrician but wish to join IBEW Local 449, you may qualify for a Construction Wireman (CE) position.

Steps to Join IBEW Local 449 as a CE:

    1. Contact IBEW Local 449 and express interest in joining the union.
    2. Provide documentation of electrical work experience.
    3. Complete an assessment or interview with the JATC.
    4. Enroll in the Construction Electrician (CE) program.
    5. Become a union Journeyman and access union benefits.

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Start Your Electrical Career Today with Wheeler Electric, Inc.

Whether you become a union Journeyman Inside Wireman through IBEW Local 449 or pursue a CE license, Wheeler Electric, Inc. supports your career growth.

Power your future today!