How to Land an Arizona Electrical Apprenticeship

Landing an electrical apprenticeship takes more than interest—it requires solid training and practical skills. The Electrical Applications program at The Refrigeration School (RSI) in Phoenix, Arizona is designed to prepare you for exactly that. We teach you the basics and prepare you for your new career.

What is an Electrical Apprenticeship?

An electrical apprenticeship is paid training that helps you become a licensed electrician. You can either start right away as an apprentice or you can take the first step and enroll at RSI.

To become a licensed electrician, you can either complete four years as an apprentice or three years after completing the Electrical Applications program at RSI in seven months. Not only is it a quicker path to a career, but it also gives you a solid foundation and hands-on experience, so you can build confidence and sharpen your skills before stepping into the field.

As an electrical apprentice, you spend about 2,000 hours working on real job sites. You work under a licensed electrician who teaches you what to do. You also spend about 144 hours in the classroom learning theory and the National Electrical Code (NEC)3.

If you’re thinking about an electrical professional career, check with our admissions staff and take a virtual tour of the RSI campus. We offer an education and electrical training that can lead you into an electrical apprenticeship in Arizona

How to Land an Arizona Electrical Apprenticeship

Here’s how to land an Arizona electrical apprenticeship with the help of RSI:

Step 1: Finish High School or Get a GED

Most apprenticeship programs require you to obtain a high school diploma or GED. You’ll also need basic math and reading skills.

Step 2: Get Some Initial Training

You don’t have to start an apprenticeship with zero knowledge. Many people go to a trade school first. RSI offers an Electrical Applications program that teaches the basics in just seven months. You’ll get a complete electrician training education and plenty of hands-on training with an instructor guiding you all the way to graduation.

Step 3: Apply for Apprenticeships

After completing the Electrical Applications program at RSI, you can start applying for apprenticeships with our help. We have close ties with employers in the community that look to RSI for fully trained and job-ready electrician apprentices. In Arizona, apprenticeships are offered by:

• Local electrical unions (like IBEW1)
• Non-union training programs (like Independent Electrical Contractors)
• Private companies that take on apprentices

Step 4: Pass Tests and Interviews

Most programs have an application process. You may need to:

• Pass a basic math test
• Take a drug test
• Show up for an in-person interview

Be ready to talk about your training and why you want to be an electrician. Make sure to let them know that you completed your education at RSI.

Step 5: Start Working and Learning

Once you’re accepted, you’ll work under a licensed electrician. You’ll log hours on job sites. After 3-4 years, you can take the Arizona Registrar of Contractors2 licensing test to become a journeyman electrician. From there, the potential career growth in the electrical field is significant.

Want To Learn More?

If you want to learn more about becoming a powerplant field technician, The Refrigeration School has trade school programs that can equip you with the necessary skills and expertise. Call us today at (602) 607-0024 to learn more about our Electrical Applications program.

Compliance Index

1. https://ibew.org/local-union-directory/
2. https://roc.az.gov/applying-for-a-license
3. https://www.necanet.org/topics/codesandstandards/the-nec