Electrical Apprenticeship | NorthWest Arkansas Community College
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Electrical Apprenticeship

Female Electrician Using a Screw Driver

NWACC's electrical apprenticeship program provides a hands-on educational experience by combining classroom instruction and on-the-job training. 

To participate in the electrical apprenticeship program, you will first need to be 18 years of age, employed with an electrical contractor in the state of Arkansas.

Upon registering for this program, you will gain an apprenticeship license issued by the state of Arkansas.

NWACC's electrical apprenticeship program lasts four years, or 576 hours of related technical instruction (RTI) and 8,000 hours of on-the-job (OJT) training. Classes begin in August and are in session through May. Registration is open anytime, and class attendance is required within 30 days after the start of employment.

Upon completion of the 576 contact hours and 8,000 hours of on-the-job training, you will be eligible to take the Journeyman Electrician Exam, administered by the state of Arkansas.

Apply to NWACC

View the How-to-Apply Help Guide 
to review the application process. 

 

Courses & Duration

  • GED or high school diploma
  • Students must be 18 years of age
  • Employment under the supervision of a currently licensed Master Electrician as a W-2 employee in the state of Arkansas

Western Arkansas Apprenticeship Program at NWACC offers two Electrical Apprenticeship pathways:

US DOL Registered Apprenticeship: Residential Wireworker (Residential Wireman)

A total of 288 hours of RTI and 4,000 hours of residential OJT qualifies an apprentice to apply to test for Arkansas Residential Journeyworker Electrician licensure.

US DOL Registered Apprenticeship: Interior Electrician

A total of 576 hours of RTI and 8,000 hours of OJT is required for an apprentice to complete their apprenticeship and/or be released to test for Arkansas Journeyworker Electrician licensure.

The electrical apprenticeship program lasts four years. It requires a total of 576 hours of classroom instruction (144 hours/year) and 8,000 hours of on-the-job training (2000 hours/year).

Classes begin in August and are in session through May and registration is open anytime. A new electrical apprentice or a returning apprentice can join the program at any time throughout the yearlong term.

1st Year Initial AR Apprentice License

  • Upon entry into the Electrical Apprenticeship Program, apprentices will receive a form to submit information to obtain their initial Electrical Apprenticeship license through the Arkansas Department of Labor & Licensing.
  • Western Arkansas Apprenticeship Program/NWACC Apprenticeship will act as custodian for the apprentice license, including renewals, while the apprentice is enrolled in apprenticeship classes. The Arkansas DOL online electrical licensing portal login information will be issued to the apprentice upon completion of apprenticeship as part of the release to test process.
  • Licenses are available digitally via the state license lookup, and a paper card can be printed to be carried by the apprentice.

Renewal AR Apprentice License

  • Western Arkansas Apprenticeship Program/NWACC Apprenticeship will act as custodian for the apprentice license, including renewals, while the apprentice is enrolled in apprenticeship classes. The Arkansas DOL online electrical licensing portal login information will be issued to the apprentice upon completion of apprenticeship as part of the release to test process.
  • Licenses are available digitally via the state license lookup, and a paper card can be printed to be carried by the apprentice.

 

Completion of Apprenticeship

There are two pathways for electrical apprentices in Arkansas.

  • Arkansas Residential Journeyman Electrician
    Upon completion of both of the following 288 class hours AND 4,000 hours of OJT hours specializing in Residential Electrical work (1-2 family homes), apprentices have the option of applying to test for Arkansas Residential Journeyman Electrician license.

  • Arkansas Journeyman Electrician
    Upon completion of both of the following 576 class hours AND 8,000 OJT hours, apprentices have the option of applying to test for Arkansas Journeyman Electrician license.

    Satisfaction of 576 class hours and 8,000 OJT hours automatically completes the US DOL Registered Apprenticeship for Interior Electricians and awards a US DOL credential recognized across the US.

Upon completion of apprenticeship and program requirements, Western Arkansas Apprenticeship Program will release the apprentice’s Arkansas DOL electrician licensing portal login information to the apprentice. The apprentice can then submit their release to test and apply to test for Journeyworker licensure through AR DOL’s online system.

 

AR Electrical Licensing Information

 

 

Student Services

As an apprenticeship student, you may be eligible for a number of NWACC's student services that can help you successfully reach your academic goals.