A beginner’s guide to starting your electrician training

By Shannon Tymosko, Electrical Apprentice, IBEW Local 105

As someone who's passionate about inspiring the next generation but also knows that it's never too late to pivot and pursue a new dream, I want to share some insight. I've learned life's journey is full of twists and turns, and being open to new opportunities might lead you to the most rewarding paths. The paid-to-learn pathway makes apprenticeships a feasible option not just for youth, but for anyone looking to switch careers.

Hands-on skilled trades, such as electrical work, require real-life, practical learning opportunities to properly teach the next generation the skills and troubleshooting needed to do the job. An apprenticeship is an hours-based program where an apprentice (the student) learns the trade on the job while accumulating hours working with the tools.

Understanding apprenticeship

Each apprenticeship has a required number of hours specific to the trade. Think of it like credits earned toward a high school diploma: you need a certain amount to graduate. For example, an electrical apprenticeship typically requires between 7,200 and 9,000 hours, depending on the country, state, or province.

As you work through your apprenticeship, you are also required to attend trade school to learn the science, safety practices, and legal codes specific to your trade. Trade school is simply one portion of the apprenticeship journey – it complements and deepens the understanding of the hands-on learning you do day in and day out on the tools.

What is trade school?

Many trade schools and college diploma programs are offered at the same training institutions, often through local community colleges. While trade school is different from the traditional college pathway, the experiences share many similarities, including curriculum, buildings, cafeterias, bookstores, and even professors.

For example, I completed the required three levels (10 weeks each) of in-school training to become an electrician at Mohawk College in Hamilton, Ontario. At the same institution, some students choose a paid two- or three-year electrical diploma program that runs from September through April.

Trade school vs. college: What sets them apart

The biggest differences between a traditional college program and trade school are the amount of time spent in the classroom and the overall cost. Trade school classroom requirements are significantly shorter, typically three or four levels of eight to ten weeks each. In contrast, college programs usually run eight months per year and last two to three years.

The cost of trade school is often a fraction of that of a traditional college program. Additionally, trade school is not always a substitute for the required in-school apprenticeship training. As a result, many people who choose a college diploma first find themselves repeating education, hours, and training, ultimately extending their apprenticeship timeline.

Time is money

Beyond the lower tuition, time itself is a major factor. Apprenticeships are an earn-while-you-learn pathway. While learning on the tools, apprentices are paid a fair wage for their labour. You are not only earning an education, but you are also earning an income.

As you progress through your apprenticeship and gain skills and knowledge, your income increases to reflect your skill level. Many apprentices complete their training debt-free, licensed to work, and with strong job security.

The day-to-day experience

Trade school is exciting because it fills in learning gaps that can occur on job sites. Not all construction sites are the same. During my apprenticeship, I've worked in commercial settings like hotels and hospitals, as well as industrial environments such as oil refineries and steel manufacturing facilities. However, I have had no residential experience.

Journeymen are also not trained teachers, which means some concepts can be missed while working on the tools. Trade school helps close these gaps by ensuring important material is taught consistently.

Students can expect core classes such as electrical code, theory, and blueprint reading. These courses are essential for understanding how electricity flows and how to install systems safely while following the codes and laws that protect people and property. Trade school also includes labs and shop classes unique to each college's curriculum (always my favourite) because they allow students to see the systems discussed in class come to life.

If I could turn back time

Looking back, I wish I had understood the value of an apprenticeship earlier in life.

Apprenticeships offer more than just technical training. They provide lifelong, transferable skills, build confidence, teach the value of money, and instill respect for hard work – qualities that help shape a strong, independent individual.

Instead, I spent thousands of dollars on an education I was betting on, only to end up in a minimum-wage job that could have been achieved through an apprenticeship here in Ontario.

Apprenticeships allow you to build skills, earn money, and gain experience without going into debt. Too many of us gamble on a four-year degree working out perfectly, when we could have been building our skills, confidence, and bank accounts first. Colleges and universities don't discriminate by age you can buy a seat in a classroom at any time. Why not spend time building character before, or while, learning?

The right journey for you

Choosing the right path at 18-years-old or switching careers later in life is no small task. One of the greatest advantages of an apprenticeship is that it requires a relatively small upfront investment compared to college or university. The initial costs are typically limited to personal protective equipment, safety training and basic tools to get started.

You don't need to be top of your class or arrive knowing how to do the job. What matters most is showing up, working safely, asking questions, and having a willingness to learn. Apprenticeship is not about perfection – it's about progress. And even if the trade you choose doesn't become a lifelong career, you will still walk away with practical, transferable skills. Being able to complete basic repairs and upgrades to your home or vehicle can save you significant time and money throughout your life.

Most importantly, apprenticeship is a journey. Skills, confidence, and experience are built over time, it doesn't happen overnight.

Do your own research

While electricians are licensed to work across the country, apprenticeship requirements can vary widely across North America. Differences may include tuition fees, total hours, in-school training levels, and certification processes. It is essential to research the specific requirements for your trade in your province, state, or region before getting started.

About the author

Shannon Tymosko is an electrical apprentice with IBEW Local 105 in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, and the voice behind Lady Voltz, a growing platform dedicated to skilled trades advocacy, mentorship, and education. After completing a child and youth worker diploma, Shannon began her career in the skilled trades as a machinist apprentice. She then transitioned into electrical work and has since become a passionate ambassador for the trades, speaking to over 2,000 students and professionals across Canada and the U.S. Shannon's mission is to empower early-career electricians and apprentices with real-world insight, confidence, and encouragement as they navigate their path in the industry. Connect with Shannon on LinkedIn.