Training Programs
Join a community that values your skills, protects your rights, and helps you build a better future with top pay, benefits, and training.
IBEW Local 26 offers a range of nationally recognized apprenticeship programs designed to prepare the next generation of skilled electrical workers. Through a combination of classroom instruction and paid, on the job training, these programs provide a strong foundation for long term careers in the electrical industry without the burden of tuition costs.
earn while you learn
get paid while completing your training
No student debt: programs are tuition-free
Receive hands-on instruction from industry professionals
Gain certifications recognized across the U.S.
Build a stable, lifelong career with strong wages, health benefits, and retirement security
Program options
Inside Wireman Electrical Apprenticeship Program 5-Year Track
Our program is a 5-year apprenticeship registered and approved in the State of Maryland, the Commonwealth of Virginia, and the District of Columbia. Each apprentice is required to complete a minimum of 8,000 hours of on-the-job training under the supervision of a journeyman electrician. Apprentices are rotated annually to new contractors, giving them a broad range of experiences throughout their training. All contractor placements are arranged by the Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee.
In addition to on-the-job training, apprentices must complete 900 hours of classroom instruction over the five-year period.
Apprentices attend class one day every two weeks, year-round (minimum of 23 instructional days per year).
Curriculum is provided by the Electrical Training Alliance and includes:
AC Theory
DC Theory
Job Safety
History of the IBEW and NECA
Blueprint Reading
Conduit Bending
Solid State Electronics
Digital Electronics
Category 5 Wiring
Motor Controls
Optical Fiber
Fire Alarm and Security Systems
PLCs
Transformers
National Electrical Code
Apprentices receive an attendance check for each school day completed after successfully passing the day’s coursework.
Apprentices attend class one day every two weeks, year-round (minimum of 23 instructional days per year).
They must complete two skill improvement courses of their choice.
Available courses include:
Category 5 Wiring
Fiber Optics
NEC Code Test Preparation
Fire Alarms
Motor Controls
Transformers
Grounding
High Voltage Cable Splicing
Aletrnative Energy
BICSI Certifications
Networking
Industrial Power
Variable Frequency Drives
Power Quality
Throughout the program, apprentices receive scheduled pay increases based on their accumulated work hours and successful progress in classroom training. To learn more about how these raises are structured, please go HERE.
telecommunications
This 3-year apprenticeship program is approved in the State of Maryland, the Commonwealth of Virginia, and the District of Columbia. Each apprentice is required to complete 4,800 hours of on-the-job training under the supervision of qualified Installer/Technicians. All contractor placements are arranged by the Washington D.C. Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee and involve telecommunication work within the jurisdiction of IBEW Local 26.
In addition to on-the-job training, apprentices must complete 480 hours of classroom instruction throughout the program.
During the first two years, apprentices attend class one full day every two weeks, for a minimum of 23 days per year. Instruction follows the curriculum developed by the National Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (NJATC), including:
AC Theory
DC Theory
Job Safety
History of the IBEW and NECA
Blueprint Reading
Category 5 Reading
Structured Wiring Systems
Configuring Local Area Networks
Fiber Optics
Security System
Apprentices receive attendance checks after successfully completing each classroom day when not working on-site.
In the third year, apprentices attend class one night per week from September through May and select elective skill improvement courses to complete.
bcsi certification
The NECA/IBEW Local 26 JATC has been a certified Building Industry Consulting Services International (BICSI) training site since 1998. After completing each year of the NJATC curriculum, apprentices participate in a 40-hour BICSI training module aligned with their level:
ITS Installer Level 1
ITS Installer Level 2 – Copper
ITS Installer Level 2 – Optical Fiber
ITS Technician level
Each module includes written and hands-on testing. Upon successful completion, apprentices will receive official BICSI certification—a recognized standard across national Tele/Data installation specifications.
pay increases
Apprentices receive raises based on hours successfully completed in the program. Click HERE to learn more about how pay increases are structured.
residential training program
This is a 5-year training program available through the JATC website where interested individuals may apply.
Each trainee is required to complete 10,000 hours of on-the-job training under the supervision of a qualified journeyman electrician. All job placements are coordinated by the Washington, DC Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee. Trainees are assigned to contractors signatory to IBEW Local Union 26.
When completed there is a path to Inside Wireman
Real Voices
What graduates say
Ready to begin your career in the electrical industry?
Applications currently being accepted are for the Class of 2030. The deadline to apply is March 31, 2025.
For questions, please contact the JATC at 301-429-2575 or visit their website here.
