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What’s the best path to become an electrician apprentice in Texas Union, IEC, or private company??
Hi! I just graduated with a degree in Computer Science, but I’m considering switching careers to become an electrician. I have a solid math and physics background and recently got my Texas electrician apprentice license.
Now I’m unsure whether I should:
Apply to IBEW Local 716 (but their training only starts in the fall)
Join IEC (which has open enrollment)
Or try to find a licensed master electrician or company to work with independently and accumulate hours toward my journeyman license
My long-term goal is to get the 8000 hours needed to become a journeyman.
I’d really appreciate any guidance, and I sincerely hope someone out there might be willing to mentor or guide me as I start this journey.
Thank you!
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Eric’s Answer
I didn’t see any responses yet, so I’ll share my perspective.
I’m based in Florida, and while Florida and Texas aren’t exactly the same, both are Right to Work states with similar work environments. I graduated from IEC and have been in the trade for 21 years. Today, I run my own electrical company and have had a great career. I did one job with the union, and while that’s just one experience, it was the worst job I’ve worked.
In my view, the IEC takes a more practical, real-world approach to training. It also encourages independence in both thought and action. When I worked in the union, the culture emphasized relying on the hall and your fellow members, and going above and beyond for the company was actually discouraged. That’s not a helpful mindset if you eventually want to start your own business—where things like working efficiently, going the extra mile, or being honest with customers (even when it’s not the most profitable option) are key values.
To be clear, the JATC’s education covers the fundamentals well, just like IEC. But in my opinion, the additional messaging around work culture didn’t align with the kind of electrician—or business owner—I wanted to become.
I’m based in Florida, and while Florida and Texas aren’t exactly the same, both are Right to Work states with similar work environments. I graduated from IEC and have been in the trade for 21 years. Today, I run my own electrical company and have had a great career. I did one job with the union, and while that’s just one experience, it was the worst job I’ve worked.
In my view, the IEC takes a more practical, real-world approach to training. It also encourages independence in both thought and action. When I worked in the union, the culture emphasized relying on the hall and your fellow members, and going above and beyond for the company was actually discouraged. That’s not a helpful mindset if you eventually want to start your own business—where things like working efficiently, going the extra mile, or being honest with customers (even when it’s not the most profitable option) are key values.
To be clear, the JATC’s education covers the fundamentals well, just like IEC. But in my opinion, the additional messaging around work culture didn’t align with the kind of electrician—or business owner—I wanted to become.
Updated
TRAVIS’s Answer
Either way you will accumulate hours towards your master license and contractor license. You might reach to goal quicker outside of the union, but you have protection and collective bargaining and usually a pension plan with a union. Either way you are in a good and growing career field. If it was me, I would join a Union.