Apprenticeship vs. Trade School

Our training facility, Phoenix Electrical JATC offers a unique blend of earning potential, affordable tuition, hands-on experience, and strong industry connections. This apprenticeship program is a top choice to consider as a practical and financially sensible path to becoming a skilled electrician.

Earn While You Learn

One of the most attractive features of PEJATC is the opportunity to get paid while you train. Unlike many other educational paths where you’re paying tuition without earning an income, the apprenticeship allows you to earn a salary throughout your training. This means you can gain practical experience and financial stability simultaneously.

Affordable Tuition

Completing the PEJATC program is not only financially rewarding but also budget-friendly. For under $10,000, you can finish a comprehensive four-year program. This low tuition cost is a significant advantage compared to other educational paths that may have higher costs and similar outcomes.

Real-World Experience Over Classroom Hours

PEJATC emphasizes hands-on learning. The program is structured to provide maximum practical experience with reduced classroom hours. In your first year, you’ll attend school for a full day every other week. From your second to fourth years, classes shift to a once-per-week evening schedule. This setup allows you to spend the majority of your time on job sites, accruing approximately 8,000 hours of real-world experience. This immersive approach ensures you’re not just learning theory but applying it in real-world settings.

Job Placement with Leading Contractors

The apprenticeship program is designed with job placement in mind. The focus is on delivering high-level practical education by embedding you in the field from the start. This hands-on experience helps you understand the physical demands and schedules of the job. By the end of your apprenticeship, you’ll have a clear understanding of what to expect in your career.

Furthermore, apprenticeships provide valuable networking opportunities. Working directly in the field allows you to showcase your skills to potential employers and build professional connections. This is a significant advantage over trade schools that might offer limited real-world interaction with professionals.

Strong Industry Connections

The Phoenix Electrical JATC is aligned with the Arizona chapters of both the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW). These connections provide working opportunities with companies including Calbec Electric LLC, Commonwealth Electric, G&S Electric, Swain Electric Inc., J. Pollock Electric, LVC Companies, Inc., Rosendin Electric, B&D Industries, Inc., Sturgeon Electric, Spectra Electrical Services, D2 Electric LLC, Cannon & Wendt Electric Co, Dynalectric Arizona, and Jessco Electric. This ensures that the training you receive is aligned with industry standards and that you have access to a network of professionals who can support your career growth.

Compared to Other Trade Schools

When comparing PEJATC to other trade schools, there are notable differences. Many trade schools have higher tuition costs and require more classroom time. While these schools provide theoretical knowledge and practice through models and assignments, they may not offer the same level of employment experience and networking opportunities that an apprenticeship provides.