An Electrician Trainee is someone working toward state electrician certification who is enrolled in approved education but is not yet an apprentice or journeyman.
Electrician Trainee: Entry-level worker who is enrolled in state-approved electrical education (such as ETI) and registered with the State of California but is not yet accepted into the IBEW apprenticeship.Trainees may work under the direct supervision of a state-certified electrician while completing at least 150 classroom hours per year and gaining experience.
Apprentice: Formally accepted into the IBEW Local 569 / ETI apprenticeship program, combining paid on-the-job training with structured classroom instruction. Apprentices earn scheduled wage increases, receive benefits, and progress through the program while working toward state certification.
Journeyman: A state-certified electrician who has completed required education, accumulated 8,000 hours of supervised work experience and passed the California certification exam. Journeymen work independently, supervise trainees and apprentices, and are full members of IBEW Local 569.
Yes, anyone performing electrical work for a C-10 contractor must be a certified electrician, registered apprentice, or registered Electrician Trainee.
Yes, Electrician Trainee registration must be renewed annually with proof of continued enrollment and education. Educational transcripts must be obtained from ETI prior to mailing in renewal.
Many trainees gain experience through ETI and Local 569 signatory contractors before applying and transitioning into the IBEW Inside Wireman apprenticeship.
You must enroll in a state-approved training program, complete the Electrician Trainee registration application, submit proof of enrollment, and mail it with the required fee to the California DIR.
