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Apprentice Construction Jobs in Merced, CA (NOW HIRING)

Apprentice Construction information

See Merced, CA salary details

$12

$23

$39

How much do apprentice construction jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for apprentice construction in Merced, CA is $23.26, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.27 and $25.38 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an apprentice construction?

An Apprentice Construction job is an entry-level position where individuals receive hands-on training while working under experienced professionals in the construction industry. Apprentices learn essential skills such as reading blueprints, operating tools, and following safety regulations. This role combines on-site work with classroom instruction to develop expertise in various trades like carpentry, electrical work, or plumbing. The apprenticeship typically lasts several years, leading to certification or a journeyman status. It’s a great opportunity for those looking to build a career in construction while earning a wage.

What does an apprentice construction do?

A typical day for an Apprentice Construction worker involves supporting skilled tradespeople with various hands-on tasks such as measuring materials, carrying supplies, operating basic tools, and maintaining job site cleanliness. Apprentices often rotate between different duties, gaining exposure to carpentry, concrete work, framing, and site preparation, while closely observing and learning from more experienced colleagues. In addition to manual work, apprentices attend safety briefings and participate in on-the-job training sessions. The role usually requires early start times and may include working outdoors or in changing weather conditions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an apprentice construction?

To thrive as an Apprentice Construction worker, you need a foundational understanding of construction techniques, basic math skills, physical stamina, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with common tools such as power drills, saws, and measurement devices, as well as any required safety certifications like OSHA 10, is highly valued. Strong communication, willingness to learn, and reliability are essential soft skills for standing out in this role. These abilities are important to ensure safety, efficient teamwork, and steady development of construction expertise on diverse job sites.

How do I get an apprenticeship in construction?

To get an apprenticeship in construction, you typically need to be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or equivalent, and pass a basic skills assessment. You can apply through local unions, trade schools, or apprenticeship programs that combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction, often requiring a valid driver's license and physical fitness for the physically demanding work.

What are the most commonly searched types of Construction jobs in Merced, CA?

The most popular types of Construction jobs in Merced, CA are:

What are popular job titles related to Apprentice Construction jobs in Merced, CA?

For Apprentice Construction jobs in Merced, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Apprentice Construction jobs in Merced, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Apprentice Construction jobs in Merced, CA are:

What cities near Merced, CA are hiring for Apprentice Construction jobs?

Cities near Merced, CA with the most Apprentice Construction job openings:

Infographic showing various Apprentice Construction job openings in Merced, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,372 per year, or $23.3 per hour.

Substation Electrician-General Construction, Journey Level (All Regions)

PG&E Corporation

Merced, CA • On-site

$68.56/hr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

Requisition ID # 168118 

Job Category: Maintenance / Construction / Operations 

Job Level: Individual Contributor

Business Unit: Electric Operations

Work Type: Onsite

Job Location: Hayward; Alameda; Antioch; Burney; Chico; Concord; Davis; Fairfield; Fremont; Fresno; Jackson; Lemoore; Livermore; Los Banos; Merced; Modesto; Oakland; Oroville; Paso Robles; Redding; Rocklin; Sacramento; Salinas; San Carlos; San Francisco; San Francisco; San Jose; San Luis Obispo; San Mateo; San Rafael; Santa Rosa; Sonoma; Sonora; South San Francisco; Stockton; Tracy; Ukiah; Vacaville; Woodland

This job posting will be utilized to fill open Journey-level Electrician-General Construction positions within ALL REGIONS of our service territory.  Open positions could become available at any time and based on business needs.

Department Overview 

The people of Electric Operations ensure the delivery of safe and reliable electric service to our customers. Electric Operations is responsible for every aspect of PG&E's electric distribution and transmission operations, including planning, engineering, maintenance and construction, asset management, business planning, restoration, and emergency response.

Position Summary

This classification is represented by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) local 1245, which has over 100 years of experience representing employees at PG&E.

This position may be subject to Joint Apprentice Training Committee (JATC) review and approval. Provisional hires will be required to participate in targeted training to achieve journey-level knowledge of electrician roles and responsibilities.

Please note: Per letter of agreement (LOA) 23-36; All future employees who are hired, assigned, placed, or bid (after the execution date of this agreement) into one of the classifications listed (in agreement) and in the San Francisco Division ONLY is eligible for a 15% pay premium and will be subject to a “bid lock” for three (3) years.

In addition, Peninsula, De Anza, East Bay, and Mission divisions are eligible for a 10% pay premium and will be subject to a “bid lock” for three (3) years.

General Construction (GC)

For GC positions individuals must be able to travel and transfer to a new headquarters upon request at any time, throughout the entire PG&E service territory with no guarantees as to how long you will be away from home. 

  • Reviews, verifies, and modifies prints and electric schematics. Lays out materials for installation, such as conduit, steel, wires, junction boxes, tools, etc. Places orders for supplies as needed.
  • Moves equipment to staging area. Performs safety preparation including performing high voltage protective grounding.
  • Uses power tools and hand tools to install equipment and systems, such as wire terminations, high voltage equipment, overhead and underground electrical and conduit systems, steel structures, control panels, metering and protection systems, air switches. Sets up rigging. Pulls wire.
  • May operate construction equipment, if qualified, such as crane truck, man lift, boom truck, bucket truck as part of installation, excavation, and compaction. Operates forklift to move and reposition equipment.
  • Uses hand and power tools, such as jackhammers, whackers, and shovels to remove and replace soil.
  • Removes old high voltage equipment, structures and other impediments prior to installation using heavy equipment, rigging and other tools.
  • Drives equipment on the job site (substation). May drive equipment from one job site to another. May drive a company vehicle to pick up tools or other equipment away from the job site.
  • Maintains work area in a clean and safe condition. Removes trash, debris, and excess materials. Picks up and reorganizes tools.
  • Overtime may be required.  

PG&E is providing the hourly rate that the company in good faith believes it might pay for this position at the time of the job posting. This position is subject to collectively bargained hourly wage rates and increases. The starting wage rate for this position is $68.56 per hour.  This wage rate is specific to the locality of the job. The wage rate is based on multiple factors, including, but not limited to, specific skills, education, licenses or certifications, experience, market value, geographic location, collective bargaining agreements, and internal equity.

Qualifications - 

Minimum:

  • Must be at least 18 years of age.
  • Must possess a High School diploma or GED.
  • Must possess and maintain a valid California Class C Driver’s License
  • Must show proof of successful completion of a Union Sanctioned JATC Inside Wireman Electrician Apprenticeship
  • Ability to work in all types of weather extremes.
  • Ability to drive safely in all weather and road conditions.
  • Must be willing to travel/ transfer to new headquarters upon request at any time; throughout the entire PG&E service territory with no guarantees as to how long you will be away from home (For GC positions)
  • Ability to work extended hours, nights, weekends and holidays, and various work schedules.
  • Ability to work in remote work locations with potential exposure to poison oak, snakes, spiders, bees, mosquitoes, ticks, rodents etc.
  • Must be able to wear company provided Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
  • If hired as Provisional, must pass the provisional training plan within 12 months from hire date.
  • CA CDL Class A Permit, or equivalent, subject to 150% driver/vehicle ratio

Desired:

  • 3-5 years Journey level experience in commercial or industrial electrical construction
  • PG&E construction or utility experience
  • Experience with electronic or mechanical equipment
  • Instrumentation and Control experience
  • Motor Control experience
  • Electrical Substation or Power Generation experience
  • High voltage experience
  • Experience working with testing equipment and troubleshooting

Pre-Employment Testing:

PG&E Employees: You must have qualified on all prerequisite tests prior to submitting an application; and all secondary tests prior to interviewing. For more information on prerequisite and secondary exams, including study guides, please visit the Pre-employment testing program website.

  • Physical Test Battery (PTB)
  • Work Orientation Inventory-Physical/Technical Driving (WOI-D)
  • Electrician Assessment