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Apprentice Rural Electric Cooperative Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... 4-year Apprenticeship Program. The incumbent will need to have a general understanding of ... Rural Electric before consideration will be granted to enroll the incumbent into the IECA ...

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Apprentice Rural Electric Cooperative information

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$12

$22

$37

How much do apprentice rural electric cooperative jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for apprentice rural electric cooperative in the United States is $22.02, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $24.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What types of projects and hands-on tasks can an Apprentice at a Rural Electric Cooperative expect to participate in during their training?

As an Apprentice at a Rural Electric Cooperative, you'll gain hands-on experience working on a variety of projects such as installing and maintaining power lines, repairing electrical equipment, and assisting with outage restoration. You will often work alongside experienced journeyman linemen, learning safety protocols, proper tool usage, and the fundamentals of electrical distribution systems. The work environment is typically outdoors and can involve working in different weather conditions, which helps build resilience and adaptability. Apprenticeships also include classroom instruction and on-the-job training, providing a strong foundation for future advancement within the cooperative.

What are Apprentice Rural Electric Cooperatives?

An Apprentice Rural Electric Cooperative worker is an entry-level employee who is learning the skills necessary to install, maintain, and repair electrical systems in rural areas. These apprentices work under the supervision of experienced journeymen, gaining hands-on experience with tasks such as setting poles, stringing wires, and troubleshooting outages. The goal of the apprenticeship is to prepare the worker for a full-time, skilled lineman or technician role within a rural electric cooperative, which is an organization that provides electricity to rural communities. Apprenticeships typically combine classroom instruction with on-the-job training, and can last several years, depending on the cooperative's requirements.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Apprentice Rural Electric Cooperative, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Apprentice at a Rural Electric Cooperative, you need a basic understanding of electrical systems, safety protocols, and a high school diploma or equivalent, often supplemented by enrollment in an apprenticeship program. Familiarity with tools such as climbing gear, voltage meters, and the National Electrical Safety Code (NESC) is typical, and OSHA safety certifications may be required. Strong teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills help apprentices adapt to field challenges and learn from experienced journeymen. These competencies are crucial for performing safe, reliable electrical work that keeps rural communities powered and protected.

What is the difference between Apprentice Rural Electric Cooperative vs Journeyman Lineman?

AspectApprentice Rural Electric CooperativeJourneyman Lineman
CredentialsOn-the-job training, apprenticeship program, some certificationsCompleted apprenticeship, journeyman certification, licenses
Work EnvironmentTraining under supervision, fieldwork, utility company settingsIndependent work, high-voltage line maintenance, outdoor environments
Industry UsageEntry-level, training phase within electric cooperativesSkilled worker, responsible for line installation and repair

The main difference is that an Apprentice Rural Electric Cooperative is in training and gaining experience under supervision, while a Journeyman Lineman has completed training and certification, allowing them to work independently on electrical lines. Apprentices are learning the trade, whereas Journeymen are fully qualified workers responsible for maintaining and repairing power lines in rural electric cooperative settings.

More about Apprentice Rural Electric Cooperative jobs
What cities are hiring for Apprentice Rural Electric Cooperative jobs? Cities with the most Apprentice Rural Electric Cooperative job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Rural Electric Cooperative jobs? The most popular types of Rural Electric Cooperative jobs are:
What states have the most Apprentice Rural Electric Cooperative jobs? States with the most job openings for Apprentice Rural Electric Cooperative jobs include:
Infographic showing various Apprentice Rural Electric Cooperative job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% Locum Tenens, 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,806 per year, or $22 per hour.
Electrical Apprentice I

Electrical Apprentice I

Rural Electric, Inc.

Mesa, AZ โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago


Job description

Rural is not sponsoring visas at this time.
Job purpose
Under the general direction of a journeyman electrician or foreman, the electrical apprentice will receive on the job and classroom training through attendance in the IECA 4-year Apprenticeship Program. The incumbent will need to have a general understanding of industrial construction and a minimum of four (4) months experience as a general laborer with Rural Electric before consideration will be granted to enroll the incumbent into the IECA Apprentice Program. The incumbent's electrical work-related tasks will become more challenging /complex as the incumbent increases their knowledge and experience.
Workplace: Workplace is intended to extend to and include any company-owned facility and/or property, contracted job site, and/or any other private (including a personal residence if working from home) or public property the Company conducts business; including third-party facilities where the employees may be conducting company business, fulfilling their work-related duties or assignments, and/or company-sponsored recreation, events, or training.
Primary Duties & Responsibilities (including but not limited to):
  • Duties include the job duties identified in the Laborer I, II, III job descriptions.
  • Bending plastic or metal conduit as needed.
  • Attend and successfully complete classroom training in electrical apprenticeship school - four (4) phases over four (4) years.
  • Installing wiring devices, boxes, manholes and other related equipment.
  • Installing support racks.
  • Installing MCC's, Transformers, Panelboards, PLC's (Must be directly supervised by Journeyman).
  • Pulling, terminating and testing wire (Must be directly supervised by Journeyman).
  • Responsible to use the right tool for the job and using measuring equipment and hand tools to install conduit properly.
  • Learning how to diagnose problems using electronic test equipment.
  • Gaining knowledge of NEC electrical codes.
  • Learning how to read blueprints and project plans to complete project work.
  • Learning how to operate forklift, scissor lift, boom lift, and other heavy equipment used throughout the course of the project.
  • Completing any other reasonable duties as assigned by the journeyman electrician or foreman.

Safety Responsibilities:
This position is designated as "safety sensitive" pursuant to A.R.S. ยง 23-493. As such, the incumbent should act and perform their assigned job duties as if in a Safety-First Environment and exercise great caution when working on a construction (project) site. This includes looking for any hazard that may potentially cause harm to themselves or others or may cause damage or loss to any company or third-party property. Incumbents may never perform their duties while impaired caused by alcohol, drugs (legal or illegal), prescribed medication, and/or any other condition that may inhibit their ability to perform their work safely, protect other workers from any hazards, or jeopardize other third-party construction workers and/or members of the public who may be in the immediate area of the construction site.
Skills & Knowledge:
  • Must be able to follow directions and work safely while on the job.
  • Must be able to use basic hand and power tools easily, such as: tape measure, a level, circular saw, Sawzall, impact drill, cordless drill, concrete vibrator and other similar construction tools and equipment.
  • Safely carry materials short distances around the project / worksite.
  • Effective communication, teamwork and adherence to safety protocols are essential for this position.
  • Continued good attendance at work and in the apprenticeship program mandatory.

Education, Qualifications, & Experience (including but not limited to):
  • Four (4) months of laborer experience with Rural Electric, and minimum one (1) year of construction experience or equivalent to be considered for the Apprenticeship program.
  • High school or GED equivalent required.
  • Valid state driver's license.
  • Should have their own basic tools normally used at a construction site.

Tools that may be required include:
Multimeter
Level
Voltage detector
25' tape measure
Screwdriver
Nut driver
Needle nose pliers
Conduit reamer
Lineman pliers
Battery operated drill & impact drill
Wire strippers
Battery operated sawzall
Other Required Training (including but not limited to):
  • OSHA 10 or MSHA
  • Driver orientation training
  • Trench safety
  • QMS/SDS training
  • Rigging - Safely securing loads on trucks / trailers.
  • Fall protection training
  • Training certifications for safely operating manlifts, cranes or other similar equipment.
  • Lock-out / Tag-out Training - LOTO
  • Anti-harassment training

Working Conditions and Travel:
Most work will be conducted in the field at various client / company job sites. Some field operation positions may require periodic or extensive daily travel to job sites (local or remote), including prolonged overnight stays, to meet the needs of a project. Working conditions can include exposure to extreme temperatures, noise, and fumes.
Travel to various assigned company/client job sites - some may require overnight stays for the project duration during normal workdays.
Some evening/night and/or weekend work may be required from to time depending on assigned project schedules.
Physical Requirements:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. The person in this position must be able to:
  • Frequently talk, hear, and see.
  • Frequently use hands to handle / hold objects, tools, or controls.
  • Regularly stand, walk, sit, reach with hands and/or arms.
  • Occasionally lift to 20 - 50 pounds.
  • Regularly be able to read/use a tablet or computer.
  • Basic reading, writing and math skills to complete job-related tasks safely and complete daily job reports.
  • Follow (verbal or written) assembly instructions for project parts and materials.

Accessibility: If you need an accommodation as part of the employment process please contact Human Resources at
Phone: 480-986-1488
Email: Recruiting@ruralelectric.com
Equal Opportunity Employer, including disabled and veterans.
If you want to view the Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal poster, click HERE