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Union Apprentice Jobs in Reading, PA (NOW HIRING)

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Union Apprentice information

See Reading, PA salary details

$11

$21

$35

How much do union apprentice jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for union apprentice in Reading, PA is $21.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.63 and $23.08 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How can I get a union apprenticeship?

To get a union apprenticeship as a Union Apprentice, you typically need to meet age and education requirements, complete an application, and pass an entrance exam or interview. Applicants often must be physically capable of performing the work and may need to provide references or proof of basic skills. Once accepted, apprentices usually undergo paid on-the-job training combined with classroom instruction over several years.

What does a union apprentice do?

As a union apprentice, your daily responsibilities will often include assisting experienced journeymen with hands-on tasks, preparing job sites, operating tools and machinery under supervision, and learning essential trade skills through practical experience. You will also attend scheduled classroom training sessions where you'll study safety protocols, trade theory, and industry best practices. Collaboration is important, as you'll work closely with other apprentices and seasoned professionals, receiving feedback and gradually taking on more complex assignments as your skills develop. This structure ensures you gain a comprehensive understanding of the trade while building strong working relationships within your union team.

What is the difference between Union Apprentice vs Electrician?

AspectUnion ApprenticeElectrician
CredentialsApprenticeship program, on-the-job training, and classroom instructionJourneyman or master electrician license, certifications
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, industrial settings, regulated union environmentsConstruction, maintenance, industrial facilities, residential projects
Employer & Industry UsageUnion-based construction companies, electrical contractorsElectrical contractors, industrial firms, maintenance companies

Union Apprentices are in training programs that combine classroom learning with on-the-job experience, often working under supervision. Electricians are fully qualified professionals with licensing and certifications, capable of working independently. While apprentices are in the process of becoming electricians, both roles are integral to electrical work in various industries.

What is a union apprentice?

A union apprentice is an individual who is learning a skilled trade through a structured program managed by a labor union. Apprenticeships combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction and allow apprentices to earn while they learn. Union apprenticeships are typically sponsored by joint labor-management committees and are designed to develop the skills needed for a specific trade, such as electrician, plumber, or carpenter. Upon completion, apprentices usually become journeymen and can work independently in their trade.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a union apprentice?

To thrive as a Union Apprentice, you need a basic understanding of trade skills, a high school diploma or GED, and often must meet specific union entry requirements. Familiarity with hand and power tools, safety protocols, and sometimes OSHA certification are commonly required. Strong work ethic, eagerness to learn, teamwork, and good communication skills help apprentices excel in demanding environments. These attributes are vital for ensuring safety, skill development, and effective collaboration on job sites.
What are the most commonly searched types of Union jobs in Reading, PA? The most popular types of Union jobs in Reading, PA are:
What are popular job titles related to Union Apprentice jobs in Reading, PA? For Union Apprentice jobs in Reading, PA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Union Apprentice jobs in Reading, PA look for? The top searched job categories for Union Apprentice jobs in Reading, PA are:
What cities near Reading, PA are hiring for Union Apprentice jobs? Cities near Reading, PA with the most Union Apprentice job openings:
Union Apprentice jobs near you
Infographic showing various Union Apprentice job openings in Reading, PA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $43,990 per year, or $21.1 per hour.

Senior Relay Technician - Utility & High-Voltage Protection - Union

Asplundh Electrical Testing, LLC

Hamburg, PA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

Description
About the Role
At Asplundh Electrical Testing, safety is not a priority-it is our foundation. The Senior Relay Technician plays a critical role in ensuring the safe, reliable operation of medium- and high-voltage utility substations through advanced protective relay testing, commissioning, and maintenance activities.
This position is ideal for professionals with a utility background who have hands-on experience testing and commissioning transmission and distribution protection systems. You will serve as a technical lead in the field, guide crews through complex outage work, and reinforce Asplundh's reputation for safety, precision, and service excellence.
We are experiencing strong growth and are immediately hiring Senior Relay Technicians with deep expertise in protection and control, relay schemes, and substation energization. If you enjoy solving complex protection challenges, leading safe work execution, and influencing system reliability at scale, we'd like to speak with you.
As a NETA-accredited, independent electrical testing and engineering organization, Asplundh Electrical Testing sets the benchmark for technical excellence and unwavering safety across the utility, renewable energy, data center, and industrial sectors.
Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States for any employer at the time of hire. This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.
What You'll Do
  • Lead job briefings and safety tailboards, reinforcing a "Safety First, Always" field culture
  • Perform protective relay testing, calibration, troubleshooting, and commissioning on medium- and high-voltage systems
  • Test and validate transmission and distribution protection schemes, including:
    • Distance, differential, overcurrent, breaker failure, and bus protection
  • Verify control and protection circuits for:
    • Power transformers
    • Medium- and high-voltage circuit breakers
    • Feeder relays
    • Capacitor banks and reactors
  • Support outage planning, switching coordination, energization, and restoration activities
  • Perform event analysis, relay target review, and disturbance investigations
  • Lead and mentor onsite technicians; coordinate work execution with project managers, system operators, and utility customers
  • Create and maintain accurate test reports, as-left settings, and field documentation
  • Participate in job walks, project estimating, and customer technical discussions
  • Serve as a technical resource and trainer for developing relay technicians

Travel Requirements:
Work is performed at customer sites throughout the assigned region. Regular regional travel is required, with opportunities for extended assignments outside the region as needed.
• Company vehicle provided for regional work-related travel.
What You Bring
  • 5+ years of hands-on experience in protective relaying for utility substations
  • Demonstrated experience testing medium- to high-voltage (5kV-500kV) protection systems
  • Strong working knowledge of microprocessor-based relays
  • Experience with modern relay test platforms
  • Solid understanding of utility safety rules, energized work practices, and lockout/tagout procedures
  • Ability to interpret:
    • Protection diagrams
    • AC/DC schematics
    • Wiring and logic drawings
  • Valid driver's license; ability to work outdoors, travel, and lift up to 70 lbs

Education & Credentials
  • NETA Level III or IV Certification preferred for Senior roles
    (Candidates at other NETA levels are encouraged to apply for opportunities across the organization)
  • Experience with:
    • Circuit breakers
    • Power transformers
    • Switchgear
    • RTUs and substation communications
  • Technical degree, apprenticeship, or military electrical training
  • OSHA 10 or OSHA 30
  • Valid driver's license with a clean driving history

What We Offer
At Asplundh Electrical Testing, we invest in the well-being of our people. Eligible employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package designed to support their health, financial security, and work-life balance, including:
  • Medical, dental, and vision coverage starting on day one
  • Retirement plan to help you secure your future
  • Company-provided life insurance for added peace of mind
  • Supplemental life insurance options, including spouse and child coverage
  • A variety of voluntary Aflac supplemental insurance programs
  • Long-term disability coverage
  • Pre-paid legal plan
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to support personal and professional well-being
  • Paid time off to recharge and refresh
  • Paid holidays
  • Access to employee discount programs and helpful resources

*Benefits listed above are available to eligible employees. Eligibility requirements and plan provisions apply
Please note: For roles that fall within union-represented territories, certain benefits and employment terms may differ from what's listed here. In those cases, the applicable local union agreement will guide the specific benefits and provisions. We're committed to transparency and will walk you through what applies to your location during the hiring process.
Who We Are
Asplundh Electrical Testing (AET) has been a leading provider of independent electrical testing services since 1981. Headquartered in Foxboro, MA, with regional offices across the country, AET specializes in substation commissioning, acceptance testing, and maintenance for clients in electrical transmission, distribution, and generation. As a NETA-certified company and a member of Asplundh Engineering Services-a subsidiary of Asplundh Infrastructure Group-AET is committed to delivering reliable, high-quality services at competitive prices.
An Asplundh Company
As part of the Asplundh family, AET benefits from extensive resources and a century of experience. Together, we provide utilities with comprehensive end-to-end services, from design to construction, testing, and maintenance, ensuring reliability and peace of mind.
Our Commitment
At AET, we believe in tackling challenges together with our customers, leveraging our collective experience and resources to achieve success in every project.
Benefits
We offer a competitive range of benefits to support our employees' health, well-being, and financial security. Medical, dental, and vision benefits are available to all eligible employees on the first day of employment. For more information on the benefits available for this role, please contact the recruiter or hiring manager.
Individuals with a disability who desire a reasonable accommodation can contact the ADA Coordinator by calling 1-833-222-3066. We partner with the Department of Homeland Security/U.S. Customs and Immigration Service to e-Verify all newly hired employees.
An Equal Opportunity Employer.
Please note:
  • All job offers are subject to pre-employment drug screening and a background check.
  • Unless otherwise noted, we do not sponsor employees for work authorization in the U.S. for this position.
Notice to Agencies: We only accept resumes from recruiters, employment agencies, or staffing services if a Service Agreement has been signed and we have requested recruitment/staffing services for the specific position. Any unsolicited resumes will become the property of the company, and no fees or compensation will be paid to the recruiter, employment agency, or staffing service.

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