Associated Electrical Contractors work differently. Instead of a traditional union, our contractors hire and pay for those who make it into the apprentice program. Apprentices work full-time on the job site for the contractor, and you get a wage increase every six months during the program. The program to become a licensed journeyman electrician takes five years and is broken out into ten terms. Every term, you will spend two weeks learning essential skills and safety precautions at our leading-edge training facility.