Common question · November 2, 2026
Neither is better for everyone; both pay you from day one. In a union apprenticeship you apply to the local's training program, and many ask that you're 18 with a diploma or GED (IBEW Local 716 in Houston lists 18, a high school education and an aptitude test). Programs may charge an application fee and tuition: the Austin Electrical Training Alliance lists a $35 application fee and $21.07 an hour to start. In a non-union (merit shop) program you're hired by a contractor first, and the contractor usually pays the tuition. Ask any program what you'd pay, what you'd earn each year, and how many apprentices finish. If you're 18 or older and in one now, add what you'd tell a new grad.
Answered by SkillsTradeJobs team · November 2, 2026
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