If you're enrolling electrician apprentices, selecting the right curriculum provider is a critical step.
Electrician is a licensed trade, which means:
Apprentices must complete approved related training instruction (RTI)
Training must meet requirements to qualify for a licensing exam
Not all providers or formats will meet these standards
Why a Third-Party Curriculum Provider Is Required
To qualify for electrician licensing exams, apprentices must complete training from an approved curriculum provider.
This means:
The provider must meet Apprentix program standards
In some states, the provider must also be on a state-approved list
⚠️ If a provider is not approved in the state where the apprentice is working:
Their training hours may not count toward licensing requirements
Key Factors to Consider
Before choosing a provider, think through how your apprentices work and learn.
1. Will Your Apprentices Travel?
If your apprentices:
Travel between job sites or states
Work in rural or remote areas
👉 You’ll likely need a fully online program
In-person or location-based programs may not be feasible due to:
Attendance requirements
Limited local availability
2. Online vs. In-Person vs. Hybrid
On-demand (self-paced online):
Flexible scheduling
Ideal for variable workloads (e.g., weather delays)
Apprentices can learn at their own pace
Live instruction (scheduled):
Requires attendance at set times (online or in-person)
More structured learning environment
3. State Approval Requirements
Some states have restricted lists of approved providers.
If your apprentices work across multiple states:
You’ll need a provider approved in each applicable state, or
One that works in all non-restricted states plus key restricted ones
Curriculum Provider Comparison
Here’s a breakdown of the most common options:
Provider | Format | Best For | Strengths | Considerations |
Advanced Technical Schooling | On-demand (online) | Companies with traveling or multi-state apprentices | - Built on Mike Holt curriculum | None significant; strongest all-around option |
Mike Holt (Direct) | On-demand (online) | Self-directed learners | - Well-known curriculum | - No added support (e.g., instructors, extra materials) |
NCCER (via company delivery) | Live / hybrid | Companies willing to invest in internal training programs | - Recognized credential (NCCER) | - Requires company accreditation |
Pearson (textbooks only) | Self-study | Supplementary learning | - Easy to access materials | - No accreditation |
IEC | In-person | N/A | - Established training organization | - Requires joining IEC as sponsor |
Community College | In-person | Local apprentices with stable schedules | - Potentially strong local programs | - Must be approved by Apprentix |
Recommended Option
If you’re looking for a flexible, widely accepted solution:
Advanced Technical Schooling
Works well for traveling apprentices
Covers multiple states (including several with restricted lists)
Adds instructor access and materials on top of the Mike Holt curriculum
💡 This is often the best fit for companies with distributed teams or variable schedules.
💡 Contact Nathan Poland [email protected]
Important Notes on State Approval
Advanced Technical Schooling is currently approved in:
All states without restricted provider lists
New Hampshire
Vermont
Maine
Wyoming
Virginia
Alaska
Montana
Michigan
If your apprentices work in other states with restrictions:
You’ll need to verify approval before enrolling
Can I Use a Community College?
Yes, but with conditions:
The program must be reviewed and approved by Apprentix
Apprentices must be able to attend consistently in person
This is typically only a good fit for:
Local teams
Non-traveling apprentices
FAQs
Do I have to use a third-party curriculum provider?
Yes. Electrician apprentices must complete approved training to qualify for licensing exams.
Can I use my own internal training program?
Not on its own. Internal training does not replace the requirement for an approved third-party curriculum.
What happens if my provider isn’t approved in a state?
The apprentice’s training hours may not count toward licensing requirements in that state.
Can apprentices transfer between providers?
It depends on the provider and how coursework aligns. This should be reviewed before making a change.
Need Help Choosing?
If you're unsure which provider is right for your team:
Consider where your apprentices work
Think about scheduling flexibility
Confirm state requirements
👉 You can also reach out for guidance based on your specific setup.