Learn From Top Industry Professionals
Watson Electrical’s nationally recognized Apprenticeship Program, founded in 1952, combines hands-on experience with expert instruction, allowing apprentices to earn while they learn. Graduates finish the program with valuable skills, career advancement opportunities, and a head start in the electrical construction industry.
The demand for skilled trades has never been greater, and electrical construction offers a proven path to long-term success. Through Apprenticeship, you can start building your career right away – earning while you learn, gaining valuable hands-on experience, and avoiding the burden of student debt. With electrical construction professionals always in demand, this pathway provides stability, growth, and competitive wages in a career that powers our communities.
On-the-Job Electrical Training in North Carolina, South Carolina, & Virginia
Under our nationally recognized standards, Watson apprentices complete 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 642.5 hours of classroom instruction — earning while they learn from the best in the field. Guided by journeymen and training supervisors, apprentices gain hands-on experience and are tested monthly to ensure steady progress. But it’s more than skill-building — our program helps them understand the why behind the work while earning competitive raises, advancement opportunities, and VA benefits for eligible service members.
Setting the Standard
Explore the full Apprenticeship Pathway, guiding you from day one of training to the completion of your journey as a skilled professional.
The Core level builds a strong foundation in construction by introducing safety practices, essential tools, construction drawings, rigging, communication, and material handling.
Level 1 provides a foundation in the electrical trade, covering safety, circuits, theory, the National Electrical Code, conduit bending, conductors, device boxes, and test equipment to prepare apprentices for hands-on work
Level 2 expands knowledge into alternating current, motors, lighting, conduit systems, grounding, circuit protection, and control systems, giving apprentices the skills to tackle more complex electrical work.
Level 3 builds advanced expertise with load calculations, lighting applications, hazardous locations, transformers, overcurrent protection, distribution equipment, motor controls, and voice-data-video systems to prepare apprentices for commercial electrical work.
Level 4 refines technical mastery through advanced load calculations, emergency systems, fire alarms, specialty transformers, and controls, while introducing leadership skills to prepare apprentices for supervising crews and projects.
Upon completing the Apprenticeship Program, participants are officially recognized as Journeyman Electricians by the Department of Labor. With this milestone achieved, graduates are ready to take the next step in their career — explore our Construction Management Training Program to build leadership skills and advance in the electrical construction industry.
Watson Electrical’s Apprenticeship Program is a challenging, hands-on training experience that equips participants with the skills, knowledge, and benefits needed for a successful electrical career. Along the way, apprentices enjoy a range of valuable benefits, including:
Honoring Our Service Members
At Watson, we honor the sacrifices of our veterans and welcome those seeking new career opportunities. Our Apprentice Program is VA-registered, allowing eligible veterans to use their GI Bill while enrolled. Military training and experience may also qualify for NCCER credit toward the Apprenticeship Program. If you’re ready to jumpstart your career in the electrical construction industry, joining Watson’s Apprenticeship Program is the ideal place to start.
Get Started today
Ready to learn more about our Apprenticeship Training Program? Get in touch with us today by clicking the button below or contacting Michael Taylor at mtaylor@watsonelec.com or 252-237-7511 ext. 2246.
