Yes. A $10 non-refundable application fee is required when you submit your application.

The annual tuition for the 2027-2028 school year is $1,825. This includes access to the online curriculum and any textbooks.

Upon acceptance to the program, 1st year apprentices will be required to pay a deposit of 10% of tuition, or $182.50. The balance will be due on or before August 20. Tuition for 2nd through 4th year apprentices will be due on or before August 20.

Over the course of the four-year program, apprentices are required to complete:

• 8,000 hours of On-the-Job Training (OJT) — approximately 2,000 hours per year
• 576 hours of Related Classroom Instruction — 144 hours each year

These requirements are established by the State of Maryland for apprenticeship training.

No. You do not need to be employed to apply to the program; however, it is beneficial to have some electrical experience. Hours worked within six months of starting the program may be applied toward the required 8,000 hours of on-the-job training. Apprentices must secure employment with one of our member electrical contractors as soon as possible but no later than the beginning of their second year of their apprenticeship. HCECA provides access to a contractor hiring list to help students connect with employers.

Apprentices receive progressive wage increases as they gain experience and complete work-hour milestones. Wages are based on a percentage of your employer’s average journeyperson wage and typically increases by 5% every 1,000 hours worked (about every six months).

For example:

• 0–1,000 hours: at least 50% of journeyperson wage
• 1,001–2,000 hours: approximately 55%
• Continued increases throughout the program
• 7,000–8,000 hours: approximately 85% of journeyperson wage

Applications are accepted throughout the year until the deadline of May 1.

Application deadline for the 2027–2028 school year: May 1, 2027.

Classroom instruction begins in September and continues through April. On-the-job training continues throughout the entire calendar year. Apprentices may begin earning on-the-job training hours as early as January prior to the start of classes.

Classes are held twice weekly in the evenings from 6:15 PM – 9:00 PM, September through April.

Class schedules are:

• 1st and 3rd Year Students: Monday & Wednesday evenings
• 2nd and 4th Year Students: Tuesday & Thursday evenings

Yes. HCECA maintains a list of member contractors who may be seeking apprentices. View our hiring list.