Program Structure
Dakotas Electrical Apprenticeship trains inside electricians through paid work with participating contractors and related instruction. This is the inside electrical route, not the outside-line program. The applicant page describes four years; the May 2025 policy requires 8,000 on-the-job hours and at least 720 hours of related instruction. Completion also depends on progress and the applicable jurisdictional electrical license; training does not itself grant that license.
The service area includes North Dakota, South Dakota except the southern halves of Yankton, Clay and Union counties, and specified western Minnesota counties. Read the geographical-area page for the county list. Fargo is one of several program locations. Confirm your assigned training location and class timetable before committing. The FAQ says travel commonly involves 100–200 miles daily or weekly; assignments depend on employer projects. The policy allows discretionary virtual instruction in some circumstances, rather than promising a remote program.
Requirements
Applicants may apply at 17 and must be 18 at registration. Bring a government-issued ID and meet the legal-work and Social Security number requirements. Education may be a high school diploma, GED/equivalency, or an associate degree or higher. Algebra can be satisfied by a passing high school credit, postsecondary semester, or the electrical training ALLIANCE Tech Math course. Applicants must meet the published physical and communication requirements and be able to travel to jobs and complete instruction. Most applicants take an aptitude test; qualifying military, industry, or preparation experience may support direct interview or entry, subject to program evaluation.
Application Process
Applications are accepted year-round. Create an applicant account through the official applicant page, then complete the documents within 30 days after receiving the application. Testing and interview requirements precede selection. Selection depends on workforce demand, and an eligibility-list wait can last up to a year. Accepted apprentices are placed with participating employers; contractor employment is required to attend classes.
What You Earn
Apprentices earn wages from employers, with progression and benefits governed by the applicable agreements. Confirm current local rates instead of assuming a single regional wage. Classes have no tuition charge, but the annual access fee, textbooks, laptop, workwear, and basic hand tools are participant responsibilities. No complete dollar total is published in the cited application and FAQ pages. Signed local standards identify U.S. Department of Labor registration. Ask about the full cost and work/travel arrangements before accepting a placement.