The Industrial, Commercial and Institutional (ICI) Electrical Apprenticeship is a 9,000-hour program that typically takes approximately five (5) years to complete. Approximately 80% of the training is completed on the job under the supervision of a licensed journeyperson, while the remaining 20% is delivered through four mandatory levels of in-school Trade School training. In addition, apprentices must attend required supplemental training classes offered by the IBEW prior to dispatch. These classes may take place during evenings or Saturdays and are designed to ensure apprentices develop the foundational skills and knowledge needed before attending Trade School, preparing them to become highly skilled electricians and leaders in the industry.

Apprentices are employed by member companies of the Ottawa Electrical Contractors Association (Ottawa ECA) and are dispatched through IBEW Local Union 586 (IBEW L.U. 586). Once dispatched, apprentices work on construction sites performing the duties of a Construction and Maintenance Electrician and are paid directly by their employer (contractor). The jurisdiction covered includes areas west along Highway 17 to Deux-Rivières (past Deep River), east to Hawkesbury, north to the Ottawa River, and south to Perth and Smiths Falls. Apprentices may be assigned to job sites anywhere within this geographic area and are responsible for providing their own transportation. Most workdays begin at 7:00 a.m.

Upon acceptance into the program, successful candidates join the program’s placement database. As employment opportunities arise, candidates are contacted to attend mandatory Safety and Orientation (S&O) training. Selection from the database is based on a ranking system derived from the initial Aptitude Test and  Interview. Once all required safety training is successfully completed, apprentices are dispatched by IBEW Local Union 586 to an Ottawa ECA member contractor.