We take applications year round; but only on the first Tuesday of each month.

Those interested should apply at the IBEW 596 Union Hall at 1001 North 12th Street in Clarksburg between the hours of 8AM and 4PM.The cut-off for the 2027 class will be June 1, 2027.

Apprentices learn on the job under the supervision of journeymen and attend classes 2 nights per week, from September through May.

Check out our website at: IBEW Local 596

7 Reasons to Join a Union

1. Money- Let's deal with this one straightaway, and let's be sure to get it right. Generally speaking, union jobs pay significantly more than non-union jobs. From top to bottom, industry to industry, region to region, union wages are roughly 15 percent higher than non-union wages. It's as simple as that. If wages matter to you, then you'll want to join a union, because you'll make more as a union member. That's part of the reason companies resist having a union workforce. They don't want to part with that money.

2. Benefits- Pensions, extended health, paid vacation, holidays, personal holidays, sick pay, overtime premium pay, penalty pay and shift differential are generally not only better in a union shop, often the only way to obtain them is through a union contract. In truth, many of these benefits and perks don't exist without a union providing them.

3. Safety- This is a stark and sobering reality. The safety record of union facilities is demonstrably superior to that of non-union facilities.

A union contract gives employees the immediate right to insist on a safe work environment. As a union worker you can instantly grieve an unsafe condition. The safety provisions of a union contract guarantee immediate, hands-on control. It's no contest. Union facilities have an infinitely better safety record.

4. Dignity- As a union worker you don't have to put up with flaky bosses, arbitrary decisions, or co-worker harassment. You can still be fired for substandard work performance, but you don't have to tip-toe around in fear or be at the mercy of weird or grossly incompetent managers. Because administering the provisions of a union contract requires a certain level of expertise, you tend to get better, more efficient bosses. Instead of flitting about making arbitrary, off-the-cuff decisions, they're forced to behave like "professionals."

5. Security- The boss can't walk up and fire you because he wants to give your job to his wife's nephew, who's looking for a summer job before returning to school. Management can't lay you off out of sequence. They can't demote you arbitrarily. Nor can they prevent you, without sufficient cause, from promoting to the next higher job when it's your turn. Unions also have defense funds and Lawyers to fight for Wrongful Dismissal on your behalf.

6. Competence- Union workers tend to be better workers than non-union workers. Just think about it: Which job in the community is going to attract a higher caliber performer—the one with the good wages, benefits and working conditions, or the job with low pay, and poor benefits? Not only will better workers apply to a union facility, but management will have a significantly greater number to choose from, allowing them to hire the very best.

7. Activism- You have the opportunity—the privilege—of one day becoming a shop steward, of representing your fellow workers, if they feel justified in giving you that responsibility. Shop steward is no glorified popularity contest, like being elected class president in high school. It's an important job. People on the floor are going to select the person they deem best qualified to represent their interests.

Please contact us today to join!

IBEW 596

Background Information

Additional Information

Available opportunities

Electrician Apprenticeship Opportunities (Apply in-person year round - accepting applications now for 2027 class)

Clarksburg, WV