Apprentice Electrician

Location: Chicago, IL

Department

OPS Facilities Electric Shop

About the Department

The University of Chicago is a world-class institution of higher education. Its mission is to produce a caliber of teaching and research that regularly leads to advances in fields such as medicine, biology, physics, economics, critical theory, and public policy. Our Facilities Services team supports that mission through efforts to maintain and enhance the University campus and environment and provide superior client service to our community including faculty, students, staff, neighbors, and visitors.

Job Information

Job Summary

Reporting to the Electric Shop Supervisor, the apprentice will learn the skilled trade functions of the electrician position through on-the-job training lasting up to 48 months (4 years) supplemented by related classroom instruction as required and provided by Local 134 – International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.

Responsibilities

Engage in an on-the-job training program for up to 48 months. The worker shall gain experience by participating in work processes under supervision regarding subjects related to the electrician’s trade, such as characteristics of materials and tools used, mathematics, diagnostics and repair as established by departmental curriculum.

Participate in classroom instruction, as required, during off-work hours with grade results reported to Electric Shop Supervisor.

Work with Journeyman Electricians on various tasks, including: Electrical maintenance knowledge and training, Fire Alarm System maintenance knowledge and training, Fire Sprinkler systems and pumps, Generators, emergency power systems and FS2 review, General training on current building systems.and The electric shops responsibilities and locations of all distribution systems.

In the last month of training the employee will review knowledge requirements with the electrician assigned, the Forman and the shop supervisor.

Other duties as assigned

Additional Responsibilities

Education, Experience or Certifications

Education

High school diploma or GED from an accredited Institution, required.

Completion of job-related Associate’s degree (AA), preferred.

Certifications

Current valid driver's license and successfully passing the University’s Motor Vehicle Records check process, required.

Other licenses or certificates needed for this position as required by law, changes in the law or other regulatory agency requirements.

Technical Knowledge or Skills

Working knowledge of Chicago electrical code requirements, preferred.

Demonstrated ability to access computer programs and use or learn basic computer operations related to position requirements, requred.

Demonstrated ability to read and interpret documents, required.

Demonstrated ability to write routine reports, required.

Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively in English both orally or in writing, required.

Demonstrated ability to perform mathematical functions relevant to the position, required.

Demonstrated ability to problem solve.

Advanced job-related training programs, preferred.

Working knowledge of various electrical systems, frequency drives, fire alarm systems, computerized maintenance systems (CMMS), and building automation systems (BAS), preferred.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

Must demonstrate mechanical aptitude and manual dexterity and be physically capable of strenuous activity over extended periods of time.

Must be able to lift and move loads up to 50 lbs. and appropriate to job requirements and be able to bend and work in a kneeling position for periods of time.

Must be able to climb stairs and ladders, be capable of working at heights as required, be able to enter and work within tight spaces, and be able to withstand hot and cold temperatures.  This position requires periods of overtime.

Pay Rate

$30.45 per hour

Required Documents

Resume

Cover Letter

List of Conferences

The University of Chicago uses AI-assisted tools to streamline and augment some recruitment processes; however, AI is not used to make hiring decisions.

When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Benefit Eligibility​

Yes

The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off.

Pay Rate Type

Hourly

Pay Range

$30.45

The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Union

041 - Local 134, I.B.E.W. Maintenance and Network Electricians

Job is Exempt

No

Drug Test Required

Health Screen Required

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

Posting Date

2026-11-10

Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history.  A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment.  Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides in