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IBEW Local #1 — Organized November 28, 1891 St. Louis Electrical Joint Apprenticeship & Training
Technicians cabling a data center backbone

Apprenticeship Program

Communication Technician (VDV)

The newest field in electrical construction — installing voice, data, video and security systems using fiber optic cable and wireless technology.

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What you’ll do

Communication Technicians install and maintain the low-voltage backbone of modern buildings — networks, audio/visual, security, fire alarm, and access-control systems. You will work with:

  • Fiber-optic and copper structured cabling
  • Wireless and distributed antenna systems
  • IP-based voice, data, and video equipment
  • Building automation and security/access systems

Apprenticeship details

  • Length: Three years
  • Starting wage: 50% of journeyman scale (higher entry than the electrician programs)
  • Certifications: BICSI-aligned curriculum, fiber-optic certifications, OSHA 10
  • Classroom: State-of-the-art labs at the St. Louis Electrical Industry Training Center

Education entry requirements

  • High-school diploma, GED, or post-secondary degree from an accredited institution
  • One full academic year of high-school algebra (passing grade)
  • Must be 18 years of age and a US citizen at the time of application
  • Reside within IBEW Local #1 jurisdiction

Don’t have algebra on your transcript? You can satisfy the math requirement through the National Training Institute’s Online Tech Math course.

Why VDV

If you want to work with the newest technology in the trade — fiber, wireless, IoT, audio/visual — this is the path. Demand for skilled VDV technicians outpaces the supply across the St. Louis region.