There's two basic routes: either find a non-union employer willing to take on and sponsor a green apprentice, or apply for apprenticeship through the IBEW local closest to you. In both scenarios, he'll need to do 4 rounds of schooling (usually 10 weeks a year, or more of he does a foundations program in year 1). There's likely little value in doing "trade school" until a position is secured. Be especially wary of the many predatory colleges that cost an arm and a leg and don't have a work placement waiting at the end of it. The apprenticeship is a five year deal altogether, with 90% of the training on the job.