Area II Inside Electrical Apprenticeship Program
Frequently Asked Questions

What is an electrician?
An electrician is a skilled trades person who combines electrical theory with the knowledge of the operating characteristics of electrical equipment and devices. Along with the knowledge and the necessary job skills, this individual safely and correctly wires commercial, industrial, residential and other types of building facilities.

Why become an electrician?
Electricians earn high hourly wages and experienced men and women are always in demand. Many who complete apprenticeship move up the career ladder as estimators, supervisors and superintendents. You might even own your own company someday.

What is the apprenticeship program for electricians?
The apprenticeship program is a combination of classroom and on the job training over a 4 year period of time.

The program is designed to provide the apprentice with the necessary theory and practical training to earn the status of electrician. For completion, 576 hours of classroom instruction and 8,000 on the job training hours are required.

Apprentices who satisfactorily complete the requirements will be certified by the JATC and the Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries. This committee sponsors, supervises and regulates the program. At the end of the training, the apprentice receives a Completion Certificate and will be allowed to sit for the Oregon Journeyman Electrician's Exam.

What are the job opportunities?
During the training period, the apprentice will be employed by electrical contractor or other training agent of the program. After the training period and when the apprentice has achieved journeyman status, job opportunities will exist locally and nationally. The demand for an electrician's services will be in direct proportion to to attitude and eagerness to produce quality, useful work.

What pay can an apprentice expect?
The minimum pay an apprentice can expect is 40% of the hourly rate of pay for electricians. The rate is determined by the JATC through a survey of those contractors participating in the program. This wage is set on a bi-annual basis. The apprentice receives an hourly pay increases every 1000 hours worked throughout the training period (based on satisfactory performance while in the program).

Is there a cost to the apprentice?
Apprenticeship is an earn while you learn system. During the apprenticeship you will be working as well as attending school. Tuition and associated textbook costs for schooling are the responsibility of the apprentice.

IEC Contractor Members, who employ apprentices, will also be paying a predetermined amount as their contribution to the cost of the program.

Who can apply to the program?
Any person meeting the minimum requirements can apply.

• Must be at least 18 years old
• Must have diploma or GED
• Must have passed high school algebra (or equivalent) with at least a C
• Must have official transcripts in sealed, unopened envelope
• Must have taken the math placement test at Chemeketa Community College and placed into at least Math 70

How do I apply?
During the scheduled application periods, applications may be obtained by calling IEC Oregon at 503-598-7789. All application material must be submitted to IEC Oregon. You may call or email the program coordinator to be added to the mailing list to receive information on the next opening.