IEC of WA helps individuals receive an education enabling them to excel in a trade benefiting the rest of their lives, developing self-esteem and the ability to have a positive impact on themselves, their families and the community.
Apprenticeship training is a form of education that incorporates workplace training with technical in-school training. Since 1989, IEC of WA has conducted apprenticeship training programs under standards approved by the Washington State Apprenticeship and Training Council.
IEC of WA’s four year electrical apprenticeship program is recognized by the US. Department of Veterans Affairs so veterans can receive their VA benefits. Further, the four year apprenticeship program is recognized for 37 college credits from the American Council on Education (ACE).
The IEC of Washington will take affirmative action to provide equal opportunity in apprenticeship and will operate the program as required under Title 29 of the Code of Federal Regulations. The recruitment, selection, employment and training of apprentices during their apprenticeship and shall be without discrimination because of race, religion, national origin, or sex.
What makes IEC’s program so successful?
- 200 hours of classroom training per year with lectures, demonstrations, labs, homework, and a comprehensive final that must be passed prior to graduating to the next level.
- 8,000 hours On-The-Job training.
- The nationally approved electrical curriculum is in use nationwide by nearly 10,000 electrical apprentices annually.
- Dedicated professional staff and instructors are available to assist you in progressing through the apprenticeship program.
Course Outline:
Below are links to the course outlines to each year of the electrical apprenticeship program. These outlines identify specifically what will be taught throughout the four year program:
- Course Outline – Year One
- Course Outline – Year Two
- Course Outline – Year Three
- Course Outline – Year Four
IEC’s electrical apprenticeship program is rapidly becoming recognized as the premier electrical apprenticeship program in the industry. Through this combination of education, training, and hands-on experience, students not only learn an understanding of theory, operation, and code. Students also learn how to develop management and leadership skills.
What is an electrician?
An electrician is a skilled tradesperson who combines electrical theory with the knowledge of the operating characteristics of electrical equipment and devices. Along with this knowledge and the necessary job skills, this individual safely and correctly wires commercial, industrial, residential and other types of building facilities. Thus, the electrician performs a service which enables the consumer to use electrical energy for such purposes as lighting, heating and the operation of electrical equipment, motors, control systems and appliances.
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 four 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. Those apprentices, who satisfactorily complete the requirements, will be certified by the Apprenticeship and Training Committee. This committee sponsors, supervises and regulates the program. At the end of training, the apprentice receives a Completion Certificate from the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training.
What are the job opportunities?
During the training period, the apprentice will be employed by IEC Electrical Contractor Members of the association. After the training period and when the apprentice has achieved electrician status, job opportunities will exist locally and nationally. The demand for an electrician’s services will be in direct proportion to attitude and eagerness to produce quality, useful work.
What pay can an apprentice expect?
The minimum pay an apprentice can expect is 50% of the hourly rate of pay for Journeymen Electricians. This rate is determined by the Apprenticeship and Training Committee. The apprentice then receives wage increases when the requirements for progression to the next apprentice level are completed. This process continues throughout the training program. When the apprentice has successfully completed the apprenticeship and training program, including qualifying tests, that person will be eligible to sit for the Washington State journeyman license and for Journeyman Electrician wages.
Who can apply to the program?
Any person at least 18 years of age can apply.
What are the minimum requirements for consideration and the procedure to apply for the apprenticeship program?
Age: Minimum of 18 years of age.
Education: Must be a high school graduate or equivalent, with one year of high school algebra or one college quarter of algebra with a grade of “C” or better.
Physical: Must be physically able to meet the needs of the trade.
Testing: Successfully complete the Wonderlic Ability to Benefit (WATB) Test with a combined score of 3.
Other: Applicants shall submit the following information to the Committee in addition to their application:
- Birth certificate or reliable information on date of birth.
- A transcript of high school or college courses and grades demonstrating the satisfaction of the algebra requirement.
- Proof of high school or equivalency completion
- Valid state Driver License
- Signed affidavit of physical condition and physical ability to meet the needs of the trade.
Applicants may also be required to pass a drug test and complete a physical exam prior to placement with any Training Agent. Applicants may be required to operate company vehicles and be able to meet Training Agent’s insurance requirements. A current driving history from DMV may be required prior to confirmation of placement.
Applications must be returned to the IEC of Washington office via mail, courier, or person along with the required documents. A $35.00 processing fee is required upon application, check, cash, MasterCard/Visa or money order only, please.
All qualified applicants will be interviewed and accepted into the program based on their interview score. Acceptance of the application or invitation to interview is no guarantee of acceptance into the program. Interviews are held year round and are scheduled depending on demand for apprentices.
Full program requirements and descriptions are included in the program Standards and are available for review at: www.IECofWA.org/apprentice/0519.pdf.