If you’re considering a career as an electrician in Washington and/or Oregon, you’re making a smart choice. Electricians are in high demand, especially with a continuous increase in population in the Pacific Northwest and constant new construction in both residential and commercial spaces. This career offers great job security, a solid income, and plenty of opportunities for growth. Becoming an electrician requires careful planning, education, and hands-on experience. This step-by-step guide will walk you through the process of how to become an electrician in Oregon and Washington, making the process as straightforward as possible.
Step 1: Ensure This is the Right Career for You
Before diving into the training and education, it’s essential to make sure that becoming an electrician is the right path for you. Electricians work in a challenging environment that requires physical stamina, problem-solving skills, and the ability to work with complex systems. If you enjoy working with your hands, have an interest in technology, and want a stable career, this could be the perfect fit.
To get a sense of what being an electrician entails, you can explore resources like the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook for Electricians, which provides detailed information on what the job involves, including work environment, job outlook, and typical duties. We have also answered some of the most common questions we see from electrical apprentices.
Step 2: Understand the Different Types of Electricians
Before you start your training, it’s important to understand the different types of electricians. There are several specializations within the field, and each has its own set of responsibilities, working conditions, and requirements.
- Residential Electricians work primarily in homes, installing wiring, troubleshooting electrical issues, and ensuring that residential electrical systems are safe and up to code.
- Commercial Electricians handle electrical work in commercial buildings like offices, retail stores, and restaurants, focusing on larger and more complex electrical systems.
- Industrial Electricians work in factories and other industrial settings, dealing with heavy machinery, robotics, and other specialized equipment.
- Journeyman Electricians have completed an apprenticeship and are licensed to work independently, but they are still under the supervision of a master electrician.
- Master Electricians are highly skilled electricians who have extensive experience and can supervise journeymen, pull permits, and run their own electrical contracting business.
Step 3: Find Programs to Apply To
Once you’ve decided to become an electrician and have chosen a specialization, the next step is finding a program to get started on your journey. In Oregon and Washington, you can choose between trade schools, community colleges, or union-sponsored apprenticeship programs. Prairie Electric has its own opportunities so you can train with us directly!
Prairie Electric is a training agent with Portland’s local Northwest Institute of Electrical Technology JATC Area 1 (Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committees) to administer their apprenticeship program. JATC, which seeks to develop electrical professionals, provides a quick read on what you’ll receive as part of their electrical training program, including:
- 8,000 hours of on-the-job training
- 576 hours of classroom training
- Semi-annual wage increase based upon progression in the program
- A Certificate of Completion
- A referral to both Washington and Oregon’s State General Journeyman Electrician exam upon completion of the program
JATC, by the way, is a nonprofit created in 1978 as a premier open shop program, but it’s also the only program to train and administer our own apprenticeship program from our own training center.
Pay scales for apprentice electricians vary, but in Southwest Washington and Northwest Oregon, you can expect to earn about $15.36 per hour in your first year. That rises each year, reaching about $30.71 per hour in the fourth year.
Of course, once your apprenticeship is done and you’re licensed, you’ll start earning much higher wages (easily into the mid-$30-an-hour range) plus benefits. This depends, of course, on the specific type of electrical work you end up doing.
But it all starts with you — knocking on the door of Prairie Electric, if necessary.
Step 4: Meet The Prerequisites
Before you can enroll in an electrician program or apprenticeship, you need to meet certain prerequisites. These typically include:
- High School Diploma or GED: You’ll need a high school diploma or equivalent. Courses in mathematics, physics, and shop can be particularly helpful.
- Basic Math and Reading Skills: Electricians need to be comfortable with basic math and reading comprehension, as you’ll be working with complex instructions and measurements.
- Driver’s License: Many apprenticeship programs require a valid driver’s license since electricians often need to travel to job sites.
If you’re still in high school, consider taking courses in algebra, physics, and electronics to build a strong foundation.
Step 5: Complete Your Education
Education is a critical component of becoming an electrician. Whether you’re attending a trade school or an apprenticeship program, your education will typically cover a range of subjects, including:
- Electrical Theory: Understanding how electricity works, including current, voltage, and resistance.
- Wiring and Electrical Codes: Learning how to safely wire buildings according to state and national electrical codes.
- Blueprint Reading: Gaining the skills to read and interpret blueprints and technical diagrams.
- Safety Practices: Understanding the safety protocols necessary to protect yourself and others on the job.
In Oregon and Washington, the length of schooling varies depending on the program. Trade schools and community college programs typically take 1-2 years to complete, while apprenticeships combine classroom instruction with up to 4-5 years of on-the-job training.
Step 6: Complete Training and Apprenticeship
Hands-on training is where you’ll apply what you’ve learned in the classroom to real-world situations. In an apprenticeship, you’ll work under the supervision of a licensed journeyman or master electrician, gaining valuable experience in the field.
During your apprenticeship, you’ll:
- Work on a Variety of Projects: From residential wiring to industrial installations, you’ll gain experience in different settings.
- Learn Troubleshooting and Repair: Develop the skills to diagnose and repair electrical issues efficiently and safely.
- Accumulate Work Hours: In Oregon, you’ll need to complete at least 8,000 hours of on-the-job training to qualify for a journeyman electrician license. In Washington, it’s similar, with 8,000 hours of work experience required.
Throughout your apprenticeship, you’ll also need to take and pass exams to advance in your career.
Step 7: Obtain Your License
After completing your education and apprenticeship, the final step is to obtain your electrician’s license. In Oregon and Washington, this involves passing a licensing exam that tests your knowledge of electrical theory, code requirements, and practical skills.
- Oregon: To apply for a journeyman electrician license in Oregon, you’ll need to pass the Oregon State Licensing Exam.
- Washington: In Washington, you’ll need to pass the Washington State Electrical License Exam.
To learn more about starting a career with Prairie Electric, explore our Careers page!
