Applying to become an Electrician Apprentice?

Contact Chemeketa Testing to schedule your Workkeys test

• email testing@chemeketa.edu
• or call 503.399.6556
• Chemeketa Testing is located in Bldg. 3, Rm. 267

Apprenticeship requires a math placement assessment if you haven't taken math in high school or college:

Math assessment is not needed if you have completed one year of Algebra in high school or college with a C or higher. When applying for an apprenticeship program, provide a copy of your unofficial transcript with your application for proof. 

If you need the math placement assessment:

1. Submit this online form to choose your test:  placement assessment 
2. Answer all questions. Under the Intent section, choose “I am applying for an Apprenticeship...”
3. Within five business days, you will receive steps on how to take your placement test
4. Take your placement test at home, online and at your convenience
5. Once completed, email placement@chemeketa.edu to request a PDF copy of your results within two business days 

Other questions or concerns? Contact apprenticeship@chemeketa.edu

After you complete your apprenticeship, take the Journeyman Electrician test -

1. Call Oregon Building Codes Division to select and pay for the Journeyman Electrician test at 503.378.4133 and have your test sent to the Chemeketa Testing Center.
2. Next contact the Chemeketa Testing Center to schedule your test at the Chemeketa Salem Campus.
   • email testing@chemeketa.edu
   • or call 503.399.6556
   • Chemeketa Testing is located in Bldg. 3, Rm. 267

Classes

Once you become a registered apprentice with IEC of Oregon, you will take classes two evenings per week in fall, winter and spring terms. Register every term through my.chemeketa.edu and with IEC of Oregon.

Your grades are sent to Chemeketa at the end of each term and will be posted on your Chemeketa transcript.

Class location

Independent Electrical Training Center
3710 Portland Rd NE
Salem, OR 97301

Working conditions

Electrician work may be strenuous. The working environment varies depending on the type of job. The work can require considerable standing, bending, reaching and lifting and may be conducted in cramped spaces or at great heights. 

Job description

As an Electrician, you may install, connect, test and maintain electrical systems for a variety of purposes, including climate control, security, and communications. You may also install and maintain the electronic controls for machines in business and industry.

How much can your earn?

On average a licensed inside electrician earns per hour around $40.97, or per year about $85,216.

Entry-level apprentices earn a minimum of $16.39 per hour to start with pay increases as you progress through the program.

After one year (1,800 hours) in the program, your pay increases to $22.53 per hour.  

Apprentice Training

This 4-year program combines on-the-job training with concurrent related-training classroom instruction, providing the most comprehensive course of study for an apprentice in the electrician trade. 

• 8,000 on-the-job hours
• 576 classroom hours (gain 13 academic credits each year by attending fall, winter and spring terms)

Successful electrician apprentices qualify for state licensure.

Additional degrees

• You may earn a Certificate of Completion in Electrician Apprenticeship Technologies by successfully completing three required general education courses and 12 electrician apprenticeship courses
• You may earn an AAS degree in Electrician Apprenticeship Technologies by successfully completing six required general education courses and 12 electrician apprenticeship courses
• Additional training and degrees credits can be applied to a certificate or AAS degree and can transfer to OIT for a BS degree

Visit these websites for more information. 

Independent Electrical Contractors of Oregon

Oregon Apprenticeship

Bureau of Labor and Industries Apprenticeship and Training Division

Women in Apprenticeship

Building Futures Magazine