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

Chemeketa placement testing for Apprenticeship

1. Submit this online form to determine the test you need:  placement assessment 
2. Answer all questions, and Chemeketa Placement staff will direct you to the correct placement test. Under the Intent section, select “I am applying for an Apprenticeship...”
3. You will be notified by Placement staff with further instructions on how to take the placement test. Allow five business days to hear back.
4. You will take the placement test at home, online and at your convenience.
5. Once completed, email placement@chemeketa.edu to request a PDF copy of your results. Allow two business days to receive the results.
6. Questions about WorkKeys assessments? Contact the Testing Center by email: testing@chemeketa.edu, or call 503.399.6556
7. Other questions or concerns? Contact apprenticeship@chemeketa.edu

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.  

Training

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

Apprentices earn 13 academic credits each year and attend classes in the fall, winter and spring. Apprentices complete a minimum of 8,000 hours of on-the-job training to qualify as an electrician. 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