Electrician Apprenticeships in Washington

Do you qualify for most Washington electrician apprenticeships?

Usually yes. Most Washington electrician programs look for age 18, valid ID, proof of legal work authorization, and reliable transportation.

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Have a valid form of identification and proof of legal work authorization.
• Be prepared to register as an electrical trainee with L&I before beginning supervised work.
• Understand that all trainees must complete a state-approved electrical apprentice program.

What electrician apprentices make in Washington

Current Washington electrician openings on tradeschool.fyi show starting pay around $19-$28/hr and completion pay around $43-$52/hr.

Pay varies by location, employer, and program agreement, so check listed openings for current offers.

Compare starting pay to completion pay where shown to see the full training progression.

Programs listed

7

Accepting now

0

Starting pay

$19-$28/hr

Completion pay

$43-$52/hr

Do you need a license before you apply?

Usually not. You start by applying to a program or employer first, register as an electrical trainee with L&I, and pursue contractor licensing later.

Electrician apprenticeships in Washington are structured programs that combine on-the-job training (OJT) and classroom instruction. Prospective apprentices must be at least 18 years old and have valid identification and proof of legal work authorization. Before starting, they register as electrical trainees with the Washington Department of Labor & Industries (L&I). This registration allows them to work under the supervision of licensed electricians while accumulating 8,000 hours of OJT over approximately four years.

Several International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) locals across Washington, such as Local 46 in Seattle and Local 73 in Spokane, offer apprenticeship opportunities. These programs are designed to meet state requirements, ensuring trainees gain comprehensive skills and knowledge. As of July 2023, all trainees must complete a state-approved apprenticeship program. Upon completing the required training hours and coursework, apprentices can take the journeyman electrician licensing exam administered by PSI.

Advancing beyond the apprentice level, individuals can become journeymen, typically after one year, and eventually master electricians after an additional two years. Licensing for electrical contractors in Washington is handled uniformly at the state level by L&I, ensuring consistent standards across the industry.

How to apply

Start with an opening below, then confirm the application status on that sponsor's site.

1. 1. Explore current apprenticeship opportunities in Washington by checking listings on TradeSchool.fyi, focusing on openings from IBEW locals such as Local 46 in Seattle or Local 112 in Kennewick.
2. 2. Gather necessary documents including your ID, proof of age, work history, and legal work authorization to streamline the application process.
3. 3. Upon acceptance into an apprenticeship, register as an electrical trainee with the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries to begin supervised work and classroom instruction.
4. 4. Consistently log your on-the-job training hours and complete the required classroom instruction over the typical four-year apprenticeship period to progress toward becoming a journeyman.

Common questions

Official Washington sources

Use these state and licensing sources to verify rules, deadlines, and longer-term credential requirements.

• Washington L&I Electrical Licensing Overview
• Washington L&I Electrical Contractor Licensing
• Washington L&I Electrical Trainee
• Washington L&I Electrical Apprenticeship