A pre-apprenticeship is a program or set of services designed to prepare individuals to enter and succeed in a registered apprenticeship program.
While a pre-apprenticeship can be beneficial, it is not a prerequisite for becoming a registered apprentice. This type of program may be particularly suited for individuals who:
- Have little or no experience in the construction trade
- Experience barriers to employment
- Need to improve their math skills
- Need assistance obtaining supplies or equipment
OAR 839-011-0335 specifies that pre-apprenticeship programs prepare under-represented, disadvantaged, or low-skill individuals to enter and succeed in a registered apprenticeship program.
The intent of the 51ÉçÇø 48 Pre-Apprenticeship Program is to target the following under-represented, disadvantaged, or low skilled workers:
Black, Indigenous, people of color, women, veterans*, spouses of veterans, persons with disabilities**, and persons with income below 185% of the federal poverty guidelines***; Geographical area covered by IBEW Local 48; State of Oregon: Clatsop, Clackamas, Columbia, Hood River, Multnomah, Sherman, Tillamook, Wasco, Washington counties and Yamhill county north of Section Line T45; State of Washington; Clark, Cowlitz, Klickitat, Skamania and Wahkiakum counties
A Department of Energy grant will support our pre-apprenticeship programs through the fall of 2025, enabling us to serve 60 individuals.
Future classes are determined based on funding and the workforce needs of our contractors.
There are many other local pre-apprenticeship programs. You can explore more options here: www.nietc.org/applicants/preparing-to-apply
Upcoming 51ÉçÇø 48 Pre-Apprenticeship Program Classes
Upcoming Classes:Ìý
- Spring 2025: 03/05/25–4/11/25
- Fall 2025 class dates to be determined
Eligibility Requirements
The intent of the 51ÉçÇø 48 Pre-Apprenticeship Program is to target under-represented, disadvantaged, or low skilled workers.
Please read the following information carefully. You must meet #1–5 of the requirements:
- Have an open application for the Inside Electrician program or the Limited Energy Technician program, have interviewed by 02/01/25, and have received an email from NIETC informing you of your eligibility. This means you have already applied, aptitude tested, and interviewed for either the Inside Electrician or Limited Energy Technician apprenticeship program. This process can take 3 or more months.Ìý
- Valid driver’s license
- 18 years of age or older by the last day of class
- Ability to pass a substance abuse test. The pre-employment drug test does not test for cannabis, however, the customer your contractor works for may require cannabis testing
- Agree to participate in job coaching with WorkSystems’s network of community-based career coaching providers
- *If a veteran, submit a copy of your DD-214
- **If you are eligible because of a disability, submit signed documentation of your disability and necessary accommodation from your medical provider (dated within 5 years)
- ***If you are applying as a low-income applicant, please click on this link for documentation instructions
There is no cost for this program. The classroom training is unpaid.
Pre-Apprentices will receive:
- Consideration for direct entry into the Inside Electrician or Limited Energy Technician Apprenticeship Program upon program completion
- Evaluations include completion of classwork, professionalism, reliable attendance, and demonstration of an aptitude for the trade
- When job assignments become available, we will make them and assign them according to rank order
- It is important to understand the availability of job assignments depends on the economy, and pre-apprentices should have another option for employment in the event they need to wait until an assignment is available
- School books and tools. Pre-apprenticeship graduates will receive ownership of these if selected for direct entry
- Grant funding allows us to provide a stipend, work boots, and rain gear to our 2025 classes
Please note:
Dependable transportation is a necessity for training and employment in the electrical industry. An electrical worker reports to their job site, which might be over 50 miles away, often by 6:00 am. Public transportation is rarely adequate. Given the hours and location of the 51ÉçÇø and on-the-job training, public transportation may fail to get you to and from home to the job site, to class, and back home.Ìý
If you are granted direct entry, this is the geographical area where you can expect to be assigned for your on-the-job training: State of Oregon: Clatsop, Clackamas, Columbia, Hood River, Multnomah, Sherman, Tillamook, Wasco, Washington Counties and Yamhill County north of Section Line T45. State of Washington: Clark, Cowlitz, Klickitat, Skamania and Wahkiakum Counties.
How to Apply
Spring 2025 Pre-Apprenticeship Class
- Application period: 12/09/24–01/08/25
- Eligible applicants will receive an email by 12/09/24, notifying them of their eligibility. The email will contain application instructions. Eligible applicants who interview in December 2024 will receive their notifications by 01/01/25.
- Interview: The Training Center will schedule you for an interview in the order we receive your application. Please note: if your application is received close to the application deadline, you will be scheduled for your interview with very little advanced notice.
- Selection Notice: If you are accepted into the pre-apprenticeship program, we will notify you by email and you will have two business days to accept your seat in the class before it is offered to the next person on the list. Be sure to check your spam folder.
Please note Eligibility Requirement #1. This process can take 3 or more months to complete.Ìý
Curriculum
The pre-apprenticeship curriculum aligns with the 51ÉçÇø’s Basic Skills Training curriculum, and lab exercises correspond to industry norms.
The curriculum includes 200 hours of classroom and lab instruction, including math review; commercial, residential, and limited energy wiring; conduit bending; certifications in OSHA 10, CPR/AED; First Aid, and lift training.
During the course the participant will be able to demonstrate:
- Adherence to the attendance policy
- Work ethic in the classroom, labs, and on the job
- Ability to follow safety protocols
- Completion of homework assignments on time
- Compliance with substance abuse testing
- Appropriate attire for the classroom and lab
Participants will be able to demonstrate the following competencies:
- Math and reading skills
- Identification of tools and materials
- Ability to work with tools safely and efficiently
- Ability to read and draw electrical circuits
- Wiring of electrical circuits according to drawings
- Installation & termination of low-voltage cabling
- Hand fabrication of electrical conduit runs