Preparing to Apply
Is there an orientation offered to learn about electrical apprenticeships?
No, we have discontinued our in-person orientations.
You can watch the online orientation here.
Any tips for building my resume?
Yes. Visit our Preparing to Apply page.
How do I get a material handler job?
IBEW Local 48 dispatches material handlers. For information on getting started, visit our Improving your Qualifications page.
Application Timeline and Process
What are the application steps for an electrical apprenticeship?
- Qualifying application. Apply online.
- Qualifying aptitude test score.
- Completion of the oral Interview.
- Posting to the ranked list of applicants for the apprenticeship applied for.
- Successful completion of the Basic Skills Class.
May I apply for multiple programs?
You may, however, we encourage you to apply for the program from which you plan to graduate. We discourage applying for multiple programs.
How much time am I allowed to complete the application?
Once you begin the online application process, you have 30 days to complete the application before it is closed.
What will I need when I apply?
You will need a debit or credit card to pay the $35 application fee, and a copy of your transcripts in PDF format. Your transcripts must show that you meet the minimum program requirements.
Are there any fees required to apply for an electrical apprenticeship?
Yes. There is a $35 non-refundable application fee for the Inside and Limited Energy apprenticeships. Currently, there is no fee to apply for the Limited Residential Electrician apprenticeship.
Is it possible to get a fee waiver when applying for an apprenticeship?
Yes. An individual with an income below 150% of the federal poverty guideline may apply for a fee waiver. Before beginning the application process, email applications@nietc.org with a PDF of your income documentation. A copy of your SNAP card is the simplest way to do this.
When will you be accepting applications?
Application openings are posted at least 30 days in advance on our Current Application Openings page which lists all programs currently open for applications.
How long does the application process take?
It will take 2-3 months to navigate the application process: application, aptitude test, and interview. After your interview, we place you on the ranked list of eligible-to-hire applicants. Holidays, economic conditions, and the demand for apprentices in the electrical industry also affect this process.
What is the “ranked list” of applicants?
This is the list, for each apprenticeship, of all candidates who qualify for an electrical apprenticeship based on their interview scores.
What happens after I’m placed on the ranked list of applicants?
The apprenticeship will accept applicants off of the ranked list, starting with the top of the list, as needed to fulfill the needs of the electrical industry.
How will I be notified of my position on the ranked list?
You will receive a one-time notification by email of your ranked # on the list.
After I complete the Basic Skills class, what is the next step?
You will be assigned to a NECA Contractor/Training Agent and will report to work the following week after Basic Skills class.
Age and Residency
Is there an age requirement to apply for an apprenticeship at NIETC?
No, but you must be 18 years old at the time you enter an electrical apprenticeship.
What are the residency requirements to apply for an electrical apprenticeship?
You need to be a U.S. citizen or have the legal right to work in the U.S. You will need to show I-9 documentation such as a driver’s license or passport.
Transcripts and Minimum Qualifications
What level of education is required to apply for an electrical apprenticeship?
Yes. Please visit our NIETC Apprenticeship Programs page to view the application requirements.
Is there a math requirement necessary to apply?
Yes. Please visit our NIETC Apprenticeship Programs page to view the application requirements.
What if I was homeschooled?
If your home school is not accredited, you can contact www.gedtestingservices.com for information about completing a GED test.
What is an accredited school?
A school accredited by a State Education Agency.
Can I apply before I graduate high school?
No, you must meet the minimum education requirements at the time of application.
Will I need educational transcripts with my application?
Yes, we require transcripts with your application. These need to be uploaded in PDF format.
May I have my transcripts mailed to the NECA-IBEW Electrical Training Center?
No. Please upload your transcripts in PDF format when you apply online.
My school no longer exists and I do not have my transcripts. What can I do?
Contact your school district for a copy of your transcript. If you cannot get your transcripts, you can contact www.gedtestingservices.com for information about completing a GED test.
My transcripts are in another language.
Please have your transcripts translated and notarized — we recommend IRCO (503) 234-1541. Because foreign transcripts do not use a GPA that aligns with the U.S., we will accept completion of secondary school or college/university. You will still need to meet the math requirement. If your transcript does not specify algebra, you can take a math placement test, and you must place into Math 95 or higher. You may also complete a college algebra class with a C or better, or our online Tech Math Class.
Will I be able to have my transcripts reviewed prior to applying?
You can email your transcripts to applications@nietc.org for review.
If I didn’t achieve a 2.0 GPA in high school, how can I raise my GPA?
Every 3-credit college class taken in which you earn an A or a B will raise your GPA by .05. When applying, upload your high school and college transcripts in PDF format.
If I got a D and a B in Algebra, which makes a C average, will I qualify for the Inside Electrician or Limited Energy Technician program?
No, to meet the minimum math requirement you must receive a C or better for one full year.
I have a college degree – can I upload that transcript instead of the high school transcript?
Yes, as long as it reflects that you meet all the minimum program requirements
If I applied in the past do I need to upload new documents?
Yes.
Aptitude Test
I have passed the aptitude test through another JATC. Will I have to retest?
Not if you passed the test within the last 2 years with a score of 5 or higher. Make sure you identify the other JATC on the application. Contact the other JATC and ask them to email a copy of the score to applications@nietc.org.
Do you have recommendations for preparing for the aptitude test?
Yes. Visit our Preparing for the Aptitude Test and Interview page.
If I do not pass the aptitude test, how long do I need to wait before re-applying and re-testing?
You can re-test 3 months after your previous test date.
Interview
How can I prepare for the interview?
Visit our Preparing for the Aptitude Test and Interview page. Oregon Worksource and Washington WorkSource offices provide mock interviews.
What do I bring to the interview?
Bring anything you would like the interview committee to consider. For example: cover letter, resume, letters of recommendation, photos of your projects, etc. They will review these and return or recycle them at the conclusion of the interview.
I would like to bring a cover letter and letters of reference to my interview. To whom should these be addressed? Do they need to be on letterhead?
You may address letters to “Apprentice Selection Committee”. There is no limit to how many letters you may submit. Letterhead is encouraged.
On-the-Job Training
Will I be working during my apprenticeship?
Yes, you will work for the NECA Contractor we assign you to. You will not work on the days you have apprenticeship classes. We list apprentice wages on the website.
Where will I be working after I’m assigned to a NECA Contractor/Training Agent?
You work throughout the IBEW Local 48 Geographical jurisdiction: 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.
If I become an electrical apprentice will I be working 40 hours every week?
The economy affects the construction industry, so you may have short weeks and/or overtime weeks. There is no guarantee of a 40-hour workweek. During your apprenticeship terms, you will miss one day of work each week.
School and Program Information
Where will I attend apprenticeship classes?
The apprenticeship classes are held at the NECA-IBEW Electrical Training Center. The address is 16021 NE Airport Way; Portland, Oregon 97230.
Do I get paid for the hours that I am in class?
No. IBEW Local 48 has a fund that will provide you with a check for $299 after each completed term, not to exceed $598 in one calendar year.
When are the apprenticeship classes held?
You will attend two alternating terms per year. Terms are either 10 or 11 weeks in duration. You will attend school one day a week during the term. Class is 7:00 am – 3:30 pm.
How long is the apprenticeship program?
For program descriptions, visit our NIETC Apprenticeship Programs page. Upon completion of the apprenticeship requirements, you are eligible to take the appropriate state Journey level exam for your license.
What will it cost to take the classes needed for the electrical apprenticeship?
If accepted into an electrical apprenticeship, you will qualify for a scholarship that will cover the cost of your classes, books, and online curriculum access. The details of this scholarship are discussed at the orientation.
What is the school calendar?
The calendar year is divided into four terms. The winter term is from January through March. The spring term is from April through June. The summer term is from July through September. The fall term is from October through December. The actual start and end dates may be in the previous or subsequent quarter. You will either be on a winter and summer schedule, or a spring and fall schedule.
Miscellaneous
Is it possible to transfer from this apprenticeship to one in another local if I decide to move?
Some programs accept direct transfers, some do not. You will need to check with the training center in that local.
I am in an apprenticeship with an open shop. Can I transfer in?
This depends on the number of hours you have. Please contact the Organizing Department at organizing@ibew48.com
What are the fringe benefits?
For the current fringe benefits please visit the IBEW Local 48 page: www.ibew48.com >> Join >> Wage Information.
When do health insurance benefits start?
It takes about 90 days of full-time work for benefits to begin.
Does your Drug-Free Workplace Program include cannabis testing?
Our drug screening no longer tests for cannabis. Your employer’s customer may require cannabis testing.
