A pre-apprenticeship is a program or set of services designed to prepare individuals to enter and succeed in a registered apprenticeship program.
Although a pre-apprenticeship can be helpful, it’s not required (and often not necessary) to become a registered apprentice. Pre-apprenticeships may be a good fit 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
- Need help meeting minimum qualifications for a registered apprenticeship
Check out local pre-apprenticeship program options here: www.nietc.org/applicants/preparing-to-apply
Electrical Training Alliance Pre-Apprenticeship Program
The next Electrical Training Alliance Pre-Apprenticeship Program is tentatively scheduled for Summer 2022. Information about the 2022 program will be posted in April 2022.
In 2015, the Department of Labor solicited applications for a grant under the American apprenticeship Initiative. The initiative supports a uniquely American Apprenticeship system that meets our country’s economic and workforce needs. The federal grant was awarded to the Electrical Training Alliance to identify pre-apprentices and equip them for entry into new careers in high-paying occupations in the electrical industry.
The focus of the Electrical Training Alliance Pre-Apprenticeship Program (ETAP) is to provide apprenticeship opportunities to communities that have historically been under-represented in the electrical industry. The populations served by this US Department of Labor grant are Black, Indigenous, people of color, women, veterans, spouses of veterans, persons with disabilities, and persons with income below 185% of the federal poverty guidelines.
The Electrical Training Alliance Pre-Apprenticeship Program is a 300-hour program:
- 220 hours of un-paid classroom and lab instruction occurs at the NECA-IBEW Electrical Training Center; Monday – Friday, 7 am – 3 pm.
- 80 hours of paid on-the-job training occur per contractor job-site schedule, at job-sites located throughout IBEW Local 48’s jurisdiction: State of Oregon – Clatsop, Clackamas, Columbia, Hood River, Multnomah, Sherman, Tillamook, Wasco, Washington Counties, Yamhill County north of Section Line T45; State of Washington – Clark, Cowlitz, Klickitat, Skamania and Wahkiakum Counties. The wage will equal the starting apprenticeship wage.
Program Requirements
- Population served by the U.S. Department of Labor grant: Black, Indigenous, people of color, women, veterans, spouses of veterans, persons with disabilities, and persons with income below 185% of the federal poverty guidelines.
- You need to have a qualifying rank on our list of eligible candidates. This means that you have already applied, aptitude tested, and interviewed for either the Inside Electrician or Limited Energy Technician apprenticeship program. The qualifying rank number will be determined at least one month before applications open.
- Valid driver’s license
- Ability to pass a drug test; the electrical industry does not permit cannabis use
- If disability, submit signed documentation from medical provider (within 5 years) of disability and necessary accommodation
- If a veteran, submit a copy of DD-214
- If low-income, submit proof that income is below 185% of the federal poverty guideline (see FAQ at https://nietc.org/pre-apprenticeship-faq/)
- 18 years of age or older by the start of the on-the-job experience
Pre-Apprentices will receive:
- School books, and tools, which they receive ownership of upon successful completion of the program
- Access to online curriculum
- Pre-apprentices who successfully complete all classwork, demonstrate a good attitude, attendance, and aptitude for the trade, and receive favorable reports for their two weeks of on-the-job training will be considered for direct entry into the Inside Electrician or Limited Energy program. Pre-apprentices are not guaranteed direct entry
Please note:
Dependable transportation is a necessity for training and employment in the electrical industry. An electrical worker is responsible for reporting to their job site, which might be over 50 miles away, often by 6:00 am. Public transportation is almost never adequate. Given the hours and location of the pre-apprenticeship program’s related classroom instruction and on-the-job training, public transportation may fail to get you to and from home to job-site, to class, and back home.
The geographical area covered: 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
The application opening period for the 2021 Electrical Training Alliance Pre-Apprenticeship Program is closed. Information about the 2022 program will be posted in April 2022.
Please see the Frequently Asked Questions. If you have an unanswered question, email preapp@nietc.org.
Curriculum
ETAP curriculum aligns with the Electrical Training Alliance’s national curriculum and the lab exercises correspond to industry norms.
The curriculum includes 220 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.
For the final two weeks of the program, students work for an electrical contractor for on-the-job experience and further evaluations. Qualities evaluated include skills and abilities, work ethic and professionalism, and attitude.
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
- Ability to navigate and use the on-line coursework
- Completion of homework assignments on time
- Compliance with drug testing
- Appropriate attire for classroom and the job-site
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
- Hand fabrication of electrical conduit runs
- Installing & terminating low-voltage cabling
