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 the minimum qualifications for a registered apprenticeship
Check out other local pre-apprenticeship program options here: www.nietc.org/applicants/preparing-to-apply
NECA-IBEW 48 Pre-Apprenticeship Program
Classroom and Lab Training: 03/01/23–04/07/23
On-the-Job Experience: 04/10/23–04/21/23
Applications open on 11/28/22
The focus of the pre-apprenticeship program is to provide apprenticeship opportunities to communities that have historically been under-represented in the electrical industry. The populations served 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 NECA-IBEW Local 48 Pre-Apprenticeship Program is a 280-hour program:
- 200 hours of unpaid 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 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
Please read the following information carefully. You must meet #1–5 of the requirements:
- Population served: Black, Indigenous, people of color, women, veterans, persons with disabilities, and persons with income below 185% of the federal poverty guidelines
- Have an open application for the Inside Electrician or Limited Energy Technician program with a qualifying rank. 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.
- You have received an email from NIETC informing you of your eligibility OR
- You have your Apprenticeship Rank email you received after your interview:
- Inside Electrician Program – ranked between 50–300
- Limited Energy Technician Program – ranked between 20-100
- Valid driver’s license
- 18 years of age or older by the start of the on-the-job training component
- 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
If applicable:
- If disability, submit signed documentation from your medical provider (within 5 years) of your disability and necessary accommodation
- If a veteran, submit a copy of your DD-214
- If low-income, submit proof that income is below 185% of the federal poverty guideline (see the FAQ at https://nietc.org/pre-apprenticeship-faq/)
Pre-Apprentices will receive:
- School books and tools. Pre-apprenticeship graduates will receive ownership of these upon successful completion of the program
- Pre-apprentice graduates will be considered for direct entry into the Inside Electrician or Limited Energy Program. Evaluations include completion of all classwork, demonstration of a professional attitude, reliable attendance, and demonstration of an aptitude for the trade. Pre-apprentices must receive favorable reports for their two weeks of on-the-job experience
For 2023, there is funding available to provide each pre-apprentice with:
- A $200 voucher to purchase a pair of workboots
- A stipend totaling $1200, beginning in smaller weekly increments and increasing throughout the program
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 almost never adequate. Given the hours and location of the NECA-IBEW Electrical Training Center 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.
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
Applications open on 11/28/22. The application deadline is 02/02/23.
- On or after 11/28/22, go to the training center log-in page.
- Log into your account. Verify your mailing address, email address, and phone number.
- Select Applications from the top menu bar.
- From the Program of Interest menu, select NIETC Pre-apprenticeship and Start Application.
- The application will appear at the top of the page. Select Continue.
- If you do not complete your application within 30 days, or by the application deadline, whichever comes first, your application will be closed.
You will be required to upload your qualifying documentation in PDF format.
- Copy of your driver’s license
- Educational transcripts
- If you did not receive an email notifying you of your eligibility, upload a copy of the “Apprenticeship Rank” email you received after your interview. This email needs to show a qualifying rank as noted under Program Requirements. Search for sender messaging@secure.tradeschoolinc.com
- If applicable, documentation of disability and accommodation requested, veteran status, and low-income status
We will not accept applications in person or by mail. We will recycle any materials mailed to the training center.
Interview: If the application meets the eligibility requirements, the Training Center will schedule the applicant for an interview in the order that we receive their application. When you interview has no effect on your interview score. 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 by 02/09/22 and you will have 48 hours to accept your seat in the class before it is offered to the next person on the list.
Please see the Frequently Asked Questions. If you have an unanswered question, email preapp@nietc.org.
Curriculum
The pre-apprenticeship curriculum aligns with the NECA-IBEW Electrical Training Center’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.
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
- Completion of homework assignments on time
- Compliance with substance abuse testing
- Appropriate attire for the classroom, lab, and 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
- Installation & termination of low-voltage cabling
- Hand fabrication of electrical conduit runs
