Frequently Asked Questions
About Apprenticeship
Q. How do I become an apprentice?
A. Your first step is to pick up an application. You can do that at our office on any Wednesday between 1:00 and 5:00 PM. You may also download a copy of the application from our apply now webpage, or contact the office at 541-773-5888 to request an application.
Q. How long does the process take?
A. On average it takes 3 to 6 months to complete the entire application process and be eligible for an apprenticeship position.
Q. Is there any way that I can bypass any steps in the application process?
A. No, the program as well as the selection procedures are overseen by the Bureau of Labor and Industries.
Q. I am an apprentice in another program/state; can I transfer over to your program?
A. No. We do not accept transfers; however, if you are accepted into our program you may be eligible for advanced standing.
Q. Is there any cost to apply?
A. Yes, there is a $25.00 application fee due at the time you return a completed application to our office. This fee can be waived if you can prove that your current income is 150% below the federal poverty level.
Q. Do you have a long waiting list?
A. We average well over 100 applicants on the list at all times, but this does not affect your position or employment opportunities in our program.
Q. What is the application process:
A. Your first step is to come into our office and pick up and application. You then have 45 days to complete the application and return it to our office. If everything is in order, you will be scheduled to take an aptitude test. If you receive a passing score on the aptitude test, you will be scheduled for an interview with the Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee. After your interview you will be ranked on a score based on your interview, previous experience and education.
Q. Should I submit a resume with my application?
A. Yes. Any additional information about yourself that you can supply to the committee helps them in making the right choices for candidates.
Q. Is your program eligible for VA benefits?
A. Yes.
Q. What is on the aptitude test?
A. The aptitude test covers algebra and reading. It does not cover electrical theory.
Q. How often do you administer the aptitude test?
A. We schedule tests on a quarterly basis.
Q. Is there a study guide for the aptitude test?
A. When you turn in a completed application, you will receive a small booklet that outlines the basics of the test. You can use this as a guide to what you should study to prepare for the test.
Q. I live out of state; can you fax or mail me an application?
A. Yes, applications can be faxed or mailed to your address. Or you can download a copy from our Apply Now webpage.
Q. What are the minimum requirements?
A. A High School diploma or GED
18 years of age
1 year of high school algebra with a C or better grade, or Math 60 at a community college.
Q. After I pick up the application, how soon will I be able to go to work?
A. The application process takes from 3 to 6 months.
Q. I have a contractor who wants to hire me now, can I go to work for them and apply later?
A. Not as an electrical apprentice. In the State of Oregon, even an apprentice must be licensed by the state to do electrical work. You could, however, work as a material handler, warehouse person or do lighting maintenance.
Q. If I get into the program, will I be able to continue to work for the contractor I am currently working for?
A. Oregon state law gives a contractor the right of first choice on an apprentice that has worked for the company for a minimum of 500 hours (3 months). It also gives right of first choice to family members who own a construction firm.
Q. Do I have to find my own jobs?
A. No We currently have 22 electrical contractors listed as Training Agents with our program. You will be assigned to one of these shops.
Q. I live in Klamath Falls/Roseburg; will I have to work in Medford?
A. No. We do not require apprentices to take a job that is more than 50 miles from their residence.
Q. What programs do you offer?
A. Inside Electrician
Residential Electrician
Limited Energy Technician Class A
Q. What is an Inside Electrician?
A. An Inside Electrician (General Journeyman) is licensed to do all levels of electrical work. Residential, Commercial and Industrial.
Q.What is a Limited Energy Technician Class A?
A. An LEA is licensed to work on systems operating at 150 volts or less. These include:
Fire Alarms Systems, Security Systems, HVAC Controls, Teledata, Computer Networks, Nurse Call Stations and PA Systems.
Q. What is a Limited Residential Electrician?
A. A LRE is licensed to do all electrical work on 1 and 2 family dwellings not exceeding three stories in height.
Q. What is the starting pay?
A. The pay is based on a percentage of the journeyman scale for that occupation. All three trades in our program currently start at over $11.00. Raises are given on the basis of on-the-job training hours, job performance and classroom attendance and grades.
Q. Does it cost to attend school?
A. The tuition for the year is $600.00 and books average between $200.00 and $300.00 per year.
Q. When are the classes?
A. Classes are scheduled on alternate Saturdays and Wednesday evenings, depending on your location.
Q. Where are the classes?
A. The classes are held at our Training Center at 4864 Airway Drive, Central Point, Oregon.