Best Electrician Apprenticeships in Yakima Washington

Best Electrician Apprenticeships in Yakima Washington

Electrician apprenticeships in Yakima offer a direct, paid pathway into one of Washington State’s most stable skilled trades. With strong demand for residential, commercial, and agricultural electrical work across the Yakima Valley, choosing the right apprenticeship program can determine your long-term earnings and career growth.

Key Takeaways

• Yakima offers both union and non-union electrician apprenticeship programs with competitive wages.
• The top options include IBEW-affiliated JATC programs and CITC training pathways.
• Apprentices earn while they train, typically starting at 40 to 50 percent of journeyman wages.
• Washington requires 8,000 hours of training for a journeyman electrician license.
• Choosing a registered apprenticeship ensures you meet licensing standards through Washington Labor and Industries.

Why Choose an Electrician Apprenticeship in Yakima?

Yakima’s economy includes agriculture, food processing, commercial expansion, and residential development. All require licensed electricians. Washington State continues to experience steady construction activity, and electricians earn some of the highest wages among skilled trades.

According to Washington Labor and Industries data, certified journeyman electricians in Washington commonly earn over $40 per hour. Union electricians in parts of the state can exceed that with full benefits. Apprentices earn incremental raises as they accumulate hours and complete classroom training.

For residents of Yakima County, apprenticeship programs provide:

• Paid, structured training
• No student loan debt
• State-recognized certification
• Long-term career advancement opportunities

Top Electrician Apprenticeship Programs in Yakima

The following are the strongest apprenticeship pathways serving Yakima and surrounding areas.

1. IBEW Local 112 and JATC Apprenticeship

The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 112 serves much of central Washington, including Yakima. Their Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee program is one of the most respected routes to becoming a journeyman electrician.

Program Highlights:

• 5-year registered apprenticeship
• 8,000 hours of on-the-job training
• Classroom instruction aligned with state requirements
• Guaranteed wage progression
• Comprehensive healthcare and retirement benefits

Pros:

• Strong job security through union contracts
• Clear pay scale increases
• Nationally recognized training standards

Considerations:

• Competitive application process
• May require travel within the region for job assignments

2. CITC Apprenticeship Program

The Construction Industry Training Council of Washington operates non-union apprenticeship programs approved by Washington Labor and Industries. Yakima-area students can access CITC programs through regional partnerships.

Program Highlights:

• State-approved electrical apprenticeship pathway
• Flexible employer-based model
• Evening classroom options
• Residential and commercial tracks

Pros:

• More flexibility for employer selection
• Strong contractor network
• Potentially faster hiring

Considerations:

• Benefits vary by employer
• No union collective bargaining protections

3. Yakima Valley College Technical Pathways

Yakima Valley College offers electrical and technical training programs that can serve as pre-apprenticeship preparation. While not a direct apprenticeship sponsor, YVC can help applicants meet prerequisites such as algebra competency.

Best For:

• Recent high school graduates
• Career changers who need foundational knowledge
• Applicants preparing for competitive entrance exams

Apprenticeship Program Comparison

ProgramUnionLengthHours RequiredBenefitsPay ProgressionIBEW Local 112 JATCYes5 Years8,000 OJT + ClassroomHealthcare, PensionSet Union ScaleCITCNo4 to 5 Years8,000 OJT + ClassroomEmployer DependentEmployer-Based RaisesYVC Technical PathwaysNoVariesClassroom OnlyAcademic CreditPre-Apprenticeship

How to Apply for an Electrician Apprenticeship in Yakima

Step 1: Meet Basic Requirements

• Minimum 18 years old
• High school diploma or GED
• One year of algebra or equivalent
• Valid driver’s license

Step 2: Submit Application

Applications are submitted directly through the apprenticeship sponsor. Union programs often have scheduled application windows. Non-union programs may accept rolling applications.

Step 3: Aptitude Test

Most programs require a math and reading comprehension test. Algebra proficiency is critical.

Step 4: Interview

Applicants are typically ranked after oral interviews. Reliability, work ethic, and mechanical aptitude are key evaluation factors.

Step 5: Work Assignment

Once accepted, apprentices are placed with a licensed electrical contractor and begin accumulating required hours.

Wages and Career Outlook in Yakima

Electrician apprentices in Washington typically start at 40 to 50 percent of journeyman wages. In the Yakima region, this often means:

• Year 1: $20 to $25 per hour
• Mid-Program: $28 to $35 per hour
• Journeyman: $40 or more per hour depending on location and union status

With overtime, benefits, and pension contributions, total compensation can significantly exceed base hourly pay.

Long term career pathways include:

• Master Electrician
• Electrical Contractor Business Owner
• Estimator or Project Manager
• Industrial Maintenance Electrician
• Specialized Agricultural Systems Technician

Union vs Non-Union Apprenticeships in Yakima

Union Apprenticeships

• Collective bargaining agreements
• Defined benefit contributions
• Structured wage scale
• Potential travel within jurisdiction

Non-Union Apprenticeships

• More employer flexibility
• Faster hiring in some cases
• Wage and benefit variation by company

The best choice depends on job security preference, mobility, and long-term goals.

Washington State Licensing Requirements

To become a journeyman electrician in Washington, candidates must:

• Complete 8,000 hours of supervised electrical work
• Complete required classroom instruction
• Pass the Washington electrical licensing examination
• Register and track hours through Labor and Industries

Choosing a state-registered apprenticeship ensures every hour counts toward licensing eligibility.

Local Industry Demand in Yakima

Yakima’s agriculture-focused economy creates steady electrical demand in irrigation systems, food processing facilities, cold storage warehouses, and commercial maintenance. Residential growth throughout Yakima County also supports sustained construction activity.

Electricians with skills in industrial controls, motor systems, and energy-efficient upgrades are particularly valuable in the region.

Tips to Increase Your Acceptance Chances

• Brush up on algebra before applying
• Gain construction or labor experience
• Complete a pre-apprenticeship course
• Prepare professional references
• Demonstrate punctuality and reliability consistently

Many apprenticeship coordinators emphasize that attitude and dependability often separate top candidates from the rest.

What to Expect During Your Apprenticeship

Apprentices typically work full-time during the day and attend classroom instruction in the evening. Training includes:

• Electrical theory and code compliance
• Blueprint reading
• Conduit bending and installation
• Motor controls and transformers
• Safety standards and OSHA regulations

As skills increase, apprentices take on more complex tasks under licensed supervision. By the final year, many are performing journeyman-level responsibilities while preparing for the state exam.

Frequently Asked Questions about Electrician Apprenticeships in Yakima

How long does it take to become a journeyman electrician in Yakima?

In most Yakima-area programs, you need about 4 to 5 years to become a journeyman electrician. Washington State requires 8,000 hours of supervised work plus approved classroom training before you can take the journeyman exam.

What do electrician apprentices in Yakima usually get paid?

Electrician apprentices in the Yakima region typically start around $20 to $25 per hour and receive raises as they gain hours and experience. Journeyman electricians in Washington often earn $40 or more per hour, with some union positions paying higher with benefits.

What are the basic requirements to start an electrician apprenticeship in Yakima?

Most Yakima programs require you to be at least 18, have a high school diploma or GED, complete one year of algebra or the equivalent, and hold a valid driver’s license. You also need to pass an aptitude test and interview.

Should you choose a union or non-union electrician apprenticeship in Yakima?

Union programs, like IBEW Local 112 JATC, usually offer a set wage scale, strong benefits, and collective bargaining. Non-union options, such as CITC, can offer more employer choice and sometimes faster hiring. The better fit depends on your goals for pay, benefits, and flexibility.

Does Yakima Valley College help you get into an electrician apprenticeship?

Yes. Yakima Valley College offers technical and electrical courses that work well as pre-apprenticeship training. These classes help you build math and electrical basics so you can do better on entrance tests and meet program prerequisites.

Is a Washington State–registered apprenticeship important?

Yes. A state-registered apprenticeship through Washington Labor and Industries makes sure your hours, schooling, and work experience all count toward the 8,000 hours needed for your journeyman electrician license.