Best Electrician Trade Schools in Spokane Valley Washington

Key Takeaways

• Spokane Valley offers both union and non-union electrician training pathways, including accredited trade schools and paid apprenticeships.
• The top programs combine classroom instruction with 8,000 hours of supervised on-the-job training to meet Washington State licensing requirements.
• Average electrician wages in the Spokane-Spokane Valley area range from $29 to $42 per hour depending on experience and certification level.
• Choosing the right program depends on accreditation, apprenticeship placement rates, tuition costs, and state exam preparation.
• Most students qualify for federal financial aid, Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act funding, or employer-sponsored apprenticeship wages.

How to Become a Licensed Electrician in Washington State

Before comparing schools, it is essential to understand the licensing pathway in Washington. The Washington State Department of Labor and Industries regulates electrician certification.

Basic Licensing Steps

1. Complete an approved electrician training program or apprenticeship.
2. Accumulate 8,000 hours of supervised electrical work experience for journey-level certification.
3. Complete required classroom instruction, typically 576 to 1,000 hours.
4. Pass the Washington State electrical exam.

Most students in Spokane Valley pursue either a formal trade school with job placement support or a direct apprenticeship program that combines paid field work and classroom instruction. The best electrician trade schools prepare students for both the classroom requirements and the state exam.

Best Electrician Training Schools Near Spokane Valley, Washington

School or Program Program Type Length Approximate Cost Highlights Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) Inland Northwest Apprenticeship 4 Years Employer Sponsored Paid training, classroom plus field experience Northwest Electrical JATC Union Apprenticeship 4 to 5 Years Minimal tuition, paid work IBEW affiliation, strong wage progression Spokane Community College Certificate or AAS Degree 1 to 2 Years Varies by credits Accredited public college, financial aid eligible

1. Independent Electrical Contractors Inland Northwest

IEC Inland Northwest is a leading non-union apprenticeship training provider serving Spokane Valley and surrounding areas. Students are employed by participating electrical contractors while completing structured classroom instruction.

Why it stands out:

• Earn while you learn model
• Approved curriculum aligned with Washington L and I requirements
• Nationally recognized apprenticeship standards
• Strong contractor network for job placement

This program is ideal for students who want immediate employment and steady wage increases throughout training.

2. Northwest Electrical JATC (IBEW Local 73)

The Northwest Electrical Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee serves union contractors throughout the Inland Northwest. This highly competitive apprenticeship blends classroom instruction with paid on-the-job training.

Advantages include:

• Competitive apprentice wages with scheduled raises
• Excellent healthcare and retirement benefits
• Rigorous licensing exam preparation
• High completion and placement rates

Graduates often move directly into journey-level positions with strong earning potential in commercial and industrial sectors.

3. Spokane Community College Electrical Program

Spokane Community College offers electrical training certificates and associate degrees. Unlike apprenticeships, this pathway begins with classroom-based instruction before transitioning into field experience.

Key benefits:

• Regionally accredited institution
• Eligible for federal Pell Grants and FAFSA funding
• Structured learning environment
• Strong technical foundation in electrical theory and safety

This option works well for students who prefer a traditional academic environment before entering an apprenticeship.

Trade School vs Apprenticeship: Which Path Is Better?

Apprenticeship Path

• Earn wages immediately
• No large upfront tuition costs
• Direct pathway to 8,000 required work hours
• Highly competitive entry process

Trade School Path

• Structured classroom environment
• Financial aid availability
• Strong theoretical knowledge foundation
• May still require apprenticeship for hour completion

For most Spokane Valley residents, a registered apprenticeship offers the fastest return on investment. However, students without immediate employer sponsorship may benefit from starting at Spokane Community College.

Electrician Salary and Job Outlook in Spokane Valley

The demand for electricians in Eastern Washington remains strong due to residential growth, infrastructure upgrades, and renewable energy projects.

• Apprentice Electricians: $20 to $28 per hour
• Journey-Level Electricians: $29 to $42 per hour
• Master Electricians: $45 per hour and above

According to state workforce data, electrician employment in Washington is projected to grow steadily through the next decade. Skilled tradespeople remain essential for both new construction and system modernization.

How to Choose the Right Electrician School

Not all programs offer equal value. Use the following criteria when comparing options in Spokane Valley:

1. State Approval

Ensure the program is approved by Washington L and I for required classroom hours.

2. Apprenticeship Placement Rates

Ask about employer partnerships and graduate placement outcomes.

3. Total Cost

Compare tuition, tools, books, and exam fees. Apprenticeships often reduce upfront expenses.

4. Exam Preparation

Programs should align coursework with the Washington electrical licensing exam.

5. Scheduling Flexibility

Night or weekend classes may benefit working adults changing careers.

Financial Aid and Funding Options

Students in Spokane Valley have several funding opportunities:

• Federal FAFSA grants and loans
• WorkSource Spokane career training grants
• GI Bill benefits for veterans
• Employer-sponsored apprenticeship wages
• Scholarships through trade associations

Apprenticeships are particularly attractive because students earn income while training, reducing student debt risk.

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Meet minimum age requirement, typically 18 years old.
2. Obtain a high school diploma or GED.
3. Complete algebra coursework.
4. Apply directly to IEC, Northwest Electrical JATC, or Spokane Community College.
5. Pass aptitude testing and interview if required.
6. Register as an electrical trainee with Washington L and I.

Preparation is key. Strong math skills, mechanical aptitude, and physical readiness improve acceptance odds.

What Makes a Program “The Best”?

The best electrician trade schools in Spokane Valley Washington share several characteristics:

• High apprentice completion rates
• Strong contractor and union partnerships
• Transparent wage progression
• Comprehensive safety training
• Proven exam pass rates

Programs that combine classroom rigor with real-world, supervised job site experience consistently produce top-performing electricians in the Spokane Valley market.

Frequently Asked Questions about Electrician Training in Spokane Valley

How long does it take to become a licensed electrician in Washington State?

You typically need about 4 to 5 years to become a journey-level electrician. This includes 8,000 hours of supervised work and around 576 to 1,000 hours of classroom training, followed by passing the Washington State electrical exam.

What is the difference between an apprenticeship and a trade school program?

In an apprenticeship, you work for an electrical contractor, earn wages, and attend related classes, usually with low or no tuition. In a trade school, like Spokane Community College, you start with classroom learning first and may seek an apprenticeship afterward to complete your required work hours.

How much do electricians earn in the Spokane Valley area?

In the Spokane–Spokane Valley area, apprentice electricians usually earn about $20 to $28 per hour. Journey-level electricians often make around $29 to $42 per hour, and master electricians can earn $45 per hour or more, depending on experience and employer.

How do you qualify for electrician training programs in Spokane Valley?

You usually need to be at least 18, have a high school diploma or GED, and show basic algebra skills. Many programs, including IEC and Northwest Electrical JATC, also use aptitude tests and interviews before selecting apprentices.

What financial aid is available for electrician training in Spokane Valley?

You may qualify for federal financial aid through the FAFSA at Spokane Community College, as well as Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) grants, GI Bill benefits, and trade scholarships. Apprenticeships often provide employer-paid training plus wages, which can greatly reduce your out-of-pocket costs.