LIMITED ENERGY APPRENTICESHIP
About the Program
The Area I Limited Energy apprenticeship program provides students the experience and training necessary to earn the status of limited energy technician. It is a combination of classroom instruction at Clackamas Community College in Wilsonville, OR and work experience with approved employers.
Limited energy technicians install, troubleshoot, maintain, replace and repair electrical systems under 100 volts. There are two types of limited energy licenses: Class A and Class B. Both types of licenses allow technicians to install communications systems and specialized control systems. Class A technicians can also install protective signaling systems. We offer pathways to both licenses through the Limited Energy apprenticeship program.
CLASS A PROGRAM
3 years
6000 on-the-job hours
432 classroom hours
CLASS B PROGRAM
2 years
4000 on-the-job hours
288 classroom hours
ARE YOU READY TO APPLY?
How much can I earn?
Apprentices begin at half of the average salary of journey workers and receive pay increases as they progress through the program. Entry-level apprentices earn $18.53 – $20.15 per hour to start and generally receive their first raise after 3 months. Licensed limited energy technicians earn on average $37.05 – $40.30 per hour—that’s about $77,064 – $83,824 per year.
How do I receive my on-the-job training?
Apprentices work under the direct supervision of licensed limited energy technicians. After you are registered as an apprentice, you will work for an employer who is approved by the limited energy committee to be a training agent through the Bureau of Labor & Industries. Training agents have promised to provide on-the-job training and supervision according to approved industry standards.
Where are employers located?
Training agents have offices located in Multnomah, Yamhill, Washington, Clackamas, Wasco, Tillamook, Columbia, Clatsop, and Hood River counties in Oregon and Clark county in Washington. However, you may be required to travel all over Oregon and to other states.
What working conditions can I expect?
Limited energy technicians perform work both indoors and outdoors in a variety of weather conditions. This work involves standing, bending, reaching, and lifting in confined spaces and at heights ranging up to 160+ feet.
How do I receive my classroom instruction?
Classroom instruction – or related training – is conducted at Clackamas Community College in Wilsonville, OR. Classes are one evening per week from 6pm to 10pm in the fall, winter, and spring. You will start school once you are registered in the program as an apprentice.
What costs can I expect?
Related training tuition and books combined cost around $1,900 per year. This cost is the responsibility of the apprentice, although some employers do assist with expenses, scholarships are awarded annually, and financial aid is available through Clackamas Community College (please see their website here).
What is the difference between a Class A and Class B License?
Obtaining a Class A license expands the scope of work that a limited energy technician can do. Both Class A and Class B limited energy technicians can legally work on communications systems and specialized control systems under 100 volts, but Class A technicians can also work on protective signaling/life safety systems. Please see the chart below for a more detailed explanation of the difference between these licenses:
|
Type of Work |
Class B |
Class A |
|
Basic telephone cable installation & termination |
✔ |
✔ |
|
Audio-visual systems/CCTV (monitor only) |
✔ |
✔ |
|
Communication systems |
✔ |
✔ |
|
Sound & public address systems |
✔ |
✔ |
|
Programmable & controlling instrumentation |
✔ |
✔ |
|
Structured wiring systems |
✔ |
✔ |
|
Specialized control systems including HVAC, medical, boiler, clock, instrumentation |
✔ |
✔ |
|
Fire alarm systems |
N/A |
✔ |
|
Burglar alarm systems |
N/A |
✔ |
|
Closed-Circuit Television security systems |
N/A |
✔ |
|
Nurse call & emergency call systems |
N/A |
✔ |