APPRENTICESHIP - INSIDE ELECTRICAL
Applicants
Please Note: Applications for the Inside Electrical and Limited Residential Programs are closed for 2023. They will open again on February 1, 2024.
There are 3 steps to apply.
A. Application
Submit a complete application packet to the IEC office in person, by mail, or by email. Address and email may be found on the application pdf.
The Area II Inside Electrical Apprenticeship Program accepts applications year-round. You may submit a complete application packet at any time. On the first business day of each month, the apprenticeship department processes all applications received over the previous month. Your application will only be considered complete if it includes the following:
- Proof of minimum requirements
- WorkKeys National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC) test results
At this time WorkKeys test locations are reopening with the COVID restrictions lifting. Please contact your local WorkSource office for testing dates. Applications are still being accepted with proof of minimum qualifications, but will not be fully processed until the WorkKeys scores have been submitted.
Please see below for more information on the minimum requirements and how to take the WorkKeys NCRC test.
B. Interview
If all the above requirements are met, you will then complete a scored interview. The apprenticeship department will email you information about when and where the interview will take place. Interviews will happen over the first half of each month.
C. Applicant Grouping
Based on a combination of your WorkKeys test results and your interview, your application will receive a score. You will receive an emailed notification from the apprenticeship department with your placement and information on the next steps.
- What are the minimum requirements?
- How do I take a math placement test?
- What WorkKeys assessments are required?
- What are WorkKeys assessments?
- How can I take the WorkKeys National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC) test?
- I already have WorkKeys NCRC test scores. Can I submit these?
- How can I prepare to take the WorkKeys NCRC test?
- Additional FAQs
What are the minimum requirements?
The following are the minimum requirements:
- At least 17 years old to apply and 18 years old to begin the program
- High school diploma, GED, or Associate Degree or higher from an accredited educational institution (include copies of diploma/certificate with application)
- Proof of algebra:
1) Copy of the Individual Score Report from the WorkKeys applied Math test showing a score of 5 or higher. (if you have a 5 or higher WorkKeys Math, then we do not need a transcript or placement scores); OR
2) Transcripts showing a completion of one year of high school algebra, Integrated Math II, or equivalent with a grade of “C” or higher; OR
3) Math Placement test scores demonstrating that you place into Math 65/70 or higher.
WorkKeys National Career Readiness Certificate Test Scores
Copies of the Individual Score Reports for all three of the WorkKeys assessments that make up the National Career Readiness Certificate Test Scores. We do not need the certificate but the numerical scores you received for the following:
Applied Math
Workplace Documents
Graphic Literacy
How do I take a math placement test?
You can submit college math placement test scores to meet our algebra requirement for entry into the program. Simply take a math placement test at a community college and submit your results demonstrating that you place into Math 65 or higher. If you need assistance with the basics of algebra prior to taking your test, see Algebra Help and Math League. The following local community colleges offer placement testing:
- Portland Community College – place into Math 65 or higher
- Clackamas Community College – place into Math 65 or higher
- Chemeketa Community College – place into Math 70 or higher
- Mt. Hood Community College – place into Math 65 or higher
What WorkKeys assessments are required?
With your application, you must include test scores from the three WorkKeys assessments that make up the National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC):
- Applied Math (previously called Applied Mathematics)
- Workplace Documents (previously called Reading for Information)
- Graphic Literacy (previously called Locating Information)
Please note that we are not looking for the certificate itself, but copies of the Individual Score Reports that you received in each of the three assessments.
What are WorkKeys assessments?
The ACT WorkKeys assessments are tests designed to measure specific skills to gauge potential success in the workplace. For more information, please visit the ACT website here.
The National Career Readiness Certificate is comprised of three WorkKeys assessments – Applied Math, Graphic Literacy, and Workplace Documents. Individuals who complete these three assessments will receive a WorkKeys National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC). For more information, please visit the NCRC page here.
How can I take the WorkKeys National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC) test?
You can take the NCRC test at a WorkSource Oregon center, and can find a list of all the centers here. The test that you will take is the National Career Readiness Certificate or NCRC. The NCRC test is free and takes around 4.5 hours to complete. You will be able to receive copies of your scores upon completion of the test, and the certificate will be mailed to you later.
I already have WorkKeys NCRC test scores. Can I submit these?
Yes, if you have already taken the WorkKeys assessments that make up the NCRC, you may submit those scores to us. Please note that in June 2017 the WorkKeys assessments were renamed: Applied Mathematics is now Applied Math, Reading for Information is now Workplace Documents, and Locating Information is now Graphic Literacy. We will accept older versions of test results.
How can I prepare to take the WorkKeys NCRC test?
ACT offers free practice tests on their website that you can use to prepare.
WorkSource Oregon also encourages individuals to complete the Initial Skills Review (ISR) prior to taking the NCRC test, which is an indicator for potential success on the test. WorkSource Oregon also offers the Worldwide Interactive Network (WIN) courseware for individuals to improve their skills. Both of these tools are available by clicking here and registering in WorkSource Oregon Management Information System (WOMIS). From the main menu screen in WOMIS, select “Work-Related Skills Review and Free Online Lessons” to access the ISR and WIN courseware.
1. I am a veteran. Is the application process different for me?
If you are a veteran and have been a honorably discharged within the last 24 months or are in the reserves with a DD214, you will still need to complete the application process. However, you will have your name automatically included on every list of applicants sent to training agents. This program also qualifies for education benefits. Please contact the apprenticeship department for more information.
2. What hiring criteria might employers have?
- Drivers license and reliable transportation
- Insured to operate company vehicles
- Pass a drug test and/or background check
- Able to identify the colors of conductors of a sample cable
- Ability to frequently lift/move up to 50 pounds, such as tool boxes
- Ability to occasionally lift/move up to 90 pounds, such as bags of concrete mix
- Not afraid of heights or confined spaces
3. I already work for a registered training agent. Can I bypass this process?
Certain training agents have been approved to sponsor individuals directly into this program. These individuals must still meet the minimum program requirements and submit WorkKeys test scores. Inquire with your employer about whether they are approved as a sponsor with the apprenticeship program and contact the apprenticeship department for the next steps if they are.
4. Can I start taking classes at IETC while I am on the waiting list?
No. You must be employed by a training agent and registered with the state as an apprentice to start school.
“I can’t say enough about this program. It is allowing me to fulfill my dreams of becoming an electrician and I feel like I have new meaning in my life.”
– Tim, First Year Inside Electrical Apprentice