*** Source: Trades Notebook for Skilled Trades Occupations in the Willamette Valley

Median Salary: $69,899/year

Electricians install and maintain all of the electrical and power systems for our homes, businesses, and factories. They install and maintain the wiring and control equipment through which electricity flows. They also install and maintain electrical equipment and machines in factories and a wide range of other businesses. Electricians in large factories usually do maintenance work that is more complex.

Skills:

  • Electrical Systems
  • Troubleshooting
  • Hand Tools
  • Construction Knowledge
  • Schematics

Job Titles:

  • Maintenance Electrician
  • Residential Electrician
  • Commercial Electrician
  • Limited Energy Electrician
  • Cable/Phone/Security Installer
  • Instrument Technician

Primary Tasks:

  • Plan layout of construction, installation, or repairs.
  • Test electrical equipment or systems to ensure proper functioning.
  • Inspect electrical or electronic systems for defects.
  • Communicate with other construction or extraction personnel to discuss project details.
  • Thread wire or cable through ducts or conduits.
  • Repair electrical equipment.
  • Install electrical components, equipment, or systems.

Wages & Jobs

Training

Paid training is available through two local apprenticeship programs: Central Electrical Training Center in Tangent (union shop) and the Independent Electrical Training Center in Salem (open shop).

High School/College Courses:

  • Algebra I, II, and Geometry
  • Physics
  • Industrial Arts
  • Drafting
  • Helpful: First Aid/CPR

Apprenticeship: CETC in Tangent (Union shop)

  • High school diploma or GED plus proof of 1 year of high school Algebra with a grade of ‘C’ or better-or- 1 term of college Algebra with a grade of ‘C’ or better -or- a placement test from a college showing placement into Intermediate Algebra -or- NJATC Tech Math course completion.
  • Must be at least 18 years of age at the start of work.
  • You will be hired for a full-time job while you attend school part-time and will be paid a living wage with fringe benefits while you are learning.
  • Fringe benefits include employer-paid health care for you and your family plus several pension plans.
  • Apprentices attend day school at least two terms per year. Classes are 8 hours/day; 1 day/week for 3 months. Books range between $600-$800 per year and yearly tuition is $200.
  • You must have a good attitude and be able to work in a team environment, as well as be ready to do a wide variety of work.

Contact:

Central Electrical Training Center
33309 Hwy 99E, Tangent, OR 97389
Phone: (541) 917-6199
Apply online at www.cjatc.org

Apprenticeship: IETC in Salem (Open Shop)

  • The Area II Inside Electrical apprenticeship program is a 4-year training program.
  • Must be 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. Proof of algebra (transcripts required) or math placement test scores demonstrating that you place into Math 65 or higher
  • Classroom instruction is conducted at the Independent Electrical Training Center (IETC).
  • IETC is affiliated with Chemeketa Community College and apprentices earn college credit and qualify for financial aid. Classes are two evenings a week in the fall, winter, and spring. You will start school once you are registered in the program as an apprentice.
  • Related training tuition and books combined cost around $1,800 – $2,000 per year. This cost is the responsibility of the apprentice, although some employers do assist with expenses.

Contact:

Independent Electrical Training Center
3710 Portland Rd NE, Salem, OR 97301
Phone:(503) 598-7789
Apply at: www.iecoregon.org

Links for more information: