Electrician at Area I Inside Electrical JATC
at Area I Inside Electrical JATC in Portland, OR
About This Program
The Area I Inside Electrical JATC sponsors a registered electrician apprenticeship program in Portland, OR. This union JATC program is designed to train inside wiremen for commercial and industrial electrical work throughout the Portland metro area. Apprentices are paid from day one and receive wage increases at each stage of the five-year program.
The apprenticeship includes 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 576 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices work alongside journeymen on real job sites, gaining practical experience in electrical installations, conduit bending and installation, wire pulling, panel assembly, and system testing. Classroom instruction covers the National Electrical Code, electrical theory, job site safety, and technical drawing interpretation.
Graduates earn journeyman inside wireman credentials upon completing the program, giving them the qualifications to work independently on a broad range of projects. Portland's active construction market and growing commercial sector provide strong job opportunities for licensed journeymen, and a union apprenticeship with Area I JATC is a well-respected entry point into a lasting electrical career.
Wage & Training
Journeyman Wage
$30
OJT Hours
8,000
RTI Hours
576
Duration
5 years
Wage data is the national median for this occupation (BLS, May 2023), not specific to this program.
Electrician Career Outlook
National Median
$29.61/hr
~$61,588.8/yr
Apprentice Start
$15/hr
Earn while you learn
Job Outlook
Electrician employment is projected to grow significantly, driven by construction activity, renewable energy expansion, and EV infrastructure buildout. The increasing electrification of buildings and transportation systems creates strong long-term demand. Licensed electricians with experience in solar, battery storage, or industrial controls are especially sought after.
What to Expect as an Electrician Apprentice
Duration
5 years of combined on-the-job training and classroom instruction
On-the-Job Training
~32 hours/week of hands-on work under journeyman supervision (8,000 total hours)
Classroom Instruction
576 hours of related technical instruction (~115 hours/year)
Paid Training
You earn a wage from day one, starting at a percentage of the journeyman rate and increasing as you progress
Time-based program: You'll progress through the program based on completing a set number of hours in both on-the-job training and classroom instruction.
This is a union-affiliated program. Union apprenticeships typically offer strong benefits packages, pension contributions, and structured career advancement through the local hall.
Trade School vs. Apprenticeship for Electrician
Apprenticeship
Trade School
Licensing in Oregon
Electricians in Oregon are required to hold a license. Licensing is issued by Oregon Building Codes Division.
View full Oregonlicensing requirements →Reviews
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