Electrician at City of Richland Energy Services Department Local Union 77 IBEW Apprenticeship Committee
at City of Richland Energy Services Department Local Union 77 IBEW Apprenticeship Committee in Richland, WA
About This Program
The City of Richland Energy Services Department, in partnership with IBEW Local Union 77, sponsors a union electrician apprenticeship in Richland, WA. This JATC program trains apprentices within a municipal utility environment, combining public-sector work experience with the comprehensive training standards of IBEW. Apprentices earn wages from the beginning of the program.
The apprenticeship spans five years and includes 8,000 hours of on-the-job training plus 576 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices work on municipal electrical infrastructure, learning installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of utility systems. Classroom instruction covers electrical theory, the National Electrical Code, safety compliance, and utility operations.
Graduates become journeyman electricians recognized through IBEW Local 77, with hands-on experience in public utility electrical work — a solid foundation for long-term careers in the energy sector in the Tri-Cities area.
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 Washington
Electricians in Washington are required to hold a license. Licensing is issued by Washington State Department of Labor & Industries.
View full Washingtonlicensing requirements →Reviews
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