Electrician at Okanogan County Electric Cooperative Meter Electrician
at Okanogan County Electric Cooperative Meter Electrician in Winthrop, WA
About This Program
Okanogan County Electric Cooperative sponsors a Meter Electrician apprenticeship in Winthrop, WA. This employer-based program offers a unique opportunity to train as an electrician within a rural electric cooperative, focusing on metering systems and utility electrical work in a scenic and tight-knit community setting. Apprentices are paid throughout the program.
The apprenticeship spans five years and includes 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 576 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices learn to install, test, and maintain electrical meters and associated utility systems, as well as broader electrical skills including wiring, safety procedures, and equipment operation. Classroom instruction covers electrical theory, the National Electrical Code, and metering technology.
Graduates become journeyman electricians with specialized expertise in utility metering, well-suited for long-term careers with electric cooperatives and utility providers in rural Washington.
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.
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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