Electrician at Public Utility District No. 1 of Benton County IBEW #77 Apprenticeship Committee
at Public Utility District No. 1 of Benton County IBEW #77 Apprenticeship Committee in Kennewick, WA
About This Program
Public Utility District No. 1 of Benton County and the IBEW #77 Apprenticeship Committee jointly sponsor a union electrician apprenticeship in Kennewick, WA. As a JATC program, it combines employer-based training with union oversight, giving apprentices a strong foundation in utility electrical work while earning competitive pay.
The program lasts five years and includes 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 576 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices work directly with experienced utility electricians, learning system installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting. Classroom coursework addresses electrical theory, the National Electrical Code, safety regulations, and utility-specific applications.
Graduates earn journeyman electrician status recognized by IBEW Local 77, positioning them for stable, well-compensated careers in public utility and electrical infrastructure work throughout the Tri-Cities area and beyond.
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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