Apprenticeships
Tacoma Power Apprenticeships
Those hired as an apprentice at Tacoma Power enroll in a program for one of the specialty areas described below. Each program requires a minimum of three and a half years to complete and includes both classroom and on-the-job training.
Requirements:
- Valid driver’s license
- Graduation from high school or GED
- Completion of a high school level algebra course
- Knowledge of Basic Electricity with curriculum including Ohm’s Law, AC/DC Theory, and Parallel & Series Circuits
- Minimum of six months of experience in the electrical, electronics or construction trades OR completion of a formalized vocational training program in related field.
- Work Experience is defined as the use of basic tools such as hammer, wrench, and various equipment.
- Construction trades experience may include examples such as plumbing, iron work, carpentry, etc.
- Apprentice Line and Wire Electrician jobs also have minimum physical ability requirements (see below).
Click here to download the requirements.
We accept applications every one to three years when the job announcement is posted on the City of Tacoma’s jobs webpage. Individuals may also complete the interest form online to be notified of postings.
We have a few resources to help you out. Download a list of reference materials for the apprentice examination or information on preparing for the program.
- APPRENTICE LINE ELECTRICIAN
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Line Apprentice Pay
Range: $43.45-$51.46
Journey Rate: $60.85Performs apprentice-level work under the direction of journey-level line electricians in the construction, maintenance and repair of electrical overhead and underground distribution and transmission systems.
Examples of duties: Prepare and set line poles and guy wires; repair or replace damaged or decayed poles; select and install cross-arms, insulators, cutouts, switches, lightning arrestors and other devices on wood poles and steel structures; install transformers, transformer banks and related connections on poles.
- APPRENTICE WIRE ELECTRICIAN
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Wire Apprentice Pay
Range: $43.77-$51.42
Journey Rate: $60.85Performs apprentice-level work under the direction of journey-level wire electricians in the construction, maintenance and repair of electrical substations and underground vaults.
Examples of duties: Wiring or maintaining and repairing of substations, preparing switchboard panels, installing transformers, connecting and disconnecting ammeters, voltmeters, relays, switches, lights or other equipment and apparatus.
- APPRENTICE METER & RELAY TECHNICIAN
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Meter Apprentice Pay
Range: $42.11-$49.93
Journey Rate: $56.28Performs apprentice-level work under the direction of journey-level meter technicians in the testing, repairing, calibrating and installing of meters, electrical and electronic support equipment.
Examples of duties: Assist in testing, calibrating and repairing of electrical and electronic test equipment; testing, calibrating, repairing and installing auxiliary devices to metering such as totalizer, pulse initiators, transformers, loss compensators, survey recorders, multifunction meters and other auxiliary equipment.
- PRE-APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM
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Salary: $30.32 hourly
Participate in a paid intensive on-the-job electrical training program for up to 12 months. We aim to broaden and diversify our pool of qualified candidates and provide you with the essential knowledge and experience required to apply and compete for our apprenticeship programs.
Click here to download the pre-aaprenticeship program flyer.
Contact Information for Tacoma Power Apprenticeships & Pre-Apprenticeship Programs
For questions regarding Tacoma Power apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs, please email TPowerApprentice@CityofTacoma.org.
Resumes are accepted through the City of Tacoma job posting and application process. Resumes sent to these email addresses will not be considered for apprentice positions.
Openings are posted at cityoftacoma.org/jobs at the end of January/early February of each year (if we are hiring for apprentices that year) and in February/March of each year (if we are hiring for pre-apprentices that year).
Tacoma Water Apprenticeships
Those hired as an apprentice at Tacoma Water enroll in a program for a Water Utility Worker. They are required to successfully complete the Potable Water Supply and Service Worker Apprenticeship Program.
Minimum qualifications:
- 18 years of age
- Pass the Civil Service Water Utility Worker entrance examination with 70% or greater score. Interview list established from examination results.
- Graduation from high school or GED equivalent.
- Valid Washington State driver’s license with maintenance thereafter.
We accept applications once a year unless the established Civil Service hiring list is extended. When this position opens up, the job announcement is posted on the City of Tacoma’s jobs webpage. Individuals may also complete the interest form online to be notified of postings.
- WATER UTILITY WORKER
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Range: $30.45 – $35.50
A Water Utility Worker performs semi-skilled manual labor assisting in the installation, maintenance, and repair of water supply and distribution facilities and systems. They operate a variety of equipment and machinery which includes frequent heavy lifting in all types of weather.
Examples of duties: Installing, maintaining, and repairing pipes, meter yokes, meters, meter boxes, gate valves, fire hydrants, concrete vaults, and other water system components.
Contact Information for Tacoma Water Apprenticeships
For questions regarding our apprenticeship programs, please email Tacoma Water Apprenticeships.
Resumes are accepted through the City of Tacoma job posting and application process. Resumes sent to this email address will not be considered for apprentice positions.