5 Best Electrician Schools in Portland, OR

Since it’s a community college, Clatsop has numerous academic programs that result in certificates ad applied science degrees.

With campuses scattered across the state, including near Portland, students aren’t too far away from a single facility.

In addition, Clatsop Community College offers an electrical trade apprenticeship program approved by the state.

The more advanced associate of applied science was created for those looking to move past the journeyman level into an industrial or community electrician role.

Students enrolled in the NECA/IBEW Electrical Training Center electrician program will have access to a technologically advanced facility that teaches the necessary skills required for a successful career using the latest industry tools.

The admissions process is more stringent than other programs because it requires an interview, an aptitude test, and a basic skills class.

This training program is a combination of classroom learning and an apprenticeship.

The following programs are offered:

• Inside electrician – includes 8,000 hours of firsthand training.
• Limited energy a-technician – provides 6,000 hours of real-world training.
• Limited residential electrician – delivers 4,000 hours of firsthand training.

Best of all, this apprenticeship is available with a salary and raise increases every 1,000 – 1,500 hours of completed training.

The NW College of Construction offers various apprenticeship programs, which the Bureau of Labor and Industries and the Oregon State Apprenticeship Training Council manage.

The National Center for Construction Education and Research, a non-profit education organization created the curriculum.

The program requires 8,000 hours of firsthand training and 144 hours of classroom lectures.

The total program length is four years, at which point graduates receive a Limited Journeyman Sign Electrician license.

Applicants must be 18 years old, hold a high school degree, and have completed one year of high school algebra with a grade of “C” or better.

The NW Institute of Electrical Technology offers an apprenticeship program that combines instructional and hands-on learning opportunities.

During the 8,000-hour program, students learn how to connect wires, test circuits, read and use blueprints, install electrical equipment and wiring systems, test and connect installations, and respond to the breakdown of electrical equipment.

Other learned skills include switchboard maintenance and diagnosing and repairing electrical equipment faults.

Like many other electrician schools, the Portland Community College program combines hands-on apprenticeship work and classroom lectures.

The program can be at the Swan Island Trades Center, a 20,000-square-foot training facility.

In addition, the school offers electrician apprenticeship technology and limited electrician apprenticeship technology certificates.

For those looking to learn more about the trade, associate degree programs are available and require a two-year time commitment.