Apprenticeship Programs in Vancouver, Washington

Ironworker trainess can find apprenticeship programs in Vancouver, Washington.

Apprenticeships are one way for those seeking a career in a skilled trade to get the appropriate training. As with trade schools, apprenticeships provide the learner with a structured means for acquiring their trade, but they also allow the learner to earn a wage while studying. Some programs in Vancouver, Washington are handled by unions just across the state line in Portland, Oregon, about twenty minutes away.

Outside Lineman

Outside lineman is one of two different electrician apprenticeships in Vancouver, Washington provided by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW). These workers install and maintain the electrical wiring that transmits power over the electrical grid. The apprenticeship requires two to five years to complete, with 144 hours of classroom material every year. Applicants for the program must be 18 years of age or older, be high school graduates or equivalent, and have completed one year of high school algebra with a grade of "C" or better. The IBEW strongly urges applicants to have a commercial drivers' license, traffic control certification, First Aid and CPR training, and any relevant certification. Applicants must also sit for a pre-apprenticeship interview.

Northwest Power Line Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee

9817 NE 54th Street, Suite 101

Vancouver, WA 98662

[phone]

nwlinejatc.com

Tree Trimmer

Tree trimmers, also known as line clearance workers, are another apprenticeship organized under the auspices of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW). They work almost exclusively outdoors clearing trees and other foliage from power lines, sometimes in inclement weather. Trimmers use both power and hand tools, as well as working out of bucket trucks. The program requires 4,000 hours of on-the-job training, broken down into four stages of 1,000 hours each. Apprentices earn an increase in wages as they complete the hours and training for each step.

Northwest Power Line Tree Trimmer Apprenticeship

9817 NE 54th Street, Suite 101

Vancouver, WA 98662

[phone]

nwpowerlinetreetrimmer.org

Ironworker

Ironworkers lay the structural steel and concrete for large construction projects such as skyscrapers and highways. Apprenticeships for Vancouver, Washington are handled by Ironworkers Union Local 29, out of Portland, Oregon. Apprenticeship applications are accepted at the union hall every Wednesday during regular business hours, with the exception of lunch hour. Aspiring ironworker apprentices must be at least 18 years of age, have a high school diploma or equivalency, and possess fluency in English. Apprenticeships generally last between three and four years.

Ironworkers Local 29

11620 NE Ainsworth Circle Suite 200

Portland OR 97220

503-774-0777

ironworkers29.org

Insulator

The Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers Union also offers Vancouver-area apprenticeships out of Portland, Oregon. The program takes nearly 7,000 hours to complete over the course of four years. Additionally, apprentices must complete 144 hours of classroom training each year. Training includes tools and materials handling, blueprint reading, insulation, finishing and fabrication. Apprentices work with materials and equipment with temperature extremes ranging from 200 degrees below zero to 1,600 degrees Fahrenheit.

International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers

11145 NE Sandy Blvd.

Portland, OR 97220

503-255-2692

insulators36.org

References

• Northwest Line Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee: The Application Process
• Northwest Line Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee: Line Apprenticeship
• Northwest Power Line Tree Trimmer: Power Line Tree Trimmers
• Ironworkers Local 29: Apprenticeships
• Insulators Local 36: Apprenticeship

Resources

• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Structural and Reinforcing Iron and Metal Workers