Program Structure
NECA-IBEW Electrical Training Center’s Inside Electrician apprenticeship is sponsored by Oregon-Columbia Chapter NECA and IBEW Local 48. This five-year route combines a minimum of 8,000 hours of contractor work with ten school terms. Accepted apprentices are assigned to an electrical contractor, with no guarantee of a 40-hour workweek. Work includes residential, commercial and industrial wiring and communication systems. Classes take place at 16021 NE Airport Way, Portland, Oregon, one day a week during alternating terms, 7 a.m.–3:30 p.m. Apprentices do not work on class days and are not paid for class hours.
Requirements
Applicants must be at least 18 and satisfy the published education and algebra requirements. Education can be a high school diploma with a 2.0 GPA, a qualifying GED, or an associate degree or higher from an accredited school. The required GED score varies with the test date. Algebra options include a full year of high school algebra with C grades or better, equivalent college algebra, qualifying placement results, qualifying GED mathematics, or completion of the NJATC online math course. Submit transcripts and supporting documents with the application. Qualified applicants take the aptitude test, then interview and receive a ranking. Accepted applicants face employer substance-abuse testing and a background check.
Application Process
The Inside program is closed to applications until further notice. The sponsor’s current opening notice was updated August 28, 2026 and also says it is not accepting new reinterview requests. Check that official notice for reopening information before attempting an application. When recruitment resumes, the published application fee is $35 and is non-refundable. Applicants with incomes below 150% of the federal poverty guidelines may request a fee waiver. The service area includes specified Oregon counties and southwest Washington counties; the full boundary is listed in Program Details, so a Portland classroom address does not imply work stays within Portland.
What You Earn
The sponsor publishes a starting base wage of $26.20 per hour for the first 1,000 work hours while in good standing, based on the journey rate effective January 1, 2026; benefits are additional. Advancement requires meeting all progression conditions. The provider says accepted apprentices qualify for a scholarship covering classes, books and online curriculum access, with details explained at orientation. This does not remove the separate application fee or establish a total for personal tools and other expenses. Consult the applicable employment contract for official wage rates.