Best Electrician Schools in Washington

If you want to become an electrician in Washington, the first step is getting the right training. The state requires formal education combined with hands‑on experience before you can get licensed. Your choice of school matters because it can set the tone for your entire career.

How Electrician Training Works in Washington

In Washington, you can’t just pick up tools and start working as an electrician. You need an electrical training certificate and you must work under a licensed electrician while also meeting classroom requirements.

To get licensed as a journey level electrician, the state requires:

1. 8,000 hours of supervised electrical work experience.
2. 96 hours of basic classroom education in technical subjects.

Washington State Department of Labor & Industries says:
“All trainees must be supervised 100% of the time by a journey level or specialty electrician while performing electrical work.”

This means you’ll usually work as an electrical trainee while attending trade school or an apprenticeship program.

Steps to Become an Electrician in Washington

Follow this process to stay in compliance:

1. Get an Electrical Trainee Card
   Apply through the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries before you start work.

2. Choose a Training Path
   Pick a trade school, community college, or union/non‑union apprenticeship program.

3. Complete Required Classroom Hours
   Your school should track and report your hours to the state.

4. Log Your On‑the‑Job Hours
   Keep accurate records. You’ll need them when applying for your license exam.

5. Apply for the Journey Level Electrician Exam
   Once your hours and training are complete, schedule the state exam.

Best Electrician Schools in Washington

Here is a list of well‑regarded programs in the state. These schools either have direct apprenticeship partnerships or strong reputations for electrical training.

Bates Technical College – Tacoma

Bates offers an Electrical Construction program that blends classroom and shop instruction. You’ll work with residential and commercial wiring systems and cover electrical theory, codes, and safety.

Program length: Typically two years
Type: Associate of Applied Science (AAS) or certificate
Website: Bates Technical College

Renton Technical College – Renton

Renton’s Electrician program focuses on hands‑on wiring projects, code compliance, and industry safety. They also have partnerships with local employers for work‑based learning.

Program length: About 80 weeks
Type: Certificate program
Website: Renton Technical College

Perry Technical Institute – Yakima

Perry Tech is known for its two‑year Electrical Technology program that prepares students for entry into the trade with strong technical and safety training.

Program length: 24 months
Type: Certificate
Website: Perry Technical Institute

Clover Park Technical College – Lakewood

Offers an Electrical Construction program that is hands‑on from day one, with an emphasis on the National Electrical Code (NEC) and wiring design.

Program length: Six quarters
Type: AAS or certificate
Website: Clover Park Technical College

Spokane Community College – Spokane

SCC offers both apprenticeship and pre‑apprenticeship electrical programs, preparing students to enter work‑sponsored apprenticeships.

Program length: Varies
Type: Certificate
Website: Spokane Community College

Comparing Electrician Training Options in Washington

Union and Non‑Union Apprenticeships

Many electricians in Washington start with apprenticeships instead of college classes. Apprenticeships give you paid on‑the‑job training plus classroom instruction. In Washington, you can apply through:

• IBEW/NECA Joint Apprenticeship & Training Committees (Union)
• Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) of Washington (Non‑Union)

These programs meet the state licensing requirements for both hours and education, making them a direct path to becoming a journey level electrician.

Choosing the Right Training Path

When you’re comparing trade schools, think about:

• Location and commute
• Cost and financial aid
• Program schedule (day, evening, or weekend classes)
• Connections to local employers
• Pass rates for the state electrician exam

If possible, visit the campus, talk to instructors, and see the training labs. The equipment you train on should match what you’ll use in the field.

Final Tips Before You Enroll

• Confirm state approval: Make sure the program is recognized by the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries.
• Plan for work hours: You’ll need an employer sponsor or apprenticeship placement to log required hours.
• Stay current on code updates: Washington follows the NEC, which changes every three years.
• Keep paperwork organized: Missing records can delay your license application.

Summary and Next Step

Training as an electrician in Washington takes commitment, but it’s a straightforward process if you start with the right school. Focus on programs that combine solid classroom education with real jobsite experience. Once you have your hours and coursework, you can apply for your journey level exam and move forward in your career.

Here’s what to do next:

1. Check the Washington State L&I electrician trainee requirements to make sure you understand the rules.
2. Contact at least three schools or apprenticeship programs from the list above.
3. Apply for your electrical trainee card.
4. Start your training and log every hour.

The sooner you begin, the sooner you’ll be eligible to test for your license and work independently.

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• Best Trade Schools in Washington (2025)