Apprenticeship

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Becoming an Apprentice

Apprenticeship is a systematic training program that uses a combination of on-the-job training (OJT) and classroom instruction (RI) to teach the skills of a trade or occupation. Apprentices usually work a regular forty-hour week, then attend Saturday or weeknight classes. Apprenticeship programs typically last for four years and conclude with the opportunity to become a skilled journeyman in the trade.

In the state of Idaho, Electrical, Plumbing, and HVAC are licensed trades that require registration, apprenticeship training, and ultimately a journeyman’s license to work in the field. NIC Workforce Training Center's Apprenticeship Program is a Registered Apprenticeship with the United States Office of Federal Apprenticeship as well as the State of Idaho. If you are interested in registering for the NIC Apprenticeship program, click on the link at the top right of this page entitled "FIND A CLASS".

Apprentice Registration Requirements

Any person wishing to become an Electrical, Plumbing or HVACR apprentice in Idaho must:

• Meet minimum age requirements (16 years for electrical and plumbing, 18 years for HVAC).
• Register with the State of ID, Division of Building Safety and/or the State of WA, Department of Labor and Industries.
• Work in the trade under the supervision of a journeyman.
• Enroll in apprenticeship classes at the NIC Workforce Training Center. CLICK- FIND A CLASS

For apprentice registration or additional information contact:

*Note for Washington Employers and Trainees in the Electrical Field. Legislation passed in Washington State requires that beginning July 1, 2023, those wishing to take the 01 Electrical journeyman exam in Washington must have completed a registered apprenticeship program. If your goal is to take the 01 exam in Washington after July 1, 2023, be aware NIC's program is not a registered apprenticeship program. in Washington.  NIC is taking steps to rectify this situation.  Please call for updated information.  Brenda Hamilton 208-769-7735

Apprenticeship Classes at NIC

North Idaho College (NIC) offers approved programs of classroom instruction for Electrical, Plumbing, and HVAC through the Workforce Training Center in Post Falls and the Parker CTE in Rathdrum. 144 hours of instruction (required by the DBS) is offered each year (approximately 16 hours/month). Classes begin in September and run through May/June. 100% ATTENDANCE OF ALL FACE TO FACE CLASS IS MANDATORY.  We do have a correspondence option in Electrical for apprentices who are unable to meet the 100% attendance policy.

Apprenticeship Class Fees and Registration
Program costs range from $1,500 to $1,695 per year. Tuition for apprentice courses includes instruction, course textbooks, state end of the year testing, and materials. There are a limited number of scholarships available. Scholarship applications are available at the Workforce Training Center. Some employers also offer tuition assistance options. Financial aid awarded by completing the FAFSA does not apply to these non-credit programs. Payment plan information is available here.

Registration forms are available through the NIC Workforce Training Center mid-June. Registration begins July 1. Full payment of tuition or enrollment in the payment plan is required at the time of registration. To obtain forms and/or to register, contact the Workforce Training Center at (208) 769-3214. Students are encouraged to register during the month of July.

Correspondence Course - Electrical
Online correspondence courses are available for electrical apprentices. Correspondence students are asked to attend orientation at the Workforce Training Center in Post Falls in September to get books and CANVAS access.  

*Online classes are not accepted for the basic classroom instruction required to renew a Washington State trainee card.

Employment in the Trades
Most apprentices begin work with a contractor (electrical, plumbing or HVAC) prior to beginning their schooling. However, it is not required that you be employed in the trades in order to take apprenticeship courses at NIC. If you are interested in finding work in the trades, contact a local contractor, check job listings (such as craigslist and the local newspapers), and register with the Department of Labor. Contact information for contractors in electrical, plumbing, and HVAC can be found using online searches.

For detailed wage and occupational information visit http://www.webuildidaho.org

Becoming a Journeyman
In order to receive a journeyman’s license in the State of Idaho, there are three requirements:

• Work 8000 hours as an apprentice (2000 hours/year for four years).
• Attend and pass all four years of apprenticeship classes (minimum of 144 hours of instruction per year)
• Pass the state journeyman exam.

Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) Degree

The A.A.S. Degree is available through North Idaho College for Electrical, Plumbing, and HVACR apprentice students. Apprentice students who pass all four years of related instruction may be awarded 56 credits (14 credits per year). Degree-seeking students must complete a minimum of 15 additional credits in required subjects. Twelve of the 15 credits must be taken at NIC. There is a charge of $10 per credit, or $560, to have the credits transcripted. For more information, contact NIC Cardinal Central (208) 769-3311.

Welcome to the NIC Workforce Training Apprenticeship Program!!

Brenda Hamilton, Coordinator NIC Trades and Industry Apprenticeship 

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Contact

NIC Workforce Training Center and Community Education

(208)769-3214
nicworkforcetrainingcenter@nic.edu