Top Apprenticeships in Oregon
In the current economic climate, the feeling of job security is at a record low. Though no one can have absolute surety in their job or channel of income, one thing will always hold true. That is, the individuals that can provide a service in demand will always have a job opportunity or channel of income.
This leaves a major question on the table. “What kind of services are these?”. Though the answer resides in many of our daily lives, we don’t put that much thought into it. For instance, when there’s an electrical issue, we call the electrician. Likewise, when there’s a bad leak, we immediately try to find a plumber. I can give several more examples, but the point is, these are the kind of services we generally need regardless of the economy’s state.
Hence, if you’re looking for a career that pays well, can be fulfilling, and gives you a greater sense of job security, the trade industry is for you. However, the best route to becoming a tradesperson would be as an apprentice. Essentially getting paid to learn your trade of choice. Though if you’re looking for a place to start your search, we made it easier for you. Here are our choices for the top 5 apprenticeships in Oregon.
#1 & 2. NWCC Apprenticeship Programs
The Northwest College of Construction is a great place to start your search for apprenticeships in Oregon. If their name didn’t already imply it, they’re a college that is partnered with the construction, and business industries to provide apprenticeship training and many more. This opens the doors for better training, establishing new relationships with other industries, and growth and support in their programs. All of which brings great benefits for those who are enrolled in their programs.
One of the benefits is job placement. They find a construction job for you when you apply, and when you’re officially employed, they enroll you as a student. Additionally, the company you’re employed with pays for your tuition and books. Though 2 of their 8 programs are an exception, with some purchases being required of the apprentice. However, the following 2 programs we chose for this list are cost-free.
Brick Mason Apprenticeship
Brick masons are major contributors to many of the spaces we reside in and use. They construct the walls of our homes, chimneys fireplaces, and even kilns which are also used to make bricks. Working with materials such as, marbles, cinder blocks, cement, stone, and of course bricks to achieve it. They also remodel and repair many different types of buildings.
The program is approximately 3 years, 6000 hours of on-the-job training, and 144 hours of classroom hours per year. Totaling 432 classroom hours.
Sign Hanging Apprenticeship
In this apprenticeship, you will learn sign fabrication. Sign fabricators construct signs using a variety of materials by hand. These include metals, glass, and polymers. They use some of the newest and advanced technologies for installation and repairs. Technologies such as Computerized Numerical Control cutting machines, and Computer-driven plotters. But sometimes they also use traditional equipment such as hydraulic cranes.
The apprenticeship lasts 4 years. Requiring 8000 on-the-job hours, and 576 classroom hours. This program allows you to obtain your Limited Sign Electrician license.
Requirements:
- 18yrs or older
- Highschool diploma or G.E.D
- Completed 1 year of high school pre-algebra or higher math with a passing grade of C or equivalent community college placement test.
Contact Info:
- Address: 8111 NE Holman St. Portland, OR 97218
- Website: https://nwcoc.com/apprenticeship-at-nwcoc/
- Telephone: 503-256-7300
- Fax: 503-252-9560
#3 & 4. LCC Apprenticeship Programs
Lane Community College brings a variety of apprenticeships in their program, 9 in fact, covering a few fields. Their program allows an apprentice to contribute credits toward an AAS degree if they choose to pursue those in their future. While also getting a certificate on completion of their apprenticeship. So, if you’re looking for apprenticeships in Oregon to get a career started, but still wish to later gain a higher education in other fields, LCC is the place for you.
Here are 2 of the apprenticeships we chose for our list.
Limited Energy Technicians Apprenticeship
A Limited Energy technician’s duty is centered around the installation, replacement, repair, and maintenance of electrical systems and equipment that operate under 100 volt-amperes. These include, but are not limited to, communication systems, specialized control systems, and protective signaling systems.
This program has both a 2 and 3-year option. Where you earn a “License B” for the 2-year course and a “License A” for the 3-year course. Though both options require you to attend one Saturday class session for each of the enrollments, you will need to complete 306 hours and 450 hours of class time for the 2 and 3-year programs respectively. Additionally, it should be noted though there weren’t any mention of on-the-job hours, it can safely be assumed that you will be required to complete around 2000 per year.
Plumber Apprenticeship
Plumbers are responsible for the installation, repair, replacement, and maintenance of piping systems. Essentially any system that handles or acts as a conduit for fluid. This can be on a residential or commercial and industrial scale. Which may include, hot water tanks, medical gas systems, commodes, and dishwashers. All of which is done in accordance with the city or state’s plumbing code.
The program is a 4-year apprenticeship. Where the apprentice graduates after completing 8000 on-the-job hours and 576 classroom hours. However, the apprentice obtains their license by passing the Oregon Building Codes Division’s licensing exam. Which you will be referred to after you complete the program.
Requirements:
- 18yrs or older
- Highschool diploma or G.E.D
- Valid Driver’s license
- Knowledge of algebra (Plumbing Apprenticeship)
- Completed 1 year of high school pre-algebra or higher math with a passing grade of C or equivalent community college placement test. (E.T Apprenticeship)
Contact Info:
- Address: 4000 East 30th, Eugene, OR 97405
- Website: https://www.lanecc.edu/apprenticeship
- Telephone: 541- 463-3000
- Fax: NA
#5 Oregon Tradeswomen Pre-Apprenticeship Program
Oregon Tradeswomen’s Pathways to Success program offer the Trades and Apprenticeship Career Class (TACC). Which is a 192-hour apprenticeship and employment readiness training program that prepares participants for a career in construction skilled trades. Oregon Tradeswomen Pre-Apprenticeship programs focus on preparing participants for sustainable careers as electricians, ironworkers, lineworkers, plumbers, sprinkler fitters, and renewable energy.
Founding in 1989, on the principles that women can attain economic independence through careers in construction, manufacturing, mechanical, and utility trades. Oregon Tradeswomen is committed to ensuring access, opportunity, and equity for women in the skilled construction trades. Upon graduation, Oregon Tradeswomen career counselors assist TACC graduates with their job search and application to apprenticeship training programs. As well as provide continued employment counseling throughout graduate’s entire careers.
Overview of the Class Structure:
- Learn basic trades math and measurement
- Receive an introduction to green building
- Explore topics such as job site safety and construction culture
- Learn to use hand and power tools
- Gain 30 hours of hands-on experience working alongside skilled female instructors
- Go on field trips to apprenticeship training centers and active construction sites
- Improve physical fitness with strength training taught by a certified fitness trainer
Requirements:
- Be 18 years of age or older
- Have a High School Diploma or GED
- Be able to pass a drug test – we test!
- Want to go to work in the construction or manufacturing industries
Company Info:
- Address: 454 SE 187th Ave. Portland, OR 97233
- Website: https://oregontradeswomen.org
- Telephone: 503.335.8200
Conclusion
Job security is a scale, and where you measure on that scale depends on how diverse your skills are and how they can help others. We hope our list of top apprenticeships in Oregon has helped you with your career planning. If you would like more options or help with your apprenticeship search, click here. Also, check out our blogs section for more career guiding content, or feel free to visit us again.