New electrical laws — Laws taking effect July 1 change how trainees can perform (01) work and qualify for journey level (01) certification. The changes also affect contractors.
Note: The laws don’t affect specialty electrical contractors or trainees they employ.
Electrical trainees: If you’re planning to perform (01) work after July 1, then there are new requirements you should know:
- Trainees who have worked 3,000 hours in the electrical construction trade or completed an approved two-year training school program before July 1 may continue working to accrue experience to qualify for the (01) electrician exam without joining an apprenticeship program.
- Trainees with fewer than 3,000 hours worked before July 1 must be registered apprentices if performing work limited to (01) electricians.
Contractors: If you hire trainees performing (01) work after July 1, you must:
- Become a registered Training Agent by partnering with an existing registered electrical apprenticeship program;
- Establish a state-registered apprenticeship program of their own; or
- Hire trainees with a specific level of experience.
Specific level of experience
Trainees with 3,000 hours of electrical experience before July 1, or who have completed a two-year electrical construction training program, may continue to gain journey level experience. They can do this without registering an apprentice, or being a part of a registered apprenticeship program, until July 1, 2026.
For more information, go online to www.Lni.wa.gov/ElectricalApprenticeship, or email ElectricalApprenticeship@lni.wa.gov.