Apprenticeship Qualifications, Requirements and FAQs

City Light Apprenticeship Programs are open to all candidates who meet our hiring qualifications. Typically 10 - 30 apprentices are selected each year depending on business needs. The program provides unmatched learning opportunities for those interested in pursuing a career in the energy industry.

Qualifications, Requirements, and Training Resources

If you are applying for an apprenticeship at City Light, you must meet the following requirements for consideration:

  • Be a U.S. citizen or have legal permission to be employed in the United States
  • Be 18 years of age or older by the time of hire
  • High school graduate or equivalent, vocational school graduate, or associate degree awarded
  • A minimum of one year of high school or one semester or quarter of post-high school algebra, geometry, or trigonometry with a minimum grade of 70%, or successful completion of the Basic Electricity and Applied Mathematics class (BEAM)
  • Have a valid Washington State driver's license by the time of hire
  • Submit a current complete driver's record from the Department of Licensing
  • Able to provide the documentation necessary to prove you meet all conditions listed above

Cable Splicer, Electrician Constructor, Generation Electrician Constructor, and Meter Electrician 

In addition to the minimum qualifications, applicants for these apprenticeship positions must also satisfy at least one of the following:

  • One year of high school training in electrical theory
  • Six months of high school training installing, configuring, maintaining, or repairing electrical equipment
  • One semester of post-high school level training in electrical theory
  • One semester (at least 15 weeks) of post-high school level training in installing, configuring, maintaining, or repairing electrical or electrical utility equipment
  • Three months prior experience (paid or volunteer) applying electrical theory or installing, configuring, maintaining, or repairing electrical or electrical utility equipment
  • Four months prior experience (paid or volunteer) handling or assisting in installing and/or configuring electrical equipment or electrical utility equipment
  • Completion of the Basic Electricity and Applied Mathematics (BEAM) Class

    Basic Electricity and Applied Math (BEAM)

    The next scheduled BEAM class will be held February 2023 with math assessment tests being held January 2023

    City Light offers a class called Basic Electricity and Applied Math (BEAM) twice a year to help those interested in apprenticeships prepare for the work ahead. BEAM is not required to apply for any of the apprenticeship programs. It was designed for applicants who feel they do not meet the basic electricity and math requirements of the conditions listed under Minimum Qualifications for Apprenticeships. Successful completion of a BEAM class qualifies you to apply for a City Light apprenticeship if you meet the minimum requirements.

    BEAM provides a comprehensive introduction to basic electrical theory and practice, basic algebra, and the practical math required on the job. BEAM also provides instruction on proper interviewing techniques and other professional skills for those seeking a career in the skilled trades.

    • BEAM classes are held two nights per week from 5:30-8:30 pm for 12 weeks at the Georgetown campus of South Seattle Community College.
    • The approximate cost for BEAM is $500 (this cost is subject to change), which includes tuition, books, and student parking.
    • Before you can register for BEAM, you must first pass a basic math skills exam provided by the City Light Apprenticeship Office. Once you have passed, our office will instruct you on the next steps for enrolling in the course at South Seattle Community College.
    • Taking the BEAM class does not guarantee you will be accepted into the apprenticeship program.  

    For more information about BEAM, or to be placed on the BEAM mailing list, contact us today.

    Click here to view our BEAM informational sheet

    If you need help with math, tools, or driving skills, here are some resources for additional preparation. This is only a sample list and we encourage you to search for additional resources on your own to prepare for an apprenticeship at City Light.

    Books

    Web Resources

    Technical Colleges and Vocational Schools

    Frequently Asked Questions

    We offer the following apprenticeships:

    • Pre-Apprentice Lineworker
    • Cable Splicer
    • Electrician Constructor
    • Generation Electrician Constructor
    • Meter Electrician

    Learn more about these positions on our Apprenticeships home page.  

    Pending business need/budget, our hiring processes for the apprenticeship programs typically open and close for application one time during the year. Applications can be submitted online when City Light has opened a position. 

    • January-February - Cable Splicer, Electrician Constructor, Generation Electrician Constructor, and Meter Electrician   
    • Late Summer/Early Fall - Pre-Apprentice Lineworker   

    Sign-up to receive a notification for when applications open:

    1. Visit City of Seattle Job Opportunities. 
    2. Click on “menu” in the upper left-hand corner of the page and select “Job Alerts.”
    3. Place a check in the box next to "Construction Trades" and “Utilities” to receive email notifications.
    4. Click the 'Subscribe' button and fill out the information.
    5. Click the 'Submit' button.

    When City Light is accepting applications for apprenticeships, you can apply through the Seattle Job Opportunities portal. Search for the job title you are looking for: Pre-Apprentice Lineworker, Cable Splicer Apprentice, Electrician Constructor Apprentice, Generation Electrician Constructor Apprentice, and Meter Electrician Apprentice. 

    Be sure to read the job description and follow the instructions provided. With your online application, you MUST submit the following:

    • A school transcript showing that you completed a minimum of one year of high school or one semester or quarter of post-high school algebra, geometry, or trigonometry with a minimum grade of 70%, OR your certificate showing successful completion of the Basic Electricity and Applied Mathematics class (BEAM) (if you've already completed it). 
      • Trade School math will also be accepted.
      • Unofficial transcripts can be accepted with your application in-lieu-of your official transcript. Background checks will require official transcripts.
    • A current Full Drivers Abstract showing your driving history. Please check with your state’s Department of Licensing for this document.

    Applications without the above documentation will not be considered.

    If you need help with math, tools, or driving skills, see Other Resources.

    Successful completion of a Basic Electricity and Applied Math (BEAM) class qualifies you to apply for a City Light apprenticeship if you meet the minimum requirements, but it is not required. It also does not guarantee you will be accepted into an apprenticeship program.

    BEAM is designed for applicants who feel they do not meet the basic electricity and math requirement of the conditions listed under Minimum Qualifications for Apprenticeships (see above). 

    • If you meet the math requirement, you can test out of the BEAM portion of the class once enrolled and take the electrical portion of the class instead.
    • You can meet the electrical requirements in other ways that are paid, volunteer, job shadowing, YouTube Videos, home improvement, etc.

    See more about BEAM.

    Yes. Apprentices are represented by IBEW Local 77 for electrical crafts.

    Yes. If you are a veteran and meet the eligibility requirements established by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, 10% (10 points) are added to your final written test score per the education benefits of the Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33). Please note, you will need to upload your DD214 showing an Honorable Discharge with your application to receive this benefit.

    No. Each apprentice will begin at Step 1 of their apprenticeship program.

    Yes. Anyone who meets the qualifications and requirements may apply. However, applicants who are invited to advance in the hiring process will be required to attend an on-site, working test as the second phase of the hiring process. 

    Yes. You can learn more on the City of Seattle Human Resources Department website. 

    City Light

    Debra Smith, General Manager and CEO
    Address: 700 5th Ave, Seattle, WA, 98104
    Mailing Address: PO Box 34023, Seattle, WA, 98124-4023
    Phone: (206) 684-3000
    SCL_ExternalComms@seattle.gov

    Seattle City Light was created by the citizens of Seattle in 1902 to provide affordable, reliable, and environmentally responsible electric power to the City of Seattle and neighboring suburbs.