509 Sparky Academy
Apprenticeship Program
Become a Washington State certified electrician. Earn while you learn.
Application status
Applications are not being accepted at this time. Check back for the next open period.
- 8,000 hours
- paid on-the-job training
- Earn day one
- real wages, real projects
- WA registered
- General Electrician program
Earn while you learn
509 Sparky Academy is a registered 8,000-hour General Electrician apprenticeship combining classroom instruction with paid on-the-job training. You’ll work alongside licensed journey-level electricians on real projects from day one, building the hours and knowledge required for Washington State certification.
Apprentices are paid from their first day and move up a structured wage scale as they complete hours and coursework, with no tuition debt. Related supplemental instruction is held in or near Yakima and is scheduled around your work, and alternative schedules such as four ten-hour shifts are used so work assignments do not conflict with training. Time spent in classroom instruction is not paid work time.
Counties we cover for work
- Adams
- Yakima
- Klickitat
- Benton
- Grant
- Kittitas
- Franklin
All classroom instruction is held in or near Yakima and attendance is mandatory, so applicants must live within 75 miles of Yakima, or relocate within that area within 90 days of acceptance. The counties above are where the program assigns work.
Wage scale
Your pay grows with your hours
Wages follow our WSATC-registered standards: eight steps of 1,000 hours each, rising from 50% to 85% of the journey-level wage rate. You earn a paycheck from your first day on the job. There is no tuition to finance.
Completing the program earns a WSATC Certificate of Completion of Apprenticeship. Apprentices also take the applicable Washington State examination for General Electrician certification.
| Step | Hours | % of journey wage |
|---|---|---|
| Step 1 | 0 to 1,000 | 50% |
| Step 2 | 1,001 to 2,000 | 55% |
| Step 3 | 2,001 to 3,000 | 60% |
| Step 4 | 3,001 to 4,000 | 65% |
| Step 5 | 4,001 to 5,000 | 70% |
| Step 6 | 5,001 to 6,000 | 75% |
| Step 7 | 6,001 to 7,000 | 80% |
| Step 8 | 7,001 to 8,000 | 85% |
What You Need to Qualify
- Be 18 years of age or older
- High school diploma or GED
- One year of high school algebra with a C or better (or equivalent)
- Reliable transportation to job sites and to classes
- Live within 75 miles of Yakima, or relocate within that area within 90 days of acceptance
How it works
From application to your first day on the job. About 4 years to journey-level, earning from day one.
Step 1
Apply
Complete the application and gather your documents. Takes about 10 minutes.
Step 2
Complete your packet
You’re assigned an Apprentice Applicant Number. A complete packet, with all required documentation, must be received before an interview is scheduled.
Step 3
Interview & ranking
Interviews are conducted with all qualified applicants. After your interview you’re placed on the ranked list, where you stay active for two years.
Step 4
Start earning
The top applicant on the ranked list is offered a position. You’re registered with the state and paid for your on-the-job hours from day one.
Common questions
When are applications accepted?
Applications are accepted as business needs require and as determined by the committee. Notice of application acceptance is posted on our website. Once you are placed on the ranked list, you remain active on it for two years.
How long does the program take?
8,000 hours of paid on-the-job training, about 4 years, plus related supplemental instruction in the classroom. Time spent in classroom instruction is not paid work time.
Where and when are classes held?
Training is held in or near Yakima, and you will not be required to travel out of town for it. If you are assigned to an out-of-town project, you are returned to Yakima for all scheduled instruction, and alternative schedules such as four ten-hour shifts are used so work assignments do not conflict with training.
What will I need to pay for?
Apprentices are responsible for purchasing required textbooks and instructional materials. You will also need a basic set of hand tools and hand drills. We give you the list before your first day. Large equipment is provided.
What happens after I apply?
You are assigned an Apprentice Applicant Number. A complete packet, including all required documentation, must be received before an interview is scheduled. Incomplete packets are not interviewed. Interviews are conducted with all qualified applicants, and after the interview you are placed on the ranked list.
When applications reopen
Want to hear first?
Applications are not open right now. Email us and we will tell you the day the next open period starts. You’ll be able to apply in person at 3402 W Washington Ave, Suite 112, Yakima, WA 98903 (Monday to Friday, 7:00am to 4:00pm), or by mail or email. None of those channels are open right now.
The paper application is a 4-page PDF. Print it, fill it out in ink, and drop it off or email it back to info@509electric.com. Questions in the meantime? Call (509) 571-1082.
Equal opportunity program
The recruitment, selection, employment and training of apprentices during their apprenticeship shall be without discrimination because of race, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), sexual orientation, color, religion, national origin, age, genetic information, disability or as otherwise specified by law. The sponsor shall take positive action to provide equal opportunity in apprenticeship and will operate the apprenticeship program as required by the rules of the Washington State Apprenticeship and Training Council and Title 29, Part 30 of the Code of Federal Regulations.
Any apprentice or applicant for apprenticeship who believes they have been discriminated against may file a complaint with the supervisor of apprenticeship (WAC 296-05-443).