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Job Description
Position Description
Are you seeking a hands-on opportunity to launch a rewarding career in the electrical trades? Tacoma Power’s Electrical Pre-Apprenticeship program could be the perfect fit for you!
Tacoma Power is hiring Electrical Trainees ( Classification: Electrical Pre-Apprentice ) for the July 2025 to July 2026 program. As an Electrical Trainee, you will participate in an intensive, 12-month on-the-job training program. This initiative aims to broaden and diversify the pool of qualified candidates while equipping participants with the skills and knowledge needed to compete successfully for Tacoma Power’s Apprenticeship programs.
Our apprenticeships are craft-based, high-intensity programs combining classroom instruction with hands-on training. The Electrical Pre-Apprenticeship is specifically designed to prepare participants for the demands of these rigorous programs. This paid 12-month training includes foundational learning in areas such as basic electricity, math, algebra, physical fitness, climbing, safety, and on-the-job experience with various electrical crews.
During the program, participants will gain experience and knowledge in areas such as:- Classroom training on topics like basic electricity, math, algebra, and AC/DC theory.
- Safe, effective, and cooperative work practices in crew environments.
- Techniques for safely climbing ladders, towers, and poles, and working effectively at heights.
- Best practices for working in enclosed spaces.
- Knowledge of electrical utility equipment and services.
- Proper use and maintenance of electrical tools and equipment.
- Safety principles applied to daily work tasks.
- Assisting journey-level employees in crew environments.
- Developing physical strength, stamina, and techniques for strenuous tasks, with access to an onsite fitness center for physical ability test preparation.
- Rules and procedures for obtaining and maintaining a Washington State Class A commercial driver’s license and working safely around large vehicles and equipment.
Important Note: If you meet the minimum qualifications for the Electrical Apprenticeship program, we encourage you to apply directly to those opportunities, as this role is designed for individuals preparing to enter that next step. Overqualification for the Pre-Apprenticeship may include:- Having more than six months of electrical or construction work experience
- Completion of a lineman school program, or apprenticeship
- Possessing six months of apprenticeship experience in another setting.
Qualifications- Graduation from high school or equivalent.
- Must be 18 years old by the time of hire (July 2025)
- Valid Washington State driver’s license within 90 days of appointment with maintenance thereafter.
- Must obtain Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) within 90 days of appointment with maintenance thereafter. Tacoma Power will assist with obtaining this credential.
- Position requires heavy lifting, climbing and working from heights, climbing stairs, fast reflexes, good eyesight, bending, stretching and standing.
- Work includes both indoor and outdoor environments and is subject to adverse weather conditions. Employees may be exposed to high voltage wires, heights, hazardous materials, gases, and noise from equipment.
- Knowledge of mathematics at the algebra level.
Knowledge & Skills
An employee in this class must demonstrate ongoing progress in developing the following competencies while participating in the Pre-Apprentice training program.
Physical:
Participate in daily physical activities required of the assigned position.
Learning:
On a daily basis come to work prepared and ready to learn given assignments. Complete training assignments on time, safely, and accurately.
Motivation:
Demonstrate the desire to learn and work in the trade. Perform all assignments with a high degree of enthusiasm and encourage peers to perform at their highest level.
Adaptability:
Report to work on time and prepared. Work during day and night and in various weather conditions.
Technical:
Properly and safely operate assigned tools and equipment based upon the methods taught and demonstrated in class and in the field.
Communication:
Read and interpret study material, applicable codes, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures as they apply to field of trade. Write in clear and legible handwriting.
Professionalism:
Conduct all work and study assignments in a professional and timely manner. Learn and maintain professional skills of the trade that apply to all aspects of field of trade through continued learning, training, and work assignments.
Public Relations:
Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with co-workers, supervisors and the general public.
Selection Process & Supplemental Information
Examination Process
These positions are highly sought after and competitive, highlighting the rigorous training and rewarding career opportunities they offer. As such, the selection process is thorough and includes multiple stages and assessments spanning across up to 6 months. The timeline may vary due to factors such as budget considerations, applicant volume, or other unforeseen circumstances:- January/February - Application Review:
- Applications are screened to ensure minimum qualifications are met.
- February/March - Math Assessment:
- Selected applicants will be invited to complete a math assessment.
- March - Informational Session:
- Applicants selected to move forward will attend an in-person informational session.
- April - Panel Interview and Practical Assessments:
- Five-Person Panel Interview to evaluate qualifications, skills, and overall fit for the role.
- Multi-Station Practical and Physical Assessments to test ability to follow instructions, safety awareness, mechanical aptitude, and other key skills and measure readiness for the physical demands of the position.
Appointment is subject to passing a background check and will include a pre-employment medical examination and drug screen. Candidates must be able to pass background screening for applicable security access and maintain security clearance. This position is covered by a Labor Agreement between the City of Tacoma and IBEW Local 483.
City of Tacoma Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
At the City of Tacoma, we're on a mission to make our workforce as diverse and inclusive as the community we serve. We're committed to eliminating racial and other disparities, and we actively seek out candidates from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures. Join our team at the City of Tacoma and help us build a more vibrant, inclusive, and equitable community for all.
The City of Tacoma
The City of Tacoma is nestled along the shores of Commencement Bay in Washington State and offers many community parks, miles of beautiful waterfront, hiking & biking trails, golf courses, museums, and a world-class zoo with an aquarium. Tacoma also serves as a gateway to some of the most magnificent natural wonders in the world, such as Puget Sound, Mount Rainier National Park, and the Olympic Peninsula. Combined with the vitality of downtown, Tacoma has made it one of the most sought-after housing markets in the country. To see a few of the great things Tacoma has to offer, view this YouTube Video!
Tacoma Power
Tacoma Power is an almost 100% hydroelectric, municipally-owned public power utility, located in Tacoma. We serve approximately 170,000 customers as one of the three operating divisions of Tacoma Public Utilities, alongside Tacoma Water and Tacoma Rail. As one of the most livable, walkable cities in the country, you'll find that Tacoma is a great fit for all interests with places to bike, run, hike, and explore, the perks of a big city, and the charm of a small town.
Communication from the City of Tacoma:
We primarily communicate via email during the application process. Emails from cityoftacoma.org and/or governmentjobs.com must be placed on your safe domain list to ensure that you receive notifications in a timely manner. As a precaution, you may also want to check your junk email folders.
In order for your application materials to be considered, all information must be submitted by the closing date and time listed on this job announcement.
For assistance with the NEOGOV application process, questions regarding this job announcement, or if you are experiencing complications while applying, please contact the Human Resources office at (253) 591.5400 by 4:00 pm of the closing date of the job announcement. This will allow us to assist you before the job announcement closes.
The City of Tacoma provides excellent medical, dental and vision plans for the whole family; paid holidays and paid leave; participation in the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System (alternate plan for Police/Fire); continuing education and advancement opportunities and a growing variety of City-sponsored health and wellness opportunities and incentives.
Medical Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age26 or younger.
Dental Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age26 or younger.
Vision Coverage: For eligible employees and their eligible dependents.
Paid Leave: City employees are entitled to received paid holidays, sick/vacation leave or personal time off (PTO), depending upon union affiliation and appointment type.
Insurance Plans: Employees are covered by a long-term disability plan. Short-term and expanded long-term disability insurance plans are also available to employees. The State Industrial Insurance Act also covers employees.
Deferred Compensation: Income can be set aside on a pretax basis and invested for supplementation of normal retirement income.
Retirement: All employees of the City, except members of the Police and Fire services, Tacoma Rail and certain project employees, are included in the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System. Information on the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System can be found at www.cityoftacoma.org or by calling (253) 502-8200.
Other Employment Information
Direct Deposit: Employees are paid on a bi-weekly schedule by direct deposit.
Salary Increases: Based on satisfactory job performance, the City provides for a regular progression of salary increases for most classifications according to the salary schedule.
Union Affiliation: Many job classifications are covered by union security provisions which require union membership, dues, or payment of equivalent service fees.
Note: The provisions of this job announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained herein may be modified and/or revoked without notice.
Closing Date/Time: 1/21/2025 5:00 PM Pacific -
ABOUT THE COMPANY
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City of Tacoma
Show moreTacoma is a mid-sized urban port city that sits along the Puget Sound with a population of nearly 210,000. The third largest city in the state of Washington, it is a diverse, progressive international gateway to the Pacific Rim.
Tacoma boasts the state's highest density of art and history museums, and is home to a flourishing creative community of writers, artists, musicians, photographers, filmmakers, chefs, entrepreneurs, and small business owners who each add their unique flair to the city's vibrant commercial landscape. The iconic Tacoma Dome has endured as a high-demand venue for some of the largest names in the entertainment industry.
A magnet for families looking for affordable housing options in the Puget Sound area, Tacoma also draws those who prefer to live in a more urban downtown setting with competitively priced condos and apartments that feature panoramic mountain and water views.
Tacoma's natural beauty and proximity to the Puget Sound and Mount Rainier draws hikers, runners, bicyclists, and maritime enthusiasts to the area. Its lively social scene is infused with energy by thousands of students attending the University of Washington Tacoma, the University of Puget Sound, the Evergreen State College Tacoma campus, and Tacoma Community College, as well as a number of local trade and technical colleges. Its prime location – just 20 minutes south of the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, 30 miles north of the state capital in Olympia, and within 10 miles of the U.S. Department of Defense's premier military installation on the West Coast – only adds to Tacoma's desirability. To see a few of the great things Tacoma has to offer, view our YouTube video! -