Working at the PUD

Learn and earn in a Chelan County PUD apprenticeship!

Just out of school and job hunting? Feeling stuck in an industry that doesn’t offer pay and benefits that support a family? Looking to put your hard-earned experience to work in a challenging position that leads to a great career?

Chelan County Public Utility District invites you to consider applying for one of the eight apprenticeship programs it offers. Apprenticeships are a door to a challenging career that offers good pay and benefits and the satisfaction of working for a public utility owned by the people we serve. 

An apprenticeship is a supervised program for learning highly technical skills through a combination of on-the-job training and classroom education. At Chelan County Public Utility District, apprentices are an important part of a highly skilled team.

Apprentice training standards are approved by the State of Washington and are carefully overseen by the District’s Apprenticeship Committee, which consists of members from the different crafts and management.

Those who complete an apprenticeship program are given certificates proving their qualifications as highly skilled journey-level workers in their trade. All of our apprentices are required to join the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers union.

Each of these programs except the Electric Utility Technician include three years of on-the-job training and at least 432 hours of academic training. The Electric Utility Technician includes four years of on-the-job training and at least 576 hours of academic training.

If you are at least 18 years of age, a high school graduate or certified equivalent, looking for a challenge and have the right set of skills and abilities, you could be eligible for one of Chelan County Public Utility District's apprenticeship programs. Apprenticeships, when available, are announced under Job Opportunities.

During on-the-job training, you will work as a member of a crew in the craft of your apprenticeship under the direct supervision of a journey-level worker. Assignments will be rotated to give you an overall perspective of Chelan County Public Utility District’s operations.

In addition to on-the-job training, you will be required to attend a minimum of 144 hours of classroom instruction annually. Classroom instruction starts in September and ends in April. Class time is after normal work hours and/or on Saturdays. Homework assignments will require additional study. Class work and homework will be done on your own time.

Graduates of the program can look forward to:

• Excellent salaries
• A full spectrum of benefits including medical, dental and retirement
• Challenging, steady work
• Opportunities for growth and advancement

We are dedicated to increasing the number of women and minorities in our apprenticeships and, at the same time, providing equal opportunity for all qualified applicants.