The Washington State Controls Specialist Apprenticeship program develops professional expertise in the application, programming and management of building controls and automation systems.
The Controls Technology industry, like many others, is facing a severe shortage of highly-skilled employees. This high-demand, high-tech industry needs a “talent river” that benefits both employers and organized trades that build, operate, maintain and/or optimize the built environment.
The youth and adult programs provide career pathways into facility operations, engineering and controls contracting occupations.
Why choose Apprenticeship?
Apprenticeship combines classroom studies with on-the-job training supervised by a journey-level trade professional. Much like a college education, it takes a few years to graduate. But unlike college, as an apprentice you will earn while you learn.
Apprentices gain valuable business, job and leadership skills. You graduate as an experienced, journey-level professional with a state-issued, nationally-recognized industry credential, eligible to earn the same top wages as other professionals in your field.
And the extra added bonus: No student loans to pay off.
Career Pathways
Workers in these occupations must have an understanding of the underlying mechanical systems, controls systems and low-voltage electrical circuits, motors, and pumps which control the daily operations of an automated building.
There are two Washington state Registered Apprenticeships that prepare you to enter this high-pay profession:
Associate Controls Specialist Apprenticeship (ID #2175)
Participants in this 8000-hour (4 Year) program must be 18 years of age and possess a high school diploma or equivalent or be enrolled in an equivalent credit recovery program. For a more detailed description, review this document Associate Controls Specialist Candidate Overview (PDF)
Controls Programmer Apprenticeship (ID #2178)
To enter this 2000-hour youth program, particpants must be 16 years of age and enrolled in a high school or equivalent credit recovery program within the applicant’s school district. Important note: Exceptions may apply. For more details review this document Controls Programmer Apprentice Candidate Overview (PDF).
All applicants must be able to meet the requirements of the occupation, with or without reasonable accommodations.
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Washington State Controls Specialist Apprenticeship Committee
