What Is It Known For?
Puget Sound Electrical, founded in the 1940s, is a non-profit organization that trains future electricians. It’s not part of a larger college network but operates three training centers in Renton, Sequim, and Bremerton. The school moved to Renton in 2001, making it their first permanent location. With 1,000 apprentices currently enrolled, it’s the fifth-largest electrical apprenticeship program in the United States.
What sets Puget Sound Electrical apart is its focus on hands-on training. The instructors bring real-world experience to the classroom, helping students learn practical skills. This approach has made the school a go-to choice for those looking to start a career in the electrical industry. The program’s success is evident in its growth and reputation over the years.
Degrees & Certifications
Puget Sound Electrical offers three distinct electrical career paths, each focusing on a different industry area. Students can pick the program that best fits their interests and career goals.
The options include:
- Inside Wire: This program covers basic electrical installations and new Green Energy technologies.
- Limited Energy: Students learn about electrical systems that use lower voltage.
- Residential Wire Program: This focuses on electrical work for single-family homes and multi-family housing up to three stories.
Class Schedules
Puget Sound Electrical offers night classes, allowing apprentices to work during the day and attend school in the evening. This setup helps students gain practical experience while learning. The school doesn’t provide online classes because apprentices need hands-on training at job sites to earn their paid on-the-job training hours.
Is It Legit?
Yes, Puget Sound Electrical appears to be a legitimate trade school. While we couldn’t confirm its accreditation status, the school partners with well-known organizations in the electrical industry. These include:
- The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW)
- The National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA)
For the most up-to-date information about accreditation, it’s best to contact the school directly.
Acceptance Rate
The school doesn’t publicly share its acceptance rate. However, Puget Sound Electrical has specific requirements for each program.
To get accurate information about your chances of admission and the criteria for each course, reach out to the school’s admissions office directly.
How Much Does Tuition Cost?
IBEW Local 46 members attend tuition-free, which is a great benefit. For non-members, there are costs for books and classes, but the exact amount isn’t publicly listed. The school divides these costs into two payments per year. For precise information about tuition and other expenses, we recommend contacting the school directly.
Programs & Courses
Business
- Business Overview
Criminal Justice & Law
- Criminal Justice
- Public Safety
- Social Work
Healthcare
- Dental Assisting
- EMS
- Medical Assisting
Professional Services
- Baking
- Culinary Arts
- Graphic Design
Skilled Trades
- Automotive Services
- Construction
- Fire
- Welding
Technology
- Video Game Development
Campus Locations
Campus City Campus Address
Reviews
Based on local Google reviews, the Puget Sound Electrical JATC (PSEJATC) provides high-quality trade training by dedicated instructors, but the overall experience is significantly hampered by academic material issues and a highly competitive, inflexible application process that frustrates otherwise qualified applicants.
Overall Score: 4.3/5 Stars
Common Praises
High-Quality, Hands-on Training: The electrical training itself is frequently described as “second to none” and some of the “best training” reviewers have ever received. The program provides a solid career foundation.
Dedicated Instructors: Many reviewers praise the instructors for trying “very hard to teach their students” and, in some cases, going “above and beyond to better the program.”
Helpful Front Office Staff: The staff in the main office are specifically mentioned as being “always helpful and knowledgeable,” contrasting with complaints about higher administration.
Positive Learning Environment: The school is called a “great school” and a “fun place to go to school” by current or former students, indicating a good day-to-day atmosphere.
Common Criticisms
Outdated Academic Materials and Errors: This is a persistent and detailed complaint. Reviewers note that a good amount of the books are outdated and that homework and test materials contain wrong answers and even spelling errors. Students complain that these issues are pointed out but are “NEVER fix[ed]” by the administration.
Frustrating and Inflexible Application Process: Applicants express deep frustration over the competitive nature and rigid requirements. One applicant with relevant experience (e.g., Navy Reserves Construction Electrician) was disqualified for lacking “6 months of algebra”—a core requirement for the Inside Wireman program (one full year of high school algebra with a ‘C’ or better is required). This suggests a strong adherence to specific academic prerequisites, even for experienced candidates.
Rude or Unresponsive Higher Administration: While the front-line staff is praised, a general complaint about “Rude employees” is present, which other detailed reviews suggest is directed at the “administers/board side,” indicating a lack of responsiveness to student feedback regarding academic issues.
Momentum
Reviews are highly polarized, but the recent (within the last year) 5-star reviews confirm that the training is still great and the school remains an appealing option. However, the most detailed and concerning complaints regarding outdated, error-filled academic materials are also present in the recent feedback, indicating these are systemic issues that have not been fixed despite years of student complaints.