Electrian programs

SCIT's 8 month electrician program teaches students various installation and maintenance techniques for residential, commercial and industrial electrical systems based on the national electrical code NEC. Students learn electrical wiring by working on skill building projects in multiple instructional labs. The program is designed so students spend approximately half of the time learning in the classroom and half of the time applying what they learned in the lab. As the name implies, residential electrical wiring is the wires and components that are installed in homes.

Students learn how to install wiring and electrical devices that adhere to the national electrical code NEC : the common standard used for the safe installation of electrical wiring and equipment. Students learn how to wire switches, receptacles e. Additionally, students are introduced to conduit bending with electrical metallic tubing EMT , which is the metal that encases electrical wiring; students learn about ninety degree bends, saddle bends and kicks.

Commercial wiring is similar to residential wiring, but it is often on a much larger scale to meet commercial needs. Instead of a home, imagine the electrical wiring and components necessary for steel high-rise structures that require working with higher voltages and amperage.

Students learn to install large conduit and cabling in metal framed environments in addition to electrical components that are more common in commercial settings, such as fluorescent lighting fixtures, in the Commercial Wiring Lab. Other commercial electrical applications include the installation and maintenance of elevator systems, which normally integrate electrical motors and programmable logic controllers PLC.

Electricians can be found in various industrial settings installing, troubleshooting and maintaining electrical systems.

The General Electrician program trains students on two key areas related to industrial electrical systems:. Electric motors play a vital role in many applications, including manufacturing lines, factories and elevator systems. There are various types of electric motors and control mechanisms to ensure proper operation of electric motors.

Students work on multiple electric motor control projects in the Electric Motor Lab to learn about common control devices and methods. Programmable logic controllers PLC's are popular programmable instruments used to orchestrate a process involving electrical or electromechanical inputs and outputs. For example, one application of a PLC is traffic light control; a traffic light is normally controlled by a PLC whereby the inputs to the PLC device are the induction coils installed in the pavement at the intersections and the outputs are the traffic lights themselves.

In addition to learning about traditional electrical installation applications, students are introduced to special electrical topics selected by the schools experienced electrical faculty. Through pre-apprenticeship training, an electrician school near you can give you a good start on the path to becoming a licensed journeyman. People who go into the electrical trade can benefit from good wage potential, enhanced career stability, satisfying workplace variety, highly engaging job tasks, and other advantages.

Today, one of the most common paths to becoming a licensed electrician involves a combination of formal technical schooling and hands-on apprenticeship training. That's because most states require you to have a certain amount of classroom hours and electrical work experience before you can become officially licensed or certified as an electrician.

The path to becoming a journeyman electrician can vary a bit from state to state, especially when it comes to licensing requirements.

That's why it's important to seek additional information from your state government or electrician schools in your area. That said, here are the most common steps that you'll probably need to take:. Better chances of landing a suitable apprenticeship: Electrical apprenticeship openings tend to get many applicants, so you need to be more qualified than your competition.

Finishing a short electrical technology program at a trade school shows that you have the commitment to stick with your training as well as the ability to hit the ground running as a new apprentice.

A forgiving learning environment: You may feel more comfortable practicing necessary trade skills in a school setting than under the watchful eye of an employer who's paying you to learn. School instructors often provide their students with greater freedom to make mistakes. Plus, many trade schools offer free tutoring if you need extra help learning math or other related subjects.

Greater confidence and credibility: Your trade school electrician training can help you feel self-assured as you begin an apprenticeship.

By demonstrating that you already know the basics, your trainer and co-workers may take you more seriously than if you were completely new to the field. Depending on the program, it generally takes from eight to 24 months to complete pre-apprenticeship training through an electrician school. Many electrician trade schools and technical colleges offer pre-apprenticeship electrical programs that provide a valuable head start.

Completing such a program may even count toward a future apprenticeship, allowing you to begin one at a more advanced level. Some or all of the classroom requirements may be waived. Signing up for an online electrician school is also an option for students who want to learn from a distance while preparing for their individual states' occupational requirements.

Certificate and diploma programs tend to be short and career-focused, with the curriculum focused on teaching concepts and hands-on skills directly related to the electrical trade.

Most certificate and diploma programs can be completed in under a year. Associate degree programs may offer the same type of training but also include some general education courses. They're often designed to take about two years. It still provides pre-apprenticeship training in a relatively short amount of time. You may also be able to upgrade your education to a bachelor's degree in the future, which could be useful if you ever want a management position.

In some states, you may have a better chance to apply the credits you earn through an associate degree program toward the required classroom hours of your apprenticeship. Apprenticeships involve working under the supervision of a licensed journeyman or master electrician for up to four or five years according to the OOH. So, what's better to start with: an electrician trade school or apprenticeship? Although it is possible to head straight into electrician apprenticeship jobs, many students choose to complete a post-secondary program at a technical school first.

Here's what else you should know:. Not only is the National Electrical Code an essential section of licensing examinations, but it will also be an integral part of your working life. All electrical work whether it's upgrades to existing systems or new installations is required by law to be inspected and approved by state or municipal electrical inspectors. One of the main things these inspectors need to determine is if the electrical work adheres to the National Electrical Code.

Electrician training programs offer the opportunity to develop abilities related to:. In most states, after you have successfully completed your training, you must get licensed before you can legally work unsupervised as an electrician. That generally requires passing a licensing exam after proving that you've accumulated enough hours of classroom learning and real-world work experience.

The specific requirements vary by state and municipality. That's why it's best to check with a local organization—such as the state licensing department or state fire marshal division—to determine the exact requirements and fees for your area.

In most cases, a license will only allow you to work within the specific municipality or state you took the examination. However, some interstate reciprocity agreements exist, meaning that depending on where you live, you may be able to use your license in other states. Some states have multiple levels of electrician licensing requirements including some below the journeyman level.

But in many regions, once you have successfully passed the relevant licensing examination, you will officially become a journeyman electrician. As a journeyman, you may be legally allowed to perform almost all types of electrical work. Some states restrict journeyman electricians from designing electrical systems. Being an apprentice electrician is necessary if you want to become a journeyman in this good-paying trade.

So it's worth learning how to get an electrician apprenticeship, complete your paid training, and pass your state exam if required. That said, a common first step in learning how to become an electrician apprentice is to apply with the National Electrical Contractors Association NECA —the national voice of the electrical construction industry, committed to bettering the industry through research, education, advocacy, and standards development.

NECA sponsors over joint training apprenticeship programs that can allow electrical apprentices to earn a wage while gaining industry-standard skills and knowledge. After finding your local chapter and researching its offerings, you may have the option of choosing a specialty for your apprenticeship.

No matter which chapter or specialty you choose, your electrician apprenticeship will be a multi-year undertaking, combining theoretical classroom instruction with extensive real-life experience. Most electrical apprenticeship programs include at least classroom hours and an annual minimum of 2, hours spent on-the-job. Keep in mind that, in some states, you may need to register your apprenticeship or apply for an electrician apprentice license before beginning any training on actual job sites.

Initially, your apprentice electrician job description will likely include a lot of helper duties such as holding tools, carrying materials, cleaning work sites, and performing other essential tasks directed by an electrical journeyman or master electrician.

But as your training continues, you'll be asked to do things that require more and more skill, all while being supervised. It's just one of the many rewarding aspects of becoming an electrician through this process. After becoming a licensed journeyman electrician, you may choose to advance your career and pursue the master electrician designation. You will likely need to meet additional requirements before you can take a master electrician examination within your state or municipality.

The requirements tend to differ by state. Most states require that you have several years of experience as a licensed electrician before you can take the certification exam and upgrade to master status.

However, some states will accept a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or a related field instead of years of experience. Once you have successfully passed the examination, you will be legally allowed to perform more advanced work, including the planning and design of electrical systems. You can also take on supervisory or management roles.

As a master electrician, you may also become a private electrical contractor by getting a business license and starting your own company. If you go this route, you might need to purchase a minimum amount of liability insurance. Typically, a high school diploma or its equivalent is necessary to begin electrician training.

Also, depending on the school and program you're interested in, there may also be entrance testing requirements. It's best to check with individual schools and certifying organizations in your area to determine what prerequisites are needed to enroll in an electrician program and later for certification. Expenses vary depending on the particular school and level of education you choose. According to the U. Keep in mind that many students qualify for financial aid.

The net price is the amount a student pays after subtracting financial aid from the total cost of tuition, fees, books, supplies, and other education-related expenses, including room and board if applicable.

An electrical apprentice earns about half of what a fully qualified electrician makes. Generally, as your skills and understanding of the job improve, your wages go up. You do need to learn some math and use it while on the job. They may be residential, commercial or both. Residential electricians work in homes, while commercial electricians work in larger, commercial buildings.

With special training, an electrician may also work as a line installer or repairer. These workers install and repair the power systems and telecommunication cables that run outside homes and businesses. They do most of their work outside, often high off the ground in cherry pickers or by climbing telephone poles.

Prior to finding training in the trade, you will need to have acquired a high school diploma or equivalent. Once earned, training is typically available through a local technical college or community college, and these colleges will usually have the necessary support system help you find work placement.

Although some candidates enter directly into the trade as an apprentice, a vocational training program at an electrician school many community colleges and technical colleges offer electrical technology programs is the best way to learn the skills and practical knowledge you will use on a daily basis. In addition, applying for an apprenticeship after completing a trade school or vocational school program gives you an edge over the competition and could help you find a better placement in the field.

Generally, a student on a degree program will receive a broader education, but this may not be a good choice for someone who does not enjoy the classroom. Each state or locality may have a different requirement for minimal training hours to become fully licensed in the trade.

State requirements will be determined by your local licensing board. We offer a full guide to licensure requirements here. However, in general, the length of time from the beginning of your apprenticeship to becoming a licensed journeyperson is typically about four years.

Journeyman license requirements may vary in your area. Depending on the program, you may be able to include some of the time spent in a vocational program at a community or technical college if an official apprenticeship is part of the training course. Training costs varys by the length and location of the program. More information on how much it costs.

For some colleges and some states you may be eligible for financial aid. So, how do you get started with an apprenticeship? If you know of a reputable company in your area, you may consider asking them directly if they are open to hiring an apprentice. It is also possible to inquire through a local trade union or search for openings on a reputable website like this one.

Alternatively, apprenticeships may be awarded through a community college, technical college or trade school upon completion of a training program. Working as an apprentice has a lot of advantages, be they union or non-union. For one, apprentices earn while they learn. In fact, according to payscale. This will be better for people not suited hours of classroom instruction.

Another advantage of this option is the proximity to journeypersons, master electricians and electrical contractor companies. Apprentices function as assistants to these highly skilled professionals, helping them carry tools and equipment, run electrical wires and troubleshoot problems, creating an in-depth educational experience.