What are the top 15 trade schools for electricians? This article has provided a list of the best electrician technician trade schools and other electrical career tips you need to know.
The electrical power components you see are installed by electricians, it is also their duty to install power components for communication and lighting in big and small companies including private and public homes.
The U.S. Bureau of Labour Statistics (BLS) predicts that electrician jobs will grow 8% between 2019 and 2029, this shows that jobs in this field will grow faster than other jobs between the stipulated time frame.
Job opportunities are increasing, but aspiring electricians should know that their job is risky and required quality training and they still need to develop the right skills to start and maintain a successful career. In the following sections, you will learn what you need to know to become an electrician – also we have discussed some of the best trade schools for electricians in a bid to provide you with handy information to kick-start your career in this field.
What Does an Electrician Do?
The job of electricians includes managing the electrical power systems of residential and commercial buildings. They are also bestowed with the responsibility of installing power systems for companies and homes of different sizes.
Through testing, electricians will discover spoilt power equipment and components, they must perform troubleshooting to find a fix or replace the equipment. They use tools such as pipe benders for conduits and wire strippers to complete the task.
In their work, it is the responsibility of electricians to follow safety and building regulations in accordance with the National Electrical Code to ensure that the electrical systems they are working on or building meets safety requirements.
Electricians work either alone or as part of a team. They also work with engineers, architects and clients. An experienced electrician who has mastered the job and has stayed a long time in the trade can train apprentices.
How to Become an Electrician
Electricians usually go through several years of training before entering the trade. Some electricians are trained through apprenticeships, while others attend trade schools.
Apprenticeships can last four years or more, while a taking vocational program in the field last from 1-2 years, including hands-on training. After completing any of the said programs who will be qualified to get your license and/or certification.
Also Read: Google Apprenticeship Program 2024 | Learn and get paid
Skills Needed for an Electrician’s Job
Electricians require critical skills. This career is a sensitive career one needs to have strong critical thinking and troubleshooting skills to be able to succeed in the job as you will need to identify problems and develop solutions.
Electricians also require physical abilities such as colour vision to be able to quickly tell different wires colours, endurance to work long hours, and stamina to move heavy equipment. Since electricians work closely with customers, customer service skills can also help electricians succeed.
Furthermore, the job of electricians requires them to work with clients, therefore, they need to have customer service skills to stand out.
Trade schools for electricians are designed to teach students to solve electrical problems, perform technical tasks and navigate the professional side of the electrical industry.
Should I Attend Electrician Trade School or do an Apprenticeship?
Each study path has its pros and cons, but before choosing the mode of training, you need to consider the requirements for electricians in your state or country. For example, Idaho requires an apprenticeship, but you also need to complete or participate in a training program before entering an apprenticeship. All electrician training leads to earning your first electrician’s license, which is a journeyman’s license in most states.
Reasons to Attend Electrician Trade School
- Higher-than-average salaries and growing demand for electricians make electrical school a good career investment.
- Trade schools for electricians educational institutions prepare you for practical apprenticeship training in accordance with state licensing requirements.
- Electricians can get a high return on investment after completing their programs
- It only takes six months to complete the electrician trade school before you begin your apprenticeship.
- You can apply to an online electrical school for maximum program flexibility.
Also Read: 20 Free Online Electrical Courses with Certificates in 2024
What is the Best Electrician Trade School?
You can find similar programs in electrical trade schools. To determine the best plan for you, first, consider what the program will cost and the location. It may be more beneficial to attend classes near your home. Find out if the program specializes in a certain area and what courses are required to complete it. References are essential – you can ask for them from previous students and employers who worked with graduates of the program you want to take.
Below are some of the top Trade Schools for Electrician to consider:
1. Washburn Institute of Technology
Washburn Institute of Technology is a top electrician trade school – students are provided with competitive educational opportunities through full-time and online degree programs. The training program offered by the school is designed in a way that will help students develop theoretical and practical knowledge and prepare them for many career paths in the electrical field. Students benefit from a 16:1 student-to-faculty ratio – a system that will bring about close interaction with professors.
The electrical technology certificate program is designed in a way that it can be completed flexibly. All students have access to the educational institution’s resources upon registration, and students receive personal and professional guidance.
2. Pamlico Community College
Pamlico Community College offers many in-person and online degree programs at its main campus in Grantsboro, North Carolina. Students enrolled in the Electrical Systems Technology program will be trained by a world-class faculty and the program is designed to offer a well-rounded education. With a student/staff ratio of 9:1, applicants receive individual guidance and opportunities to share experiences, such as research projects led by the faculty.
The flexible format of the program makes it beneficial to all students. In universities, 3% of the programs offer distance learning. In-person and distance students have access to campus resources, including career services and academic advising.
Also Read: 25 High Paying Trade School Degrees
3. Salina Area Technical College
Salina Area Technical College offers many in-person and online degree programs at its main campus in Kansas. The school’s programs develop theoretical and practical knowledge and prepare graduates to be useful in different career paths in the field. The electrical engineering program has a 10-1 student-staff ratio, which enables collaboration, such as faculty-led research projects.
The program is flexible and will benefit all kinds of students. All students have access to the educational institution’s resources upon registration and will have access to personal and professional guidance.
4. Central Louisiana Technical Community College
Central Louisiana Technical Community College is one of the best trade schools for electricians. The school offers a variety of learning opportunities at its main campus in Alexandria.
The college’s electrician technology certificate is designed to provide students with industry knowledge, transferable skills and learning experiences that prepare them for the demands of an electrical engineering career. Students benefit from a supportive learning community, customizable learning and a 25:1 student-teacher ratio.
Students enrolled in the program can take advantage of two enrollment options; they can study in person or online. So far, 5% of the university’s courses allow studying online. In-person and distance students are open to access the campus resources as long as they remain students of the school – they also receive career services and academic advising.
5. Altierus Career College
Altierus Career College is a trade school that offers remote and in-person electrical programs. Students enrolled in electrical engineering programs benefit from world-class faculty and comprehensive education. Students can supplement their studies with cooperative learning opportunities, such as research projects led by the faculty.
electrical technician program is flexible and participants are not restricted from accessing any form of resource provided by the campus.
6. Gateway Community College – Phoenix
GateWay Community College-Phoenix is another electrician technician school on this list. The school is a Community College offering more than 120 degrees and certificate options. It is a regionally accredited college in the Maricopa County Community College District. You can register to begin your career as an electrician
Also Read: 20 Highest Paying 4 Week Online Certificate Programs
7. Michigan State University, East Lansing
The electrical programs offered by the Michigan State University-East Lansing are top-notch. The school is one of the electrician technician schools to consider – it is located in East Lansing, Michigan. If you looking for a school that has established itself as one of the best trade schools that will give you a quality rote to your electrician career, then this is your school.
8. Red Rock Community College – Lakewood
Another top Red top electrician technician school on this list is the Red Rocks Community College -Lakewood. This school is a public community college located in Lakewood, Colorado and Arvada, Colorado. The school is recognised as a credible one as it is a member of the Colorado Community College System.
The school offers an Electrical program – a program that will give you the comprehensive knowledge to become a sort after electrician and become well-rounded.
9. Manchester Community College, Manchester
Another top electrical engineering school top academic institution on this list. Manchester Community College-Manchester is one of the best trade schools for electricians – it is a community college located in Manchester, Connecticut. This school will offer you two different top electrical programs that will usher you into your electrician career.
10. Metropolitan Community College-Omaha
Metropolitan Community College is one of the best trade schools for electricians. It is a public community college in Omaha, Nebraska. Metropolitan Community College has been meeting the educational needs of the community through its electrical programs.
The Metropolitan Community College-Omaha’s Electrical program is designed to last four years, and students are to study in two quarters per year.
11. Dallas County Community College, Dallas
Dallas County Community College District College is a top trade school that offers associate degree and vocational/technical certificate programs for electrician technicians in more than 100 other fields of study, including certificates and degrees that will take one or two years to complete. Dallas County Community College-Dallas is a top school in Texas and their degree programs can be completed online.
12. Emily Griffith Technical College
If you are looking for a top electrician trade program then you need to visit the Emily Griffith Technical College. The school is a public technical school located in downtown Denver, Colorado, United States.
The institution offers a 4-year intensive classroom training program and apprenticeship for electricians who want to work in commercial and industrial settings. This is a top trade school as they have been offering this program since the mid-50s.
The school is considered one of the electrician technician schools producing about 1,000 graduates each year, and while it takes longer than other schools, it produces some of the most sought-after and well-rounded electricians.
Also Read: 15 Best Schools In Florida For Engineering 2024
13. Lansing Community College, Lansing
Lansing Community College offers well-rounded programs for electrician technicians. This is a public community college with its main campus in Lansing, Michigan. Lansing Community College-Lansing offers more than 230 programs including an electrician-certificated program. The academic institution is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), the regional accrediting agency for higher education institutions.
14. Miami Dade College, Miami
Miami Dade College (MDC or Dade) is a school to consider if you are looking for a top school that will provide you with a good electrician technician program. The institution is a public college in Miami, Florida. Miami Dade College-Miami has 8 different college campuses, all of which are known for their role in producing qualified and sought-after electricians worldwide.
15. WyoTech Vocational Schools
WyoTech Vocational Schools is one of the best trade schools for electricians on this list. Wyotech has six suburban campuses in four states. Its certificate programs and associate degrees are designed to produce well-rounded electricians who will be competent enough for the job ahead. These programs are aimed at working adults and offer a flexible curriculum.
What to Consider in an Electrical Trade School
When choosing an electrician technician trade school, there are a lot of factors that need to be put in perspective. First, the requirements and duration of the program should be considered. How do students get practical experience? Second, check that the program meets your state’s licensing and certification requirements.
Furthermore, as a student who wants to begin a career in the electrical field, it is important that you check whether the certification you are going for is accredited.
Trade schools offering electrician technician programs are considered vocational, this implies that it is required that they are accredited by a nationally recognised body of accreditation.
Electrician Salaries and Job Opportunities
Electricians enjoy better-than-average wages and good job opportunities. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, $56,180 is the average an electrician earns. In many cities, however, the salaries of electricians are even higher than the national average.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a positive employment outlook for electricians over the next decade, with 8% growth over the next ten years.
Cities with the highest-paid electricians
| HIGHEST-PAYING CITIES FOR ELECTRICIANS IN USA | |
| LOCATION | MEDIAN SALARY |
| Los Angeles, California | $76,000 |
| New York, New York | $59,980 |
| Houston, Texas | $62,000 |
Frequently Asked Questions about Electrician Technician Trade Schools
These questions and answers regarding the trade schools for electricians is meant to provide more information about this career and other things you need to know.
Do electricians go to trade school?
A lot of top electricians attended trade schools or took vocational programs on their way to becoming the electricians they are as this is the only way to gain the training and experience required for the job. During 1-2 years, applicants learn electrical theory and at the same time strengthen their practical skills. Many electrical schools cooperate with local electricians to provide training in the form of an apprenticeship program.
How quickly can I become an electrician?
Electricians are expected to spend a good number of years taking technical education and hands-on training. It will take you 4-5 years to start and complete an apprenticeship. Also, you will invest 1-2 years in an electrician technician school and you will also take practical training.
Furthermore, for you to earn journeyman licenses you will have to satisfy work requirements.
What kind of electrician earns the best?
The highest salaries in the electrical field are earned by Licensed master electricians. Other electricians can earn more if they seek to work as project managers. The salary of electricians working in the public sector and manufacturing industries is the highest.
Also, it is important that you know that electrical engineers earn more than electricians – if you want to become an electrical engineer, then you need to earn a bachelor’s degree.
Do electricians have to be good at math?
As an electrician, you need good high school math knowledge, at least. This is important because you will be dealing with circuits, and the electrical voltage of different olms, and all of these things will depend on your mathematical understanding if you are going to familiarise yourself with them.
You will also need to know about measurement and fractions, if not, then your success in this field is at risk.
Is electrical school hard?
You need to have technical skills and be able to learn theories and class-based instruction to make it in an electrical trade school. You will receive hands-on training through laboratory sessions and practicum requirements.
