Electrician training includes a variety of educational programs ranging from on-the-job apprenticeships to four-year bachelor’s degrees. Each type of electrician school offers distinct advantages for future electricians, so choosing the right education varies from person to person.
Understanding the types of training available can help you make the most beneficial choice for your career. In this article, we will describe what an electrical school is, what you might learn in one of the programs, and how to attend an electrical school.
What is an electrical school?
An electrician school is usually a trade school – also known as a vocational college or technical school” – where you learn how to become an electrician. Training for electricians at a trade school may include understanding building codes, electrical safety, and wiring and cabling. Electricians can last anywhere from a few months to four years for a bachelor’s degree.
For most electricians, school is part of the process of becoming an electrician, which usually also includes an apprenticeship. Working as an electrician doesn’t require a lot of studies, but the right course can help you get acclimated to the workplace more quickly.
What do you study in electrician school?
Because there are a variety of educational programs available to prospective electricians, there are a variety of subjects taught in these programs. For certificate programs that take a year or less to complete, students will learn about
- Wiring
- National Electrical Code
- Electrical safety
- Electrical power distribution
- Industrial Controls
The next option in electrical engineering school is an associate degree, which usually takes two years to complete. In an associate degree program, students will learn all of the above.
- Accident Prevention
- Electrical theory
- Electrical Inspection
- Transformer
- Lighting
- Electrical Contracting
- Project Management
Finally, in the Bachelor of Electrical Engineering, you will learn a combination of practical electrical skills and theoretical information, more like what an electrical engineer might learn. Many courses also include information related to technology if it is relevant to understanding electrical equipment. Some of the skills and courses in this type of degree include：
- Codes and policies
- mathematics
- Digital electronics
- Electrical Trends
- Electrical Theory
- Linear and Integrated Circuits
- Solid State Drives
A bachelor’s degree is not usually required to become an electrician, but it is also useful for those who want to be flexible with technology.
Types of Electrician Training and Degrees
The following are the four main types of electrician training and degrees.
Apprenticeship
An apprenticeship is a necessary part of becoming an electrician, with or without education. During an apprenticeship, you may be required to take some courses through the organization that placed your apprentice, but generally you will complete your job training in four to five years.
Certificates
A trade school certificate is the shortest education program for electricians, lasting anywhere from a few months to a year. One advantage of a certificate program is that your school may place you in an apprenticeship program. In addition, receiving some electrical education can make the apprenticeship process more efficient and productive.
Associate’s Degree
An associate’s degree will provide a more in-depth understanding of electrical concepts, and you can often apply for credits from your associate’s degree toward your bachelor’s degree if you want to continue your education. Aspiring electricians with an associate’s degree will still need to complete an apprenticeship, but receiving classroom training can help them succeed in the position.
Bachelor’s Degree
A bachelor’s degree is the most time-consuming option for aspiring electricians, as it takes about four years, but it also provides greater flexibility to enter other related fields. Since bachelor’s degree programs are typically in electrical technology, students will learn about a wide variety of products and systems that are transferable to other fields such as engineering.
Military Training
Another way to obtain an electrical education is to join the military. Soldiers need specialized job training after their basic training, and many branches of the military have used electricians. After active duty, military-trained engineers may have an easier time finding jobs.
How much does the electrician school cost?
Since there are several types of electrician schools and each takes a different amount of time, the potential cost of electrician schools ranges widely. Location and the educational institution also affect the overall cost.
For a certificate program or associate’s degree, the cost can range from $1,000 to $12,000. For a bachelor’s degree, costs start around a few thousand dollars and can reach hundreds of thousands of dollars, depending on the university. For certificate, associate’s and bachelor’s degree programs, many trade schools and colleges offer scholarships and financial aid to make attending easier.
While apprentices usually receive a salary, they may also need to pay about $1,000 or less per year.
Are there additional costs to become an electrician?
The additional cost of becoming an electrician can range from $250 to $10,000, depending on your path. For example, you may need to purchase certain types of equipment or tools, or you may need to pay for lodging while you complete your studies. In other cases, you may need to pay to take a licensing exam, which usually costs less than $100 but may vary by location.
How to get into electrician school？
This is the process of qualifying, selecting and completing electrical school.
1. Complete your high school or GED
Whether you are going straight into an apprenticeship or plan to complete further education, you will need a high school diploma or GED. In high school, taking math, science, store, and computer-aided drafting (CAD) classes can help you learn skills useful to electricians. Some technical high schools allow students to learn a trade while completing a high school diploma, which is a good option for those who want to start working sooner.
2. Decide between school or apprenticeship
There are pros and cons to choosing a school or apprenticeship, so the choice is up to you. Some people want to start working right away, so they begin an apprenticeship right out of high school, while others may prefer to get some formal education before entering the field. However, every electrician needs to be an apprentice, so even if you decide to go to school, you will still get the necessary on-the-job training.
3. The process required to apply
Once you have determined how you want to learn electrician skills, you should apply for these programs. For example, you can apply to organizations that set up apprenticeships or apply to universities. If you have the resources to apply to more than one option, doing so may be an effective way to increase your chances of being accepted. If you need financial aid, make sure you apply to a school that offers financial aid.
4. Choose a training program
Once you have been accepted, you should decide which one best suits your needs. It can help to research each program online and talk to current apprentices or students to get their input. For example, they can tell you about the programs they work on, the skills they are developing, and the courses they are taking so you will know if the training or education program is right for you.
5. Complete all educational requirements
The educational requirements for an electrical program will vary depending on the type of education you are pursuing, but it is important to keep these requirements in mind as you complete the program. Be sure to complete all required courses and training or lab time so that you can begin seeking further training or employment after graduation.
If you have completed a degree program, the next step is to look for a placement in an apprenticeship program. If you have just completed your apprenticeship, you should be licensed so you can become a traveling electrician and continue your career.
Professional Electrician Tools
If you are ready to return to work after a workplace accident, excellent electrical tools are your best bet. Knoweasy tools are professional electrician tools that can meet the various needs of electricians when working and effectively improve the efficiency and safety of their work.