Electricity powers most of the amazing innovations that are an essential part of our lives today. Electricians install electrical wires, circuitry, and fixtures needed to power our treasured devices and maintain these components once installed to ensure a constant flow of electricity. They work in residential and commercial settings. The growing popularity of alternative energy creates another niche for electricians who want to specialize in this area.
The job outlook for electricians remains positive. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment will increase by 8 percent by 2028. The increasing dependence on electrically powered devices will drive demand for these skilled tradesmen for decades to come. The industry will also need new technicians to replace technicians who reach retirement age.
Electricians work with contractors, on construction sites, in factories, the automotive industries, private residences, and just about anywhere electricity is needed to power appliances and equipment. Some electricians choose to start their own businesses for greater flexibility and earnings. Licensing in Illinois is regulated at the local level. For most municipalities, a license is granted after completing an extensive apprenticeship and a formal electrician program that includes theory and hands-on training.
Coyne College
Coyne College stands as one of Chicago’s top skilled trade institutions and offers two programs that prepare adults for a career as an electrical worker. The electrical construction and planning program is more comprehensive with a completion time of 78 weeks and leading to an Associate Degree. The electrical construction and maintenance diploma program has a shorter completion time of 42 to 56 weeks but also prepares students for entry-level employment. Students will learn through lectures and hands-on practice in electrical and electronic basics, equipment and tools, and safety. Studies include commercial wiring, programmable logic controllers, design and planning fundamentals, blueprint reading and estimating, project planning, conduit bending and installation, and fundamentals of supervision. Students must complete a general education component in their studies that will include communications, environment science, business ethics, psychology, and math. Coyne College offers day and night programs to accommodate working adults. The day program meets Monday through Thursday from 8:00 am to 12:30 pm for 78 weeks. Career preparatory courses such as mock interviews, resume writing, and externships help students secure jobs after completing the program.
Program overview:
Electrical Construction & Planning
Duration: 78 weeks
Quarter credits: 91
Prerequisites:
- Must be 17 years or older
- Be a high school graduate or have an equivalent
- Take and pass the entrance exam
- Provide proof of eligibility to work in the United States
- Submit a typed application essay on a predetermined topic
Program cost:
The cost of the program is $30,884. It includes the registration fee, CTA U-Pass Fee, tuition for 91 quarter credits, and technology fee. Books, supplies, tools, and equipment must be added to the total.
Website: https://www.coynecollege.edu/becoming-an-electrician/
Address: 1 North State Street, Suite 400, Chicago, IL 60602
Phone: 888-308-2144
Richard J. Daley
Richard J. Daley’s Electrical Construction Technology A.A.S. degree program is offered in collaboration with the Electrical Joint Apprenticeship and Training Trust (EJATT). The content includes theory and practical coursework in electrical wiring, tools and equipment, and electrical safety. Core requirements include Electrical Circuitry, Conduit Bending I, Construction Technology, Print Reading I, Motor Control Systems, HVAC Systems, Programmable Control, Technical Math, Low Voltage Systems, Electrical Power Systems, and Photovoltaic Systems. General education requirements include Composition and Technical Math. Students must achieve a minimum grade C for all courses to graduate from the program and earn an Associate degree.
Program overview:
Electrical Construction Technology AAS
Duration: 4 semesters
Credit hours: 65.5
Prerequisites:
- Must be at least 18 years old at the time of application
- Must have graduated from an accredited high school or GED
- Must have completed two semesters of high school or college algebra with a grade C or better – the official transcript is required
- Must be physically capable of performing the duties of a construction electrician
- Obtain a satisfactory drug test result
- Obtain a qualifying grade on an aptitude test prescribed by the EJATT Local Union 134
Program cost:
Tuition costs $146 per credit hour for in-district students. Books, fees, supplies, tools, and equipment must be added to the total.
Website: https://www.ccc.edu/careers/pages/electricians.aspx
Address: 7500 South Pulaski Rd Chicago, IL 60652
Phone: (773) 838-7500
Lincoln Tech
Lincoln Tech gives adults the opportunity to earn an Electrical and Electronics Systems Technology Diploma to obtain entry-level employment in the electrical trade or a Service Management Associate of Applied Science Degree for a wider scope of practice and increased earning potential. The curriculum covers high and low-voltage equipment and applications to give graduates a competitive advantage and eligibility for an Electrician license. Students will participate in practical activities incorporating the use of cable and network tools and materials, installing, troubleshooting, and servicing low-voltage electronic systems, and install, testing, and troubleshooting local area network cabling systems. Courses include Introduction to the Trades, Basic Electricity, Electric Wiring Principles, Fiber Optics, Telecommunication Systems & PLC, Fire Alarm Systems, System Integration, and Electrical Controls. Graduates may qualify for employment with Johnson Controls through their established partnership with the school.
Program overview:
Electrical and Electronic Systems Technology AAS
Duration: 48 weeks (day time) 49 weeks (evening)
Credit hours: 42
Instructional hours: 1080
Prerequisites:
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Be a high school graduate or have a state-approved high school equivalency
- Complete and sign an enrollment agreement
- Pay a deposit toward the registration fee
- Take and pass an entrance assessment exam – must obtain a Wonderlic score of 11or higher
- Attend a new student registration
Program cost:
The estimated educational cost for the Electrical and Electronic Systems Technology program is $27,672. It includes tuition, books, uniforms, tools, student fees, registration fees, and technology fees.
Website: https://www.lincolntech.edu/campus/melrose-park-il/programs/electrical
Address: 8317 W. North Avenue, Melrose Park, IL 60160
Phone: (708) 344-4700
Chicago Professional Center
The Residential and Commercial HVAC Technician/Electrician program offered by Chicago Professional Center prepares students for licensure as a Class A Electrician as well as Certification as a Type 2 and Type 3 EPA HVAC technician. The program starts with an introduction to electricity which covers basic electrical training in wiring and installation, tools and equipment, and electrical safety. Students will attend scheduled National Electrical Code Seminars in preparation for licensure. Instruction in residential and commercial heating and air conditioning forms the second part of the program and includes theory and practice in boilers and chillers. More than 40 percent of the program is committed to hands-on practice using real electrical, HVAC equipment, and computer software designed to imitate faults and problems encountered in the field. Morning class meets Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 8:30 am to 12:30. Evening classes meet Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm.
Program overview:
Residential & Commercial HVAC Technician / Electrician
Duration: 4 months
Instructional hours: 184
Prerequisites:
- Submit a completed student application
- Must provide evidence of completing high school or GED
- Applicants with no high school diploma must demonstrate the ability to benefit from the training. This can be demonstrated by attaining a score of 200 on the Verbal form and 320 for the mathematics form on the Wonderlic Basic Skills Test
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Complete the Student Enrollment Agreement
- Provide a valid photo ID card
- Submit the Public Release Form/Emergency Contact
Program cost:
The estimated cost of tuition and fees is $9,350. Books and supplies cost an additional $650.
Website: https://www.chicagoprofessionalcenter.com/
Address: 16 E. Piper Ln Ste 127, Prospect Heights, IL 60070
Phone: 847-215-8203
West Chicago Professional Center
West Chicago Professional Center’s Electrical Technician program seeks to educate students through theory and practical training to obtain basic, intermediate, and advanced competency in the electrical field. The program is categorized into three components – Beginner’s class, Intermediate class, and Advanced class. Each module runs for 4 weeks and the previous class must be completed as a prerequisite. All modules also cover classroom time and practical activities in the modern lab, equipped with computerized software designed to imitate situations that occur in the real world. The 2011 NEC rules for obtaining an Unlimited Electrician License is covered in the program. Graduates will be prepared to function in the role of a technician, pass the certification exam, and obtain employment in the field. Morning, afternoon, and evening schedules are available.
Program overview:
Electrical Technician
Duration: 3 months
Instructional hours: 150
Prerequisites:
- Submit a completed student application
- Must have a high school diploma, GED, or approval from the instructor
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Complete the Student Enrollment Agreement
- Provide a valid photo ID card
Program cost:
The estimated cost of the program is $5,450. It includes tuition, books, supplies, and lab fees.
Website: https://www.westchicagohvac.com/
Address: 245 W. Roosevelt Rd. Building 1, Unit 4, West Chicago, IL 60185 United States
Phone: 630-232-3250
CLEC Enterprises
CLEC Enterprises hosts an electrical program that is based on the Chicago Electrical Code. Ten weeks of theory and practical instruction in single-family dwellings, multi-family dwellings, and commercial buildings prepare students for licensure and entry-level employment. Experienced faculty will cover articles from the codebook and encourage students to use the code in the classroom during practical activities. Graduates will be eligible to take the supervising electrician exam. Classes meet Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
Program overview:
Electrical Technician
Duration: 12 weeks
Instructional hours: 150
Prerequisites:
- Submit a completed student application
- Must have a high school diploma, GED, or approval from the instructor
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Provide a valid photo ID card
Program cost:
The cost of tuition is $1,500. Additional costs include a notebook, pen, pencils, calculator, tools, and equipment.
Website: https://www.clecenterprises.com/classes.html
Address: 5105 Tollview Drive, Suite 270 Rolling Meadows, IL 60008
Phone: (224) 735-3081
Email: info@clecenterprises.com
College of Lake County
The Electrical Electronic Technician program offered by the College of Lake County prepares students to work in research, communications, instrumentation, field service, and service laboratories. The program leads to a Certificate or an Associate in Applied Science degree. Course topics include Electronics Laboratory Techniques, DC Circuit Fundamentals, AC Fundamentals, Introduction to Digital Electronics, Introduction to AutoCAD, Solid State Electronics, Circuit Analysis and Network Theorems, Introduction to Renewable Energy Sources, Electronic Communications Systems, Microprocessors I, College Algebra or Precalculus, Practical Aspects of Physics or General Physics I. Graduates will be prepared for state licensure as an Electrician.
Program overview:
Electrical Electronic Technician (Certificate or AAS degree)
Duration: 3 semesters
Credit hours: 35 (certificate) 66-70 (AAS)
Prerequisites:
- Submit a completed application for admission
- A high school diploma or GED
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Provide a valid photo ID card
Program cost:
The cost of tuition is $125 per credit for in-district students. Expenses for books, supplies, and equipment are not included in the cost.
Website: https://www.clcillinois.edu/programs/eet
Address: 19351 West Washington Street, Grayslake, IL 60030-1198
Phone: (847) 543-2000