If you’re considering a trade career for fast entry to the workforce, training for a career as an electrician is an excellent option. Electricians make a decent living. Entry does not require a 4-year degree. Furthermore, there are apprenticeship opportunities across Texas and other states, so you can acquire the knowledge and skills without spending a fortune. Electrician programs in Fort Worth culminate with a certificate or diploma that requires 3 to 6 months for completion. This means you can be on your way to an exciting new career before you know it. There are options to earn an associate degree if you prefer advanced training and plan to continue your studies in the field. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, electrics earned a median pay of $60,240 per year in 2022. Employment for electricians is projected to increase 6% from 2022 through 2032.
Dallas College
Dallas College hosts a 2-year degree program for aspiring electrical technicians. The degree program will cover all aspects of the profession as it relates to the construction sector. Students will gain the necessary skills to qualify for opportunities in the residential and commercial sectors. The program’s content will be delivered in a hybrid format with online theory and in-person sessions to develop practical skills. The program requires completion of specific classes at local employer facilities. Areas of study include introduction to computers, electrical construction, science courses, arts electives in humanities and fine arts, communication techniques, composition, and social sciences. There will be classes especially geared to support the development of soft skills like problem-solving, critical thinking, organization, management, and making decisions. Graduates will be eligible for employment as a Journeyman Electrician. The program is delivered in an evening or weekend schedule.
Program overview:
Electrical Construction – AAS
Duration: 24 months
Semester credit hours: 60
Prerequisites:
- Must apply for admission to Dallas College online
- Schedule and attend an advising session
- Must satisfy TSI requirements before admission to the program
- Must schedule and attend a program information session
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Must have a high school diploma or GED – diploma or transcripts required
- Must be eligible for work in the US
- Must submit social security card and state ID
Program cost:
Residents of Dallas county can expect to pay $4,740 for tuition. The cost does not include costs for books, supplies, travel, and fees.
- Website: https://www.dallascollege.edu/pages/default.aspx
- Address: 3737 Motley Drive, Mesquite TX 75150
- Phone: 972-860-7100
Northwest Lineman College
The Electrical Lineworker Program offered by NLC is an excellent way to train for immediate employment in the construction sector while laying the groundwork for continued study. The short-term program covers the basics of electrical wiring, safety and national cost. Students will learn electrical grid, rigging, behavior assessment, transmission competencies, working on lines and equipment, transformers, groundsman competencies, career planning, CPR certification, climbing competencies, equipment competencies, commercial learner’s permit, pole-top rescue certification, aerial-lift rescue certification, OSHA 10-hour certification, metering certification, digger derrick safety, and career success. Students will meet Monday through Thursday during the daytime for in-person classes and field training.
Program overview:
Electrical Lineworker Program
Duration: 15 weeks
Clock hours: 480
Prerequisites:
- Must be 18 years or older at the program start date
- Must be a high school graduate or equivalent
- Must have a driver’s license – students will need to secure a Class A commercial driver’s license (CDL) either before or during the program
- Must be in good physical and mental health – submit the official Medical Release form with the application
- Must have and maintain medical insurance throughout the program
- Must be able to obtain a clear background check
- Must be within the published weight limit to utilize fall protection equipment
- Must apply for admission to the program
- Must have a computer and stable internet connection
- Must complete all the enrollment documents
- Must pay all required fees before the program start
Program cost:
The cost of tuition and fees is $15,950. Students must also budget for the required equipment, uniforms, and a commercial learner’s permit.
- Website: https://lineman.edu/
- Address: 5110 Dakota Ln, Denton, TX 76207
- Phone: 800-338-8875
North Central Texas College
The electrical technician program at North Central Texas College leads to a Level I Certificate and prepares students for entry level employment. The program will cover motor controls, National Electrical Code, and wiring techniques to give students the skulls to start a career as an apprentice electrician after graduation. The program is an Approved Electrician Apprenticeship Program with the Texas Department of License and Regulation. The content is delivered through a combination of online, hybrid, and in-person classes. Course topics include fundamentals of electricity, motors and transformers, motor control, programmable logic controllers, and national electrical code. Students must pass an exam and lab with a score of 70% or higher to graduate from the program. The duration of the 15-credit program is one semester. Graduates will be able to apply basic electrical theory in residential, commercial, and industrial settings.
Program overview:
Electrical Technician Level I Certificate
Duration: 1 semester
Credit hours: 15
Prerequisites:
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Must have a high school diploma or GED – official transcript required
- Submit an application for admission through ApplyTexas
- Must complete TSI requirements or meet requirements for exemption
- Must submit required health inoculations and records
- Must enroll in the First-Year Experience course
- Must pass a criminal background check and drug screen
Program cost:
In-district tuition and fees cost $105 per credit hour. In-state tuition costs $195 and out-of-state tuition is $300. Expenses for books and supplies must be added to the total cost of attendance.
- Website: https://www.nctc.edu/
- Address: 316 E. Hickory St. Denton, TX 76201
- Phone: (940) 668-7731
Tarrant County College
The Electrical Line Technician program at Tarrant County College prepares students to install and repair electrical power systems and telecommunications cables. They will learn how to install and test electric lines, climb poles or use bucket lifts to access electrical lines and equipment, adhere to safety practices and procedures, and inspect equipment. The AAS degree requires the completion of 60 credit hours of core and general education coursework. Course topics include orientation and line skill fundamentals, climbing skills, live line safety, technical calculations, distribution operations, basic electricity for HVAC, OSHA regulations for the Construction Industry, transformer connections, underground distribution systems, troubleshooting distribution systems, and introduction to physical fitness and wellness. Students will also complete electives and GE courses to complete the requirements for the AAS degree.
Program overview:
Electrical Line Technician AAS
Duration: 4 semesters
Credit hours: 60
Prerequisites:
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Must submit official high school transcripts or GED
- Apply for admission to TCC online
- Must complete TSI requirements
- Must submit record of immunizations
- Must pass a criminal background check and drug screen
Program cost:
Tuition and fees total $3,840 for in-county students. Additional costs for books and supplies must be covered by the student.
- Website: https://www.tccd.edu/
- Address: 5301 Campus Drive, Fort Worth, TX 76119
- Phone: 817-515-8223