Electrical technology is a skilled trade that is experiencing huge demand in Texas and across the United States. The residential, construction and industrial sectors rely on electricians for repairs and new installations. There are opportunities to advance to positions such as estimators, project managers, supervisors, superintendents in the construction industry, inspectors, contractors, and master electricians.
Electrician schools in Houston include certificate, diploma, and degree pathways to prepare for a journeyman or master electrician license. The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) requires an apprentice to complete 8,000 hours of on-the-job experience in preparation for the journeyman exam. To obtain the master electrician license, you must first obtain at least 12,000 hours of verifiable experience.
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of electricians is expected to increase 8 percent, faster than average for all occupations, through the year 2029. Explosive population growth will demand the services of electricians to install and maintain electronic devices and the wiring of residential and commercial buildings. Electricians earn a median salary of $56,180 per year.
The Electrical Training Center JATC
The electrical programs offered by Houston JATC are sponsored jointly by Labor and Management. Through the partnership, the school is able to produce competent electricians who are up-to-date with technology, code, and safety requirements. The program will cover installations in the residential, commercial, and industrial sectors. Areas of study include Electrical Theory, Grounding, Controls, Communication Equipment, Print Reading, Testing Equipment, and The National Electrical Code. At the conclusion of the apprenticeship, JATC will provide job placement assistance.
Program overview:
Electrician Apprenticeship
Duration: 5 years
Contact hours: 8000 on the job + 180 classroom hours per year
Prerequisites:
- A valid driver’s license or state ID
- A social security card
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Official high school transcript – must indicate graduation date and one full credit of algebra
- A GED certificate with scores if the applicant did not graduate high school. Note: In this case a high school transcript is still required
- A certificate of release or discharge if a military veteran
Program cost:
The program is offered as an apprenticeship and candidates will qualify for paid on-the-job training.
Website: https://www.houstonjatc.com/
Address: 108 Covern Houston, TX 77061
Phone: (713) 649-2739
San Jacinto College
The Electrical Technology program offered by San Jacinto College helps students develop competency in residential, commercial, and industrial installations. Courses include Electrical Calculations, Electricity Principles, National Electric Code I, Residential Wiring, Commercial Wiring, Electrical Machines, Electrical Calculations, Motor Control, Electrical System Design, Industrial Wiring, Transformers and Motors, Programmable Logic Controllers, and Journeyman Electrician Exam Review, Upon completion of the program requirements, students will be eligible for entry-level employment in maintenance, marketing, estimating, and design in the residential, industrial, and commercial sectors. They will also be prepared to take the journeyman and master electrical exams.
Program overview:
Electrical Technology, Associate of Applied Science
Duration: 2 years
Credit hours: 60
Prerequisites:
- Apply to San Jacinto College through ApplyTexas – there is no cost to apply
- Send supporting documents – Records of immunization including a meningitis vaccine, official high school and college transcripts
- Submit results of the TSIA exam – required to indicate college readiness levels in math, reading, and writing. Applicants with an associate degree are exempt from placement testing
- Participate in a New Student Orientation
- Meet with an Admissions Advisor
Program cost:
Tuition costs $78 per credit for resident in-district students and $135 per credit for resident out-of-resident students. Students must purchase their own textbooks, workbooks, and supplies.
Website: https://www.sanjac.edu/program/electrical-technology
Address: 8060 Spencer Hwy., Pasadena, TX 77505
Phone: 281-998-6150
Email: Information@sjcd.edu
Houston Community College
Houston Community College’s Industrial Electricity program prepares students for employment in the electrical industry. Students will receive theoretical and hands-on training that will help them meet the industry’s demands for competent electricians. Course topics include Introduction to Electrical Safety and Tools, Basic Electrical Theory, Electrical Blueprint Reading, National Electrical Code I, Residential Wiring, Commercial Wiring, Commercial Wiring, Solar Photovoltaic Systems, Residential Fixtures and Controls, Motor Control, Electronic Applications, Electrical Planning and Estimating, Motors and Transformers, Electrical Testing and Maintenance, and Electrical Systems Design. Students must complete the required general education courses to graduate with the Associate of Applied Science degree.
Program overview:
Industrial Electricity – Electrical Technology – AAS
Duration: 2 years
Credit hours: 60
Prerequisites:
- Submit a free admission application to HCC
- Provide record of meningitis vaccine
- Take and obtain satisfactory scores on the Texas Success Initiative College Readiness Requirement
- Submit official high school and college transcripts – where applicable
- Attend a New Student Orientation
- Meet with an Admissions Advisor
Program cost:
Tuition costs $1020 per semester for resident in-district students and $2172 per semester for resident out-of-resident students (12 credits per semester). Students must purchase their own textbooks, workbooks, and supplies.
Website: https://www.hccs.edu/continuing-education/departments/apprenticeship/
Address: 3100 Main Street, Houston TX 77002
Phone: 713-718-2000
Houston School of Carpentry
The Electrical Technician program at Houston School of Carpentry covers basic technical skills and abilities that will help students succeed in the electrical industry as wire installers, trouble shooters, and electrician assistants. Course topics include Introduction to Electrician Technician, Safety, Tools and Material Handling, Electrical Theory, OSHA and EPA Regulations, Code Requirements, Conduit, Raceways, Panel Boards and Switchboards, and Job Search Techniques. Graduates will be able to apply the theoretical and practical concepts in accordance with the safe practice of standards as set forth by OSHA and the EPA.
Program overview:
Electrical Technician Program
Duration: 6 weeks (full-time) 9 weeks (part-time)
Clock hours: 180
Prerequisites:
- Complete an application form
- Attend a personal interview with an Admissions Representative
- Must be at least 17 years of age. Applicants under 18 years must provide written permission from a parent or legal guardian
- Provide proof of completing high school or GED certificate
- Applicants who have not completed high school or equivalency must obtain a passing score on the Wonderlic Basic Skills Test (Verbal 200 and Quantitative 210)
Program cost:
The program may be eligible for financial aid. Students must cover the cost of books and supplies which are not included in the tuition.
Website: https://www.housoc.org/electrical-technician-program/
Address: 3522 Polk St. Houston, TX 77003
Phone: (713) 225-1955
Email: info@housoc.com
Professional Career Training Institute
The Electrical Technician program offered by Professional Career Training Institute meets employers needs for skilled electricians in the residential, commercial, and industrial sectors. The curriculum combines theory with extensive hands-on training in the classroom and lab. Instructors will emphasize the importance of accountability in the diagnosis and repair of electrical and other fiber optic systems. PTCI offers small class sizes and extensive hands-on training to prepare graduates to receive the Electrical Apprentice License issued by TDLR.
Program overview:
Electrical Installer and Service Technician
Duration: 10 months
Credit hours: 46
Prerequisites:
- Must be at least 18 years of age – verifiable with ID
- Must have a high school diploma, GED, or high school equivalency certificate
- Must be a US citizen or eligible non-citizen
- Must have a valid driver’s license or state ID and valid social security number
- Make financial arrangements with a financial aid advisor
- Undergo a personal admissions interview with an Admissions Representative
- Submit a completed application for admission
- Complete an Enrollment Agreement upon acceptance
Program cost:
The estimated cost for tuition and fees is $15,300. Books and supplies cost an additional $200. Financial aid is available for eligible students.
Website: https://pcti.edu/electrical-installer-and-service-tech/
Address: 227 W. Airtex Blvd. Houston, TX 77090
Phone: 832-484-9100
Fax: 832-484-9102
Email: applicant@pcti.edu