The wireless internet connection, ventilation, cell phone, and refrigerator all have one thing in common – they rely on an electric source to keep them going. Our appliances and gadgets are very much a part of our lives, but we rarely give thought to what keeps them running until the power goes outs. Electricians have a prominent place in our communities. When the power goes out, an appliance needs repairs, or there’s a need to install the electrical system in a new building, an electrician comes immediately to mind. They maintain massive equipment in industrial settings and install alternative sources of power when we need them. It is safe to say that life as we know it would take a radical turn if we couldn’t access the services of an electrician.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that jobs for electricians will increase 8 percent from 2019 to 2029. The figure translates to an addition of approximately 62,000 new jobs. Choosing this career path may be a wise decision if you’re excited by the idea of making a decent living without having to pursue a college degree. Electrician classes emphasize hands-on training with some theoretical training that covers electrical code, safety, and use of the equipment and tools. They are affordable so there’s little chance that you’ll have to repay thousands of dollars of student loans after you graduate. The best part is that through internship and paid apprenticeships, you might even have the opportunity to earn while you study.
Gateway Community College – Washington Campus
The Certificate of Completion (CCL) in Construction Trades: Electricity program offered by Gateway Community College provides students with knowledge and skills in the electrical building trade. They will learn to use tools, circuitry installation, reading blueprints, and a basic understanding of electronics and electronic devices. There are two tracks available. One through the Phoenix Electrical Joint Apprenticeship and the other through Arizona Builders’ Alliance Apprenticeship. Courses include Construction Electricity, Introduction to National Electrical Code, National Electric Code, and Advanced Construction Electricity. Admission to the program is only available through the Phoenix Electrical Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee or the Arizona Builders’ Alliance apprenticeship selection process.
Program overview:
Certificate of Completion (CCL) in Construction Trades: Electricity
Duration: 15 months
Credit hours: 30-60
Prerequisites:
- Submit a completed application for admission to Gateway
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Provide a copy of state or government-issued photo ID
- Secure admission to the program by meeting the requirements of the apprenticeship selection process
Program cost:
The cost of the program is $5,310. The cost does not include books, supplies, and other fees.
Website: https://www.gatewaycc.edu/electrician
Address: 108 North 40th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034
Phone: (602) 286-8000
Refrigeration School, Inc.
The electrician program at Refrigeration School trains students for employment as construction and maintenance electricians. Students learn how to install and maintain electrical equipment for residential and commercial structures, read blueprints, and create job estimates. Areas of study include safety processes in the handling of electrical systems, foundation for control circuit, single phase and three-phase motors, test meters and their proper use, National Electrical Code, basic techniques of residential wiring, and commercial wiring, cost estimating, blueprint reading, and conduit manipulation. The courses are offered in sequence and students must pass each course before progressing to the next. The hands-on curriculum includes numerous opportunities for real-world training.
Program overview:
Electrical Technologies Training Program
Duration: 3 months
Contact hours: 300
Credit hours: 12
Prerequisites:
- Complete a consultation with an Admissions Representative
- Visit the hands-on class and lab
- Submit a completed application for admission
- Schedule and attend an appointment with a Tuition Planner
- Must be at least 18 years of age
Program cost:
The total program cost of $7,970 includes tuition, registration fee, course materials, gear package, textbooks, and accident insurance.
Website: https://www.rsi.edu/programs/electrical-technologies/
Address: 4210 East Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ, 85034
Phone: (866) 820-0823
Electrical League of Arizona
The electrical program at Electrical League of Arizona is offered in partnership with Gateway Community College. The Residential Wiring Certificate covers fundamental electrical knowledge and skills in residential applications. Students will learn how to use electrical tools, theories and concepts of electricity and electronics, applied calculations, residential wiring and codes. Students will be prepared to enter the Commercial Wiring Certificate program, which builds on students’ knowledge of residential applications to provide greater depth on skills. The Commercial Wiring course covers Solid State Fundamentals, Applied Electrical Codes II, Electric Motor Controls, and Commercial Electrical Wiring & Codes. The Certificate of Completion will be awarded to students who can then advance to the Industrial Wiring Certificate. The Certificate of Completion in Electrical Technology provides students with a broadened educational background and leadership skills in facilities management.
Program overview:
Electrical Technologies Certificate of Completion
Duration: 12 months
Credit hours: 39
Prerequisites:
- Submit a completed application for admission
- Must be at least 18 years of age
Program cost:
The registration fee for each segment is $30. Textbooks and supplies are not included.
Website: http://www.electricleagueofarizona.org/electrical.html
Address: 2702 N. 3rd Street, Suite 2020, Phoenix, AZ 85004
Phone: 602-263-9391
Email: info@elaz.org
National Technical Institute (NTI)
The Entry Level Electrical Technician program at NTI is specially designed for persons with no electrical or maintenance experience. It will cover the foundational skills required for employment in the field. The curriculum covers 192 clock hours of theory in the classroom and hands-on training in the school’s industry-standard practice labs. Students will learn to install and service systems in residential and light commercial settings while following all safety and electrical code requirements. Topics covered include industry careers, electrical mathematics, tools, wiring, theory, and green technology. Each of the program’s 14 courses covers specific objectives and outcomes. Instructors will provide a supportive environment for learning. Approximately 50 percent of the time will cover hands-on learning in the state-of-the-art electrical lab. Classes meet four times a week. Morning and evening schedules are available.
Program overview:
Entry Level Electrical Technician
Duration: 3 months
Contact hours: 192
Prerequisites:
- Submit a completed application for admission online
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Provide proof of high school graduation or equivalent
- Provide documentation of previous education
- Sign the Enrollment Agreement
- Make the first tuition payment
Program cost:
A flexible payment plan is available for all students.
Website: https://www.ntiphoenix.com/
Address: 3660 E Wier Ave. Phoenix, AZ 85040
Phone: 480-374-5729
Carrington College
The Electrical Technology program at Carrington College provides knowledge and skills that adults need for employment in electrical and related trades. Course topics include OSHA Standards for the Construction Industry, Electrical Conduit Bending, Blueprint Reading for Electricians, Technical Math and Electric Circuits, Commercial Wiring, Industrial Wiring, Residential Wiring, and Programmable Logic Controllers/Industrial Electronics. Graduates will receive a Certificate of Achievement in Electrical Technology and will be able to install, maintain, and repair electrical equipment and systems in a safe and professional manner.
Program overview:
Electrical Technology (ET) Program
Duration: 10 months
Credit hours: 40
Contact hours: 720
Prerequisites:
- Submit a completed application for admission online
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Provide proof of high school graduation or equivalent
- Take and pass the Wonderlic Scholastic Level Exam with a minimum score of 13
- Must not have been convicted of a felony
- Must have a valid driver’s license
Program cost:
The program cost of $19,514 includes tuition, books, supplies, and fees.
Website: https://carrington.edu/program/electrical-technology/
Address: 2149 W Dunlap Ave, Ste 103, Phoenix, AZ 85021
Phone: (602) 427-0722