It is a great time to enroll in an electrician program and start an exciting career as a tradesperson. An electrician’s role is extremely technical and requires skills and diligence. Residential and commercial customers understand the dangers of electricity and rely on trained professionals to conduct installations, maintenance work, and repairs. Apart from attending to the needs of established buildings, electricals have a major part at new construction sites. There they work alongside other construction professionals who are also in demand.
In the construction trades, salaries for electricians are ranked the highest. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median pay for electricians in 2020 was $56,900 per year. Experienced electricians earn much more. The job outlook is also better for electricians. The projected increase of 8% is faster than the average of all occupations and translates to 62,200 new jobs added between 2019 and 2029. Electrician schools provide the specialized training you need to enter this in-demand field. At the conclusion of the training, you can work towards a journeyman license then take the next step, which is a master electrician to design and install wiring systems.
Lamson Institute for Business & Technology
Lamson’s Electrician program prepares students for entry-level employment in the electrical industry. Theory and hands-on training will include wiring installation, electrical code, conduit bending, manual and electric industrial controls, and motors and transformer systems. There are five course modules: Introduction to Electrical Theory; Intro to National Electrical Code and Blue Print Reading; Basic Residential Wiring Methods I; Basic Residential Wiring Methods II, Basic Commercial Wiring Methods I, Intermediate Commercial II & Basic Industrial Methods. The curriculum covers 360 hours theory and 360 hours lab. Graduates will be prepared for employment in residential and industrial maintenance environments and can test for the Electrical Trainee (ET) Certification. Day classes meet from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm Monday through Thursday. Evening classes meet Monday through Thursday from 5:45pm to 10:45 pm.
Program overview:
Electrical Technician
Duration: 30 weeks
Clock hours: 720 instructional hours and 180 outside prep hours
Credit hours: 30
Prerequisites:
- Submit documents to demonstrate completion of high school or equivalent – a high school diploma, high school transcript, GED certificate, GED transcript, a transcript from an accredited institution indicating completion of an associate’s degree, enrollment in a bachelor’s degree program, or completion of at least 60 semester or trimester credit hours or 72 quarter credit hours
- Attend an interview with an admission’s representative
- Attend a campus tour
- Show a valid social security card or government issued ID
- Attend a financial aid interview
- Pay the registration fee of $40
- Take the Wonderlic Scholastic Level Exam and achieve the minimum acceptable score of 12 for all programs
Program cost:
Tuition, books, supplies, uniforms, and registration fee cost $15,360.
Website: https://lamsoninstitute.com/
Address: 5819 NW Loop 410, Suite 160, San Antonio, Texas 78238
Phone: 210-465-1794
South Texas Electrical Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee
The electrical training at SOTC JATC takes the form of an apprenticeship. The training includes extensive training in the classroom combined with 8,000 hour of field electrical training. At the conclusion of the nationally recognized curriculum, apprentices must pass the electrician’s licensing exam and obtain the Journeyman’s License or equivalent. College credit is also available. The apprenticeship requires a commitment of five years. Classes meet every other week for 9 hours. Apprentices receive wages while enrollment in the program. Healthcare and pension benefits are also offered.
Program overview:
Electrical Technician Apprenticeship
Duration: 5 years
Clock hours: 8000+
Credit hours: N/A
Prerequisites:
- Must have at least 17 years to apply and 18 years to participate
- Must have a valid driver’s license
- Submit a certified copy of a birth certificate
- Submit an official copy of a high school transcript – must indicate successful completion of Algebra I and High School Graduation
- A certificate or diploma showing GED or equivalency where high school diploma is not available
- Submit the application fee of $27.50 payable online or by check or money order
Program cost:
The annual registration fee is $750 to $850 due on August 31st of each school year. There are no additional costs for tuition, books, materials, and licenses.
Website: https://sotxjatc.org/
Address: 2503 Blanco Rd, San Antonio, TX 78212
Phone: 210.225.8900
Email: info@sotxjatc.org
Southern Career Institute
Southern Career Institute prepares adults for employment as wiring installers, residential or commercial electricians, and more. The program includes hands-on instruction in installation, operation, maintenance, and repair of electrical systems in residential and commercial settings. Course titles are trade safety, construction basics, introduction to electrical theory, fundamentals and concepts of wiring, conductors, residential wiring, commercial wiring, lighting systems, electrical components, electrical applications, motors and controls, electrical equipment, electrical distributions, specialized installations, and maintenance and troubleshooting. Graduates will qualify for on-the-job training hours towards Texas state licensing. SCI offers convenient day and evening classes to fit working or busy lifestyles. Day classes meet from 8:00 am to 1:40 pm. Evening classes meet from 6:00 pm to 11:20 pm.
Program overview:
Electrical Technician
Duration: 27 weeks
Clock hours: 720 instructional hours
Quarter credit hours: 49.5
Prerequisites:
- Interview with an Admissions Representative
- Tour the campus
- Submit unofficial proof of high school graduation or GED – official proof must be supplied within 21 days of starting school
- Compete the SCI enrollment agreement
- Must complete and pass a background check
- Must be able to read, write and speak English
- Submit a completed application for admission
Program cost:
Tuition for the program is $13,360. The required toolkit costs an additional $260.
Website: https://scitexas.edu/
Address: 6963 Northwest Loop 410, San Antonio, TX 78238
Phone: 1.833.SCI.TEXAS
St Philip’s College Southwest Campus
The Electrician program at SPC prepares students to create, maintain, and repair electronic components used in electrical devices. The certificate program covers technical math and blueprint reading. AC fundamentals, DC/AC motor control, electromechanical devices, and DC fundamentals. Students will learn in the classroom and through practical experiences in lab and apprenticeships.
Program overview:
Entry Level Technician – Certificate
Duration: 1 semester
Credit hours: N/A
Prerequisites:
- Must complete the application process by the published deadline
- Submit a completed application for admission to SPC via ApplyTexas
- Request official transcripts of high school and college courses completed and have them submitted to SPC
- High school transcripts must indicate the graduation date
- GED/HSE admissions recipients must submit an official passing score report
- Complete the TSI assessment and submit scores for reading and writing, and math skills – exemption will be granted to applicants who submit satisfactory ACT or SAT scores or those who have earned an associate or baccalaureate degree from an accredited Texas public institution
Program cost:
Tuition costs $99 per credit for in-district students and $215 per credit for out-of-district students. The cost does not include application requirements, fees, books, materials, uniforms, insurance, and other miscellaneous costs.
Website: https://www.alamo.edu/home/
Address: 2222 N. Alamo St., San Antonio, Texas 78215
Phone: 210-486-7082
Career & Technical Education Center
The Electrical Systems program at Career & Education Center prepares students for entry-level employment in the electrical field or a post-secondary degree in construction. The training is designed for students from grades 9 through 12. They will gain knowledge and skills in safety, tool usage, residential wiring, commercial wiring, and motor controls. Although completion of the four years is not mandatory, it is recommended for students who wish to pursue a career in the Electrical industry. An Electrical Systems Business and Industry Endorsement will be awarded to those who participate for two years.
Program overview:
Electrical Systems
Duration: 4 years
Clock hours: N/A
Semester credit hours: 8
Prerequisites:
- Must have enrolled in high school – grades 9 through 12
- Complete an application for admission
- A representative will advise of enrollment status
Program cost:
Tuition is free for high school students. Books, uniforms, and supplies are not covered.
Website: https://www.neisd.net/ctec
Address: 3736 Perrin Central, Bldg 4, San Antonio, TX 78217
Phone: 210-407-0742
Fax: 210-637-4992