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Electrical Technician Colleges

The Electrical Technician major prepares students for a career as an electrician. Students will take lots of hands-on courses to learn how to install lighting systems, repair motors, install wiring systems, upgrade existing electrical systems, replace circuit breakers and more.

Certificate programs from technical schools, career colleges, community colleges and online schools are most popular for Electrical Technicians. Usually, most training for this career is done on the job through a four to five year apprenticeship program after attaining a certificate. That said, some associate degree, bachelor’s degree and master’s degree programs are available for Electrical Technician students at technical schools, colleges and universities.

The best candidates for the Electrical Technician major are those that have a good eye for details, great math skills and an interest in how electricity works. You’ll also need good hands to handle small parts and wires. Being able to stay focused and alert and solve puzzles are helpful skills, too.

These skills make you a good candidate for related Engineering majors including Aeronautical/Aerospace Engineering Technology/Technician; Architectural Drafting and Architectural CAD/CADD; Architectural Engineering Technology/Technician; Automotive Engineering Technology; Biomedical Technology/Technician; CAD/CADD Drafting and/or Design Technology/Technician; Civil Drafting and Civil Engineering CAD/CADD; Civil Engineering Technology/Technician; Climate Control (HVAC); Computer Engineering Technologies/Technicians; Computer Engineering Technology/ Technician; Computer Hardware Technology/Technician; Computer Software Technology/Technician; Computer Systems Technology; Construction Engineering Technology/Technician; Drafting and Design Technology/Technician; Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians; Electrical Technician; Electrical Technician; Electrical/Electronics Drafting and Electrical/ Electronics CAD/CADD; Electromechanical and Instrumentation and Maintenance Technologies/Technicians; Electromechanical Technology/Electromechanical Engineering Technology; Energy Management and Systems Technology/Technician; Engineering Technologies/Technicians; Engineering-Related Fields; Engineering-Related Technologies; Engineering/Industrial Management; Environmental Control Technologies/Technicians; Environmental Engineering Technology/Environmental Technology; Hazardous Materials Information Systems Technology/Technician; Hazardous Materials Management and Waste Technology/Technician; Hydraulics and Fluid Power Technology/ Technician; Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians; Industrial Safety Technology/Technician; Industrial Technology/Technician; Instrumentation Technology/Technician; Laser and Optical Technology/Technician; Manufacturing Technology/Technician; Mechanical Drafting and Mechanical Drafting CAD/CADD; Mechanical Engineering; Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians; Mechanical Engineering/Mechanical Technology/Technician; Metallurgical Technology/Technician; Mining and Petroleum Technologies/Technicians; Mining Technology/Technician; Nuclear Engineering Technology/Technician; Occupational Safety and Health Technology/Technician; Petroleum Technology/Technician; Plastics Engineering Technology/Technician; Quality Control and Safety Technologies/Technicians; Quality Control Technology/Technician; Robotics Technology/Technician; Solar Energy Technology/Technician; Survey Technology/ Surveying; Telecommunications Technology; and Water Quality and Wastewater Treatment Management and Recycling Technology/Technician. Find Schools Offering Electrical Technician Degree Programs

Choosing a Electrical Technician School

Prospective Electrical Technician majors can narrow down the vast array of technical schools, career colleges, community colleges, online schools, 4-year colleges and universities by examining the details of potential programs. If you have an interest in marine electricity or commercial wiring, make sure you’ll have the option for that specialization. Some programs focus more on either maintenance or construction or residential or industrial skills, so select a program to match your career goals. Also, find out about apprenticeship programs and career placement services.

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Electrical Technician Degree Programs

Because most electricians participate in four-year apprenticeship programs after attaining their degree to learn the trade, many Electrical Technician majors choose a certificate program, though some choose associate career training degree programs instead. These one to two year programs provide the basic skills needed to start your career and often qualify you to start an apprenticeship at an advanced level. Associate career training degrees and certificate programs, usually offered at technical schools and career colleges, provide classroom training in subjects like blueprint reading, electrical code requirements, fire alarm systems, elevators, soldering, safety and math.

Bachelor’s degrees are available to students who want a 4-year education at a technical school, college or university. With the same classroom instruction, a bachelor’s degree allows for general studies courses as well as more advanced classes in electrical engineering, math and business that could come in handy if you aspire to be an electrical contractor.

Students who already have a bachelor’s degree in another engineering major may seek an Electrical Technician master’s degree from a college or university. These programs generally focus on more advanced theories and skills within electrical engineering.

Electrical Technician Degree Programs:

Online Electrical Technician Degree Programs at Online Schools

If you want to seek an online degree on a flexible schedule, you can find a few online school Electrical Technician programs. Because hands-on training is paramount for Electrical Technician majors, you’ll need to purchase lab equipment from the online school. After you receive your online degree, you’ll also need to start work at the apprenticeship level to gain more hands-on experience and training.

Online Electrical Technician Degree Programs:

Online Electrical Technician Schools:

High School Preparation

Prospective Electrical Technician majors can prepare during high school by hitting the books hard in relevant course. Algebra, geometry, physics and mechanical drawing are all classes relevant to an electrician’s career. Any part time or volunteer work experience in construction—think Habitat for Humanity—will look great on your college application. Even Spanish skills will help you later, especially for supervisory roles in which you may manage Spanish-speaking workers.

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Popular Careers in the Field of Electrical Technician

Electrical Technician majors usually begin their careers with an apprenticeship under an experienced electrician. During this 4-year period you’ll learn basic tasks like setting anchors and drilling holes, then you’ll move on to installing and testing wires and outlets, and finally draw plans for electrical systems and complete any electrician tasks.

Job prospects look very good for the coming years, though the more skills you have, the better job opportunities you’ll find. Because many Electrical Technician careers are tied to construction, jobs can be scarce when construction is down. Jobs are most plentiful in fast-growing areas and cities with power plant construction. You can find jobs in many industries including commercial construction, residential construction, local government, motor vehicle parts manufacturing, electrical contractors, electric power generation and heating and air conditioning services. Average hourly wages range from $16 to $28.

For Electrical Technician degree-holders to advance their careers, many seek supervisory roles. Another option is to become an electrical inspector. Others start their own business as electrical contractors. Because technology is constantly changing, continuing education and keeping up with new skills is necessary for ongoing success.

You may also wish to explore further education to qualify for careers like Aerospace Engineers, Architectural and Civil Drafters, Biomedical Engineers, Chemical Engineers and Civil Engineers.

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