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If you want to become an electrician, you have made a great decision.
The demand for electricians is on the rise throughout the country, and the tuition is significantly lower than that of a four-year college.
Additionally, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that employment in this field will grow by 7% by 2031.
Between 2021 and 2031, more than 70,000 jobs are estimated to open due to veteran workers retiring or changing their field of work.
1 IEC El Paso Chapter
About the School: The school was founded in 1957 and works on four levels:
- Local Chapters
- State Associations
- Regional Chapters
- National Headquarters
Electrician Education: IEC El Paso chapter offers an apprenticeship that lasts four years and allows students to make a living in the field while enrolled in the program.
The apprenticeship is offered through the Independent Electrical Contractors Association and integrates both in-class education and practical training
To graduate, students must complete 616 hours of in-class education and 8,000 hours of practical training.
An IEC contractor will offer the training during the day, and the classroom classes will be held at night.
Upon completing the classroom instruction and training, the school will hand them their certificate, which is offered through the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Apprenticeship.
The tuition is $600 per semester, and the textbooks are not included in the price of tuition.
Address: 1156 Barranca Dr., El Paso, TX 79935, United States
2 El Paso Community College
About the school: The college offers classes in multiple fields and has more than 130 programs and over 300 courses for continuing education.
Students can earn their Associate in Science or Applied Science, in Arts or Arts in Teaching, or their Certification of Completion at the college.
The cost of tuition varies on a student’s resident status; however, more than 70% of those enrolled receive financial aid.
Electrical Technology Program: The course lasts for three semesters and focuses on motor control, electrical troubleshooting, facility operation and maintenance, programmable logic controllers, and national electrical codes.
The program also includes topics such as grounding and boxing, sizing transformers, splicing and terminating, and box fill.
Students are also required to complete OSHA training to receive the OSHA 30 Construction Certification.
The program also assists students in preparing for the Texas Electrical Journeymen Exam.
Additionally, upon receiving the Certificate of Completion, students will qualify to become Apprentice Electricians.
Address: 919 Hunter Dr, El Paso, TX 79915, United States
3 El Paso JATC
About the School: El Paso JATC is registered with the Department of Labor and provides in-class instruction and training to those who wish to start their careers as electricians.
The program offers students the opportunity to earn a wage (and benefits) while starting and continuing their education in the field.
Additionally, the school offers upgrade training that ensures its students keep up with the continuous technological changes in the field
Electrician Apprenticeship:
El Paso JTC offers a five-year program for those who choose to start their electrical apprenticeship.
The starting pay for participants is $11.28 per hour, with benefits.
Apprentices may be eligible for a raise twice a year based on their performance.
Once accepted into the program, students will be required to work for one of the school’s participating contractors.
Before beginning their work, apprentices will need to acquire the textbooks and tools that the school requires.
The school offers an apprenticeship program that offers in-class classes and practical, on-the-job training.
Students must go through 1000 hours of classroom education and 8000 hours on the field.
To complete the course of study and apprenticeship, students must attend in-class instruction for a minimum of 6 hours per week.
Additionally, the apprentices will receive on-the-job training from a Journeyman Wireman.
Address: 6040 Luckett Court, El Paso, Texas 79932, United States
4 Center for Career & Technology Education
About the School: The Center offers classes for high-school juniors and seniors through the El Paso Independent School District.
The school’s mission is to simplify the transition of its students into post-secondary education and into the workforce.
Electrical Trades: The program provides the opportunity for dual credit with El Paso Community College through the following courses:
- Intro into Electrical Safety & Tools; Intro into Electrical Blueprint reading – .for junior year
- Motor Control; National Electrical Code 1 – for senior year
To graduate, students must complete their 8000 hours required for the Journey Electrician’s License, complete the OSHA training to receive their OSHA Construction Authorization Card, and obtain their Certification for Electrical Leveles One and Two through the National Center for Construction Education Research.
The Electrical Trades curriculum includes courses such as:
- Principles of Construction
- Electrical Technology I & II
- Intro to Electrical Safety/Tools
- Intro to Electrical Blueprint Reading
- National Electrical Code
Address: 1170 N Walnut St., El Paso, TX 79930, United States
Schools Summary Table
| Rank | School | |
|---|---|---|
|
#1 | IEC El Paso Chapter |
|
#2 | El Paso Community College |
|
#3 | El Paso JATC |
|
#4 | Center for Career & Technology Education |
Read the full guide: How to Become an Electrician
Electrician Schools by City
Electrician Schools by State