Electrical Diploma / Certificate / Associate Degree \u2013 Nine Month to Two Year Duration\nIncreasingly, the first part of formal education for prospective electricians is training at a trade school or vocational college. Diploma, certificate, and associate degree programs allow students to learn the fundamentals of the trade and prepare them for the apprenticeship application process. Programs typically focus on the National Electrical Code, workplace safety, electric theory, and some hands-on training. \n
Here are some of the topics covered in classroom and lab sessions in both school programs and apprenticeships:
\n
\n- Introduction to Electricity \u2013 electrical theory, electrical drafting
\n- Electrical Components \u2013 conduit and conductors, feeder circuits, panels, switchboards, motors, controllers, generators, transformers, raceways and boxes
\n- Grounding Systems and Overcurrent Devices
\n- Electrical Power Distribution
\n- Alternating Current Fundamentals
\n- The National Electrical Code
\n- Electrical Safety and Accident Prevention
\n- Electrical Drawing and Blueprint Reading
\n- Electrical Systems Analysis and Problem Solving
\n- Jobsite Management
\n- Residential Wiring \u2013 materials and methods
\n- Commercial Wiring \u2013 materials and methods
\n- Electrical Tools and Technologies \u2013 cable reels, stripping tools, wire and cable cutter, voltage meters, ammeters, frequency meters, tension gauges, infrared scanners, Construction Master Pro software, SAP software, Craftsman CD Estimator software
\n
", "display_order": 2, "created_at": "2019-08-29T17:56:36.497887-07:00", "updated_at": "2022-01-26T12:06:24.484513-08:00"}, {"degree_id": 313, "page": 1, "title": "Degrees Similar to Electrician", "summary_markdown": "**[Building Inspection](/degrees/building-inspection-degree/)** \r\nPrograms in building inspection teach students the skills needed to examine structures and verify that they have been constructed according to building codes and other related laws and regulations. \r\n\r\n**[Carpentry](/degrees/carpentry-degree/)** \r\nCarpentry training programs teach the skilled trade of cutting, shaping, and assembling wood for buildings and other structures. Students of the trade learn about the two basic types of carpentry: rough carpentry and finish carpentry. \r\n\r\n**[Civil Engineering](/degrees/civil-engineering-degree/)** \r\nCivil engineering students learn how to design and plan civil infrastructure like roads, tunnels, bridges, dams, railroads, and airports. Classes include math, statistics, engineering systems and mechanics, and building codes. \r\n\r\n**[Electrical Engineering](/degrees/electrical-engineering-degree/)** \r\nStudents of electrical engineering learn how to use physics, electronics, and electromagnetism to design devices that are powered by or produce electricity. Most degree programs in the field start with foundational classes in calculus, physics, and chemistry.", "content_markdown": "**Engineering Technology** \r\nEngineering technology programs teach the engineering skills required to assist engineers in their work. Common classes are computers for engineering technology, construction methodologies, structural systems, strength of materials, and technical drawing. \r\n\r\nSome of the subfields of engineering technology are civil engineering technology, construction engineering technology, aerospace engineering technology, and automotive engineering technology. \r\n\r\n**[Plumbing](/degrees/plumbing-degree/)** \r\nPlumbing degree programs teach the skilled trade of installing, maintaining, and repairing plumbing fixtures and systems. These systems include water, heating, irrigation, sewage, fuel, medical gas, and compressed air. \r\n\r\n**[Welding](/degrees/welding-degree/)** \r\nWelding students learn the process of joining metals using extreme heat. They study metallurgy, the properties of different types of metals, and different types of welding.", "content_html": "
Engineering Technology
\nEngineering technology programs teach the engineering skills required to assist engineers in their work. Common classes are computers for engineering technology, construction methodologies, structural systems, strength of materials, and technical drawing.
\n
Some of the subfields of engineering technology are civil engineering technology, construction engineering technology, aerospace engineering technology, and automotive engineering technology.
\n
Plumbing
\nPlumbing degree programs teach the skilled trade of installing, maintaining, and repairing plumbing fixtures and systems. These systems include water, heating, irrigation, sewage, fuel, medical gas, and compressed air.
\n
Welding
\nWelding students learn the process of joining metals using extreme heat. They study metallurgy, the properties of different types of metals, and different types of welding.
", "display_order": 3, "created_at": "2019-08-29T17:56:36.500490-07:00", "updated_at": "2022-01-26T12:07:58.661361-08:00"}, {"degree_id": 313, "page": 1, "title": "Skills You’ll Learn", "summary_markdown": "**Physical strength and stamina** \r\nFor the most part, electricians work on their feet and they often have to crawl through tight spaces and lift heavy mechanisms. \r\n\r\n**Attention to Detail / Hand-Eye Coordination / Manual Dexterity** \r\nThe work of an electrician involves manipulating wires and tiny components and distinguishing between subtle colors to ensure safe and proper wiring. \r\n\r\n**Critical Thinking** \r\nElectricians are consistently called upon to consider reasons why an electrical component is not working. The reason, of course, is not always evident. Determining the answer takes a critical approach to solving problems. \r\n\r\n**Teamwork, Communication, and Customer Service** \r\nWhile it is true that electricians often work alone, they may also work in teams, especially when designing and installing electrical systems for new residential or commercial projects. They must be able to effectively communicate and collaborate with colleagues, construction crews, and homeowners. \r\n\r\n**Numeracy and Technical Ability** \r\nElectricians must be comfortable working with numbers and interpreting technical plans.", "content_markdown": "", "content_html": "
Physical strength and stamina
\nFor the most part, electricians work on their feet and they often have to crawl through tight spaces and lift heavy mechanisms.
\n
Attention to Detail / Hand-Eye Coordination / Manual Dexterity
\nThe work of an electrician involves manipulating wires and tiny components and distinguishing between subtle colors to ensure safe and proper wiring.
\n
Critical Thinking
\nElectricians are consistently called upon to consider reasons why an electrical component is not working. The reason, of course, is not always evident. Determining the answer takes a critical approach to solving problems.
\n
Teamwork, Communication, and Customer Service
\nWhile it is true that electricians often work alone, they may also work in teams, especially when designing and installing electrical systems for new residential or commercial projects. They must be able to effectively communicate and collaborate with colleagues, construction crews, and homeowners.
\n
Numeracy and Technical Ability
\nElectricians must be comfortable working with numbers and interpreting technical plans.
", "display_order": 4, "created_at": "2019-08-29T17:56:36.503358-07:00", "updated_at": "2021-11-18T13:55:38.915686-08:00"}, {"degree_id": 313, "page": 1, "title": "What Can You Do with an Electrician Degree?", "summary_markdown": "As electricians perform very specific work, they are typically employed directly in the field. The largest employers of electricians are electrical contracting companies and residential, commercial, and industrial construction contractors. Electricians also find jobs with heavy and civil engineering construction firms. Some are self-employed. \r\n\r\nWithin each of these employment sectors, they install and repair lighting fixtures and equipment, switches, and circuit breakers; connect power to communications equipment, signaling devices, and heating and cooling systems; troubleshoot electronic systems and replace faulty components; and conduct maintenance programs.", "content_markdown": "", "content_html": "", "display_order": 5, "created_at": "2019-08-29T17:56:36.505838-07:00", "updated_at": "2022-01-26T12:04:24.403817-08:00"}], "degree_specializations": []}">
