If someone does a quick search on the internet, they’re bound to find sites and videos that teach do-it-yourselfers how to complete simple home electricity jobs.
But as soon as they start actually doing these projects, those same DIY enthusiasts quickly realize that you’re not an electrician.
That’s because electricians do a whole lot more than just replacing outlets and hanging ceiling fans.
Electricians run wiring in everything from single-family houses to office suites. They read blueprints and wiring diagrams to replace outdated systems with newer, more efficient versions. They stay up to date with the latest green technologies and help users choose the best options for their energy needs.
In other words, electricians do a lot of complex work, which means that they not only require extensive training but also need to be able to build on their knowledge to keep up with the latest trends.
Fortunately, electrician programs can be found in schools across the country, whether they be four-year-degree-granting institutions to community colleges and trade schools.
These programs work in conjunction with local authorities to ensure students have full knowledge of state codes. Many institutions also partner with businesses in the area to secure internships and ensure graduates leave with the skills that employers want.
To help future electricians find the right place to receive that training, we’ve compiled this list of the best electrician schools in the United States.
Each of the schools here boasts excellent resources and teachers with real-world experience.
Better yet, several of the schools on this list boast a 100% placement rate among graduations, which means that they’ll get you working in the field in no time.
Here are 10 of the best electrician schools in the US.
Michigan State University (East Lansing, MI)
Housed within the Institute of Agricultural Technology, the electrical technology program at Michigan State University provides apprenticeship training to meet the standards of state and federal construction codes.
In addition to learning about electrical fundamentals, relevant codes, and installation processes, students also study energy efficiency and alternate power systems.
While working with their apprenticeships, students also have the opportunity to participate in a variety of clubs, to enhance their educational experience.
Student clubs in the Built Environments program include groups of interest to electricians, including the Student Builders and Contractors Association and the Sigma Chi, the construction honors society.
Through these clubs, students not only build connections with one another but also form relationships that will aid their future careers.
Southeast Technical College (Sioux Falls, SD)
At Southeast Technical College, students learn how to become top electricians, ready to pursue a wide range of careers. The two-year associate’s degree program prepares graduates to become apprentices, prepared to embark on their careers.
Activities within the program range from reading blueprints and designing circuits to installing wiring systems and using complex power tools. Working under experienced professionals, students will learn state and local building codes and the process of wiring and installing equipment.
Designed after the recommendations of master electricians, the program curriculum covers the complete range of skills needed for the trade. Students take classes in the fundamentals of electricity and construction during the first semester. But by the time they reach the fourth semester, students are taking courses in building automation and industrial safety.
Central New Mexico Community College (Albuquerque, NM)
Students in the Electrical Trades program at Central New Mexico Community College have a wide range of tracks to choose from. These various programs give students the background they need to pursue many careers in the public and private sectors while also providing focused instruction in specializations.
For those who want to enter the electrical and photovoltaic installation industry, CNMCC offers an associate of applied science degree in electrical technologies concentrating on photovoltaics. From electrical theory to large-scale solar education, the degree program gives students the skills they need to pursue this cutting-edge field.
Students who want to be involved in controller installation, programming basics, and industrial wiring can pursue a certificate in programmable logic controls systems.
The certificate can be completed in only four semesters, earning 52 credit hours by taking classes such as electrical theory, blueprint reading, and programmable logic controls installation.
Davis Technical College (Kaysville, UT)
Davis Technical College’s electrician apprentice program features all of the elements one would expect from a great electrician school. The program combines classroom instruction and paid on-the-job training, gaining the qualifications needed for maintenance or construction work.
But what sets Davis Technical College apart from other programs on this list? Their excellent faculty.
The program faculty includes both full-time teachers devoted to guiding students through their academic requirements and part-time teachers who bring their real-world experience to their students.
Even better, Davis Technical College provides this top-flight education at a surprisingly affordable price.
Basic tuition for the program costs only $3,400, plus additional costs for books and fees. And for those who need it, Davis has many scholarship options, including those for adults working toward a degree and for high school students.
Ridgewater College (Willmar, MN)
The electrician and electrical technology program at Ridgewater College puts its emphasis on problem-solving. It covers all of the expected elements of the program, including blueprint reading, wiring, and construction codes. But the instructors teach these competencies with a focus on problem-solving, building the critical thinking skills of their students.
The program offers two options for study. The traditional program involves daytime classes presented on-campus, along with hands-on training.
With the new electrical technology approach, students have the option to take their theory classes online, on their own schedule, and do their hands-on training in person.
No matter which option they chose, students benefit from Ridgewater’s excellent resources. Instructors at Ridgewater bring to their students more than 100 years of combined experience as electricians.
Working alongside local businesses and on-campus facilities, students get the opportunity to work on the latest in efficient and green technologies.
Rock Valley College (Rockford, IL)
The electrician apprentice program at Rock Valley College brings together classroom instruction and on-the-job training to prepare students for entering the electrician field at the level of an apprentice.
Throughout their study, students in the program accrue over 8000 hours of hands-on training, ensuring that they graduate fully prepared to handle any challenge they may face in their future careers.
Among the essential skills, students learn at Rock Valley is the importance of codes and connections. Rock Valley’s curriculum is designed in collaboration with the National Electrical Contractors Association and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.
Under the guidance of these organizations, students ensure that they have the up-to-date information needed by today’s employers.
In fact, the program is established by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers local 364, which teaches students the importance of union connections.
Anoka Technical College (Anoka, MN)
In one of the country’s most streamlined programs, the construction electrician diploma at Anoka Technical College prepares students to enter the field with just 82 credit hours. The program efficiency develops student skills in wiring, local codes, and electrical theory.
As quick as it is, no one would confuse Anoka Technical College’s program with an underdeveloped program. The degree and learning goals are endorsed by not only the Minnesota State Board of Electricity and the Twin Cities Joint Apprenticeship Committee but also many upper Midwest chapters of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.
Anoka Technical College is so proud of its program that it put it at the front of its advertisements for the Construction, Manufacturing & Technology department.
The school offers weekly virtual and in-person information sessions to introduce potential students to the program and begin their journey toward a satisfying career.
Southeast Community College (Beatrice, NE)
Southeast Community College features one of the most thorough electrician programs in the United States. Designed in collaboration with the Nebraska Department of Labor, the five-year program involves 900 hours of classroom instruction and more than 8000 hours of hands-on training at local corporate and government locations.
The school’s focus on professionalism is demonstrated in part by its partnership with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local #265.
Classroom instruction occurs in the Local #265 training center, while on-the-job training takes place at a location serviced by members of the chapter. This collaboration with the local union teaches students the importance of their connections, just as vital as the technical information they glean.
Just because Southeast Community College’s program is longer than most of its type, it is not more expensive than any other. Estimated total costs for the entire program are no more than $8,885, a very small price to pay for such complete training.
Northwest Iowa Community College (Sheldon, IA)
The electrical technology program at Northwest Iowa Community College takes its industrial and commercial wiring program to the next level, preparing students to not only understand the fundamentals of wiring with the latest technologies and plant automations.
By training in specialized subjects such as temperature control, electric pressure and liquid flow, and motor drives, students graduating program leave with some of the most in-demand skills.
Graduates of the program go on to careers as everything from residential and commercial construction wiring to plant maintenance electricians and managers. Even better, they can move onto these roles in record time, completing the program in just one summer and fall semester.
With its special combination of efficiency and breadth, it’s no wonder that the program has earned Northwest Iowa Community College attention from ranking organizations. The school regularly ranks among the top five electrician schools in the nation.
Dunwoody College of Technology (Minneapolis, MN)
At the Dunwoody College of Technology, students don’t just learn the skills expected of an apprentice-level electrician, such as reading wiring schematics and blueprints, solar and wind technologies, and energy efficiency.
They also get to explore all the options the field has to offer, which gives them space to truly discover their passion.
Dunwoody achieves this goal not just with the breadth of its program, but also with its connections to the wider community of electricians.
To enhance its faculty of experienced professionals, the school also brings in guest speakers with specialized knowledge, ready to introduce students to the possibilities of new technologies and needs. The program features regular field trips, which brings students on the field to see how electricians put their training to use in their everyday lives.
Students can even transform their diploma towards coursework into a bachelor of science degree in construction management, which will open even more career possibilities.
