Electricians install electrical systems in structures; they install wiring and other electrical components, such as circuit breaker panels, switches, and light fixtures, and they follow blueprints, the National Electrical Code® and state and local codes.

Program’s Curriculum

Basic Safety (12.5 Hours)

Presents basic jobsite safety information to prepare workers for the construction environment. Describes the common causes of workplace incidents and accidents and how to avoid them. Introduces common PPE, including equipment required for work at height, and its proper use. Information related to safety in several specific environments, including welding areas and confined spaces, is also provided.

Introduction to Construction Math (10 Hours)

Reviews basic math skills related to the construction trades and demonstrates how they apply to the trades. Covers multiple systems of measurement, decimals, fractions, and basic geometry.

Introduction to Hand Tools (10 Hours)

Introduces common hand tools used in a variety of construction crafts. Identifies tools and how to safely use them. Proper hand tool maintenance is also presented.

Introduction to Power Tools (10 Hours)

Identifies and describes the operation of many power tools common in the construction environment. Provides instruction on proper use, as well as on safe-handling guidelines and basic maintenance.

Introduction to Construction Drawings (10 Hours)

Introduces the basic elements of construction drawings. The common components of drawings are presented, as well as the most common drawing types. The use of drawing scales and how to measure drawings is also covered.

Introduction to Basic Rigging (7.5 Elective Hours)

Provides basic information related to rigging and rigging hardware, such as slings, rigging hitches, and hoists. Emphasizes safe working habits in the vicinity of rigging operations.

Basic Communication Skills (7.5 Hours)

Provides good techniques for effective communication on the job. Includes examples that emphasize the importance of both written and verbal communication skills. Describes the importance of reading skills in the construction industry and covers proper techniques to use in a variety of different written communication formats.

Basic Employability Skills (7.5 Hours)

Describes the opportunities offered by the construction trades. Discusses critical thinking and essential problem-solving skills for the construction industry. Also identifies and discusses positive social skills and their value in the workplace.

Introduction to Material Handling (5 Hours)

Describes the hazards associated with handling materials and provides techniques to avoid both injury and property damage. Common material-handling equipment is also introduced.

Orientation to the Electrical Trade (2.5 Hours)

Provides an overview of the electrical trade and discusses the career paths available to electricians. 

Electrical Safety (10 Hours)

Covers safety rules and regulations for electricians, including precautions for electrical hazards found on the job. Also covers the OSHA-mandated lockout/tagout procedure. 

Introduction to Electrical Circuits (7.5 Hours)

Introduces electrical concepts used in Ohm’s law applied to DC series circuits. Covers atomic theory, electromotive force, resistance, and electric power equations. 

Electrical Theory (7.5 Hours)

Introduces series, parallel, and series parallel circuits. Covers resistive circuits, Kirchhoff’s voltage and current laws, and circuit analysis.

Introduction to the National Electrical Code® (7.5 Hours)

Provides a road map for using the NEC®. Introduces the layout and the types of information found within the code book. Allows trainees to practice finding information using an easy-to-follow procedure.

Device Boxes (10 Hours)

Covers the hardware and systems used by an electrician to mount and support boxes, receptacles, and other electrical components. Also covers NEC® fill and pull requirements for device, pull, and junction boxes under 100 cubic inches.

Hand Bending (10 Hours)

Introduces conduit bending and installation. Covers the techniques for using hand-operated and step conduit benders, as well as cutting, reaming, and threading conduit.

 Raceways and Fittings (20 Hours)

Introduces the types and applications of raceways, wireways, and ducts. Stresses the applicable NEC® requirements. 

Conductors and Cables (10 Hours)

Focuses on the types and applications of conductors and covers proper wiring techniques. Stresses the applicable NEC® requirements.

Basic Electrical Construction Drawings (7.5 Hours)

Describes electrical prints, drawings, and symbols, and the types of information that can be found on schematics, one-lines, and wiring diagrams. 

Residential Electrical Services (15 Hours)

Covers the electrical devices and wiring techniques common to residential construction and maintenance. Allows trainees to practice making service calculations. Stresses the applicable NEC® requirements. 

Electrical Test Equipment (5 Hours)

Covers proper selection, inspection, and use of common electrical test equipment, including voltage testers, clamp-on ammeters, ohmmeters, multimeters, phase/motor rotation testers, and data recording equipment. Also covers safety precautions and meter category ratings.

Alternating Current (17.5 Hours)

Describes forces that are characteristic of alternating-current systems and the application of Ohm’s law to AC circuits. 

Motors: Theory and Application (20 Hours)

Covers AC and DC motors, including the main components, circuits, and connections. 

Electric Lighting (15 Hours)

Introduces principles of human vision and the characteristics of light. Focuses on the handling and installation of various types of lamps and lighting fixtures.

Conduit Bending (15 Hours)

Covers bends in conduit up to 6 inches. Focuses on mechanical, hydraulic, and electrical benders. 

Pull and Junction Boxes (12.5 Hours)

Explains how to select and size pull boxes, junction boxes, and handholes.

Conductor Installations (10 Hours)

Covers the transportation, storage, and setup of cable reels; methods of rigging; and procedures for complete cable pulls in raceways and cable trays. 

Cable Tray (7.5 Hours)

Focuses on NEC® installation requirements for cable tray, including cable installations.

Conductor Terminations and Splices 

(Describes methods of terminating and splicing conductors, including preparing and taping conductors. 

Grounding and Bonding (15 Hours)

Focuses on the purpose of grounding and bonding electrical systems. Thoroughly covers NEC® requirements. 

Circuit Breakers and Fuses (12.5 Hours)

Describes fuses and circuit breakers along with their practical applications. Also covers sizing. 

Control Systems and Fundamental Concepts (12.5 Hours)

Gives basic descriptions of various types of contactors and relays along with their practical applications