Electrical and Power Transmission

Overview

Electrical and power transmission programs prepare people to work as licensed electricians.

Programs in electrical and power transmission teach people codes, safety rules, and laws so they can work as licensed electricians. Students learn to install wires, cables, and other types of electric lines. They also learn how to use tools and read blueprints.

Electrical and power transmission programs include topics such as:

Installation of wires, cables, and other electric wires
Electrical codes
Safety rules
Blueprint reading

Many electrician programs include apprenticeship training. Apprentices complete a set number of classroom hours and receive training on the job from experienced workers.

Specialties

In electrical and power transmission programs students may be able to specialize in work as:

Lineworkers
Electrical and power transmission installers

Schools

Many community colleges offer associate degree programs in electrical and power transmission. An associate degree program at a community college usually takes two years to complete.

An apprenticeship program may require one to four additional years of on-the-job training working with experienced electricians.

Some high schools coordinate vocational programs with community colleges. This allows high school students to take electrical courses before they graduate. In some cases, they are prepared for entry-level work after they receive their high school diploma.

See schools that offer this program.

Related Educational Programs

Related Careers

Careers Directly Related to this Program of Study

Other Careers Related to this Program of Study

Program Admission

You can prepare for this program of study by getting your high school diploma or GED.

Most apprenticeship programs require that you be at least 18.

Apprenticeship requirements vary by area and local committee. Most committees require that apprentices be at least 18. Some will take younger apprentices who have permission from their parents or high school principal.

Some training programs require that applicants take aptitude tests and physical activity tests. You must have good color vision to work as an electrician. Electricians need to be in good health and have at least average physical strength. They need good dexterity and agility.

Below is a list of high school courses that will help prepare you for this program of study:

Algebra
Blueprint Reading
Construction
Drafting
Electricity and Electronics
Fitness and Conditioning Activities
Geometry
Industrial Electricity
Industrial Safety and First Aid
Physics
Residential Wiring

Typical Course Work

Program Courses

This program typically includes courses in the following subjects:

Blueprint Reading
Communications
Cranes and Elevators
Electrical Code Requirements
Electrical Theory
Electronics
Fire Alarm Systems
Math
Safety and First Aid
Welding

As an apprentice, you receive about 2,000 hours of supervised, on-the-job work experience each year.

Things to Know

Most states require that electricians have a license. This means passing an exam on electrical theory, national codes, and local codes.

In many electrical and power transmission programs, you can specialize in power transmission, installing systems in new construction, or maintenance and repair. You can also focus on electrical work in the manufacturing field. Electricians in this area work on motors, transformers, and generators. They may also work on machine tools and industrial robots.

Employers and unions prefer applicants who have done some work in the construction trades. For information about apprenticeships and other training opportunities, call or visit websites of your local union office or apprenticeship agency. Other useful contacts are local electricians or the nearest employment service office. Many electricians are union members.

Most programs require that students and apprentices purchase tools. In addition, some programs require you to buy your own safety equipment.

Some certificate and associate degree programs are designed for people who already have professional experience as an electrician.

Electricians need to have good color vision.