How Long is an Electrician Program?

Do you have seven months to complete an Electrical Applications training program at The Refrigeration School?

Since becoming an electrician requires a license, it is important to complete your education and pass then licensing exam offered by the state of Arizona’s Registrar of Contractors. Contractor licenses are issued in Arizona and are represented by Residential (R-11), Commercial (C-11) or Electrical (K-11).

What Does an Electrician Do?

Electricians are tasked with installing, maintaining, and repairing electrical, lighting, control, and communications systems. They manage wiring, lighting fixtures, circuit breakers, transformers, and other key electrical components during the course of their day-to-day work.

These trade professionals install and optimize electrical systems in construction or repair and maintain existing systems in residential and building structures.

Where Do Electricians Work?

Electricians work in many unique settings, which reflect the importance of their electrical skills. They can work in residential, commercial, and industrial settings either indoors or outdoors.

As a licensed electrician, you have many work options.

You can start your own business, work for a franchise electrical company, support a homeowner’s association or work in construction to name a few.

There are many options for licensed electricians to expand their role and move up the ladder into managerial positions.

How Much Does an Electrician Make?

Electricians have an average annual income of $60,040. Electricians in the lowest 10% may take home around $37,020 each year while high-earning electricians can earn over $99,800.*

How Do You Become an Electrician?

Electricians get their education from schools like The Refrigeration School.

Entry-level electricians require a minimum of a high school diploma or GED. In the State of Arizona, electricians must become licensed to work in the field.

The first step to becoming licensed is attending RSI’s Electrical Applications training program.  After completing the program, you will need to pass the licensing exam to get a contractor’s license.

How Long is an Electrician Program?

Did you know that RSI’s Electrical Applications training program can be completed in as little as 7 months? Classes are offered in the morning and afternoon for those that need a flexible schedule.

The Electrical Applications program at RSI prepares graduates with the electrician fundamentals that are needed to pass the licensing exam. They include:

Fundamentals of Electricity and Solar

The fundamentals are important for every electrician to comprehend. During courses, you will learn about troubleshooting electrical wiring, how to read schematics and test meters, and how to handle grounding and energized circuits. This also includes the foundation of control circuit and high voltage wiring.

The class on the fundamentals of solar focus on an overview of photovoltaic (PV) science and the fundamentals of solar energy. During this class you will learn about the concepts, processes, design, and installation of photovoltaic systems.

Residential and Commercial Wiring Applications

Residential wiring classes focuses on the National Electrical Code (NEC) book of standards and guidelines.

During this course, you will learn about the basics of residential wiring, study electrical safety, learn about proper use of hand tools, ladders, shock hazards and the equipment that is used in the field. You also learn how to safely place wiring, circuits, switches, receptacles, lighting fixtures and GFCI devices according to NEC codes.

Commercial wiring dives deeper into the NEC book to help you interpret load calculations, read blueprints, estimate costs, and manipulate conduits. During hands-on labs, you will learn how to wire commercial lighting and manage the three phase motors within a mock commercial building wired to applicable code.

Are Electricians in Demand?

The short answer is yes. Electricians are in demand, especially in the Phoenix area.** With the increase in construction and the need to maintain current structures, electricians are needed to manage nearly every building and structure in Phoenix.

The U.S.  Bureau of Labor Statistics has the projected demand for electricians at 7% in the coming decade. With some of the labor force reaching retirement age and the increase in construction, electricians are in demand more than ever. Plus, the increase in smart home technology makes it even more important to become fully trained to install the newest electrical technologies.

Want To Learn More?

If you are interested in becoming an electrician, The Refrigeration School has the trade school programs to equip you with the skill and expertise you need. Call us today at (602) 607-0024 to learn more about our Electrical Application program.

*According to BLS data May 2021 Electrician annual mean wage is $51,300.

** According to BLS data Arizona employed 14,450 Electricians (472111) through May 2021 http://data.bls.gov/oes.