Looking for classes in a specific city? Check out our lists of Electrician Schools in Allentown, Philadelphia, and Pittsburgh.
Are you looking to start a career as an electrician in Pennsylvania but unsure where to begin?
We’ve reviewed the top Electrician Schools in Pennsylvania to help you make an informed choice.
In this article, you’ll find a curated list of the best programs, comparing their features, training quality, and job placement rates.
Let’s take the guesswork out of finding the right school for your electrical training.
Pennco Tech – Electrician Program
Pennco Tech offers a robust Electrician Program designed to equip you with practical skills and knowledge. The program spans 26 weeks and provides options for both day and evening classes.
Key Features:
- Curriculum Focus: You will learn basic electrical theory, wiring, motors, electrical controls, and solar photovoltaics.
- Certifications: The program includes OSHA 10 certification, essential for anyone working on government-funded projects or as an electrician in Philadelphia. You can also pursue an OSHA 30 certification for supervisory roles.
- Career Pathways: This program prepares you for various roles such as an electrician, electrical contractor, service technician, and solar photovoltaics technician.
- Hands-On Training: Expect a significant portion of your learning to be hands-on, ensuring you’re ready for real-world applications.
- Job Placement: Pennco Tech offers lifetime career assistance and boasts high job placement rates.
Whether you are looking to start your career or advance it, Pennco Tech provides the practical training and job support you need.
Erie Institute of Technology – Electrician Program
At the Erie Institute of Technology, the Electrician Program is designed to prepare you for various electrical careers over a span of 15 months.
Curriculum Highlights:
- Residential Training: Learn about circuit design, electrical construction, and apply Ohm’s law in practical scenarios.
- Commercial & Industrial Skills: Dive into AC/DC motors, generators, and industrial controls through extensive hands-on training.
- Comprehensive Education: The program covers essential skills such as computer essentials, job-seeking development, and cost estimating.
Career Preparedness:
- Job Placement: Erie Institute of Technology partners with local employers such as North Ohio Electric and Simonian Electric Inc., ensuring solid job placement opportunities for their graduates.
- Graduate Success: The program’s emphasis on real-world training ensures graduates meet industry demands and are job-ready upon completion.
With a focused curriculum and strong job placement partnerships, the Erie Institute of Technology Electrician Program is an excellent choice for aspiring electricians.
Penn Commercial Business/Technical School – Electrician Program
Penn Commercial Business/Technical School offers an extensive Electrician Program that blends theoretical knowledge and hands-on practice.
Program Details:
- Core Subjects: You will cover electrical fundamentals, technical mathematics, the National Electrical Code, and various wiring techniques.
- Alternative Energy: The program includes unique courses on solar panels, windmills, geothermal energy, and electric vehicles.
Career Prospects:
- Industry Demand: The electrician field is projected to grow by 8% from 2019 to 2029, signaling robust job opportunities for graduates.
- Hands-On Training: Rigorous practical training ensures you gain the confidence and skills required for entry-level positions as an electrician/helper.
- Academic Support: The school provides strong academic support and offers modern facilities to enhance your learning experience.
- Financial Aid: Various financial aid options are available to make education accessible.
By attending Penn Commercial Business/Technical School, you will receive quality training that aligns with industry needs, boosting your chances for a successful career.
New Castle School of Trades – Electrical Technology Program
The New Castle School of Trades provides a 60-week Electrical Technology Program that awards an Associate of Specialized Technology Degree.
Learning Experience:
- Diverse Curriculum: Study residential/commercial wiring, machine control, telecommunications, and programmable controllers.
- Hands-On Equipment: Utilize modern equipment like PLCs, digital power supplies, and oscilloscopes to gain practical experience.
- Expert Instructors: Seasoned professionals guide you through the program, ensuring a thorough understanding of the subjects.
Career Options:
- Versatile Opportunities: Graduates can pursue roles such as panel builders, utility maintenance mechanics, construction electricians, and electronic technicians.
- Flexible Schedules: The program offers day and evening classes to accommodate different schedules.
- Regional Focus: New Castle’s training center serves the regional industry’s needs, ensuring your education is relevant and in demand.
At New Castle School of Trades, you’ll receive the practical and theoretical training needed to thrive in various electrical careers.
Northampton Community College – Electrical Technology
Northampton Community College (NCC) offers multiple credentials in Electrical Technology, including an Associate of Applied Sciences (A.A.S.) degree, a Certificate program, and a Specialized Diploma.
Program Breakdown:
- A.A.S. Degree: This degree prepares you for supervisory roles or further education, covering electrical principles and PLC programming.
- Certificate Program: Focuses on residential and commercial wiring with skills transferable to the A.A.S. program.
- Specialized Diploma: Designed for entry-level career readiness, emphasizing practical skills.
Benefits:
- Comprehensive Training: NCC’s programs include extensive hands-on training and career services to ensure your success.
- Flexibility: Options for different credentials allow you to tailor your education to your career goals.
- Affordable Tuition: Competitive pricing makes these programs accessible and valuable for a wide range of students.
With thorough training and flexible learning paths, Northampton Community College equips you with the skills needed to succeed in various electrical fields.
YTI Career Institute – Electrical Technology Program
YTI Career Institute’s Electrical Technology program offers a flexible learning approach, combining online lectures with on-campus labs. This program can be completed in as few as 10 months, requiring 25-30 hours per week of commitment.
Key Features:
- Hybrid Learning: You can learn online at your own pace and then apply those skills in on-campus labs.
- Certification: Earn a 10-hour OSHA Certification, an essential credential for workplace safety standards.
- Industry-Relevant Skills: The curriculum covers residential, commercial, and industrial electrical technologies.
- Experienced Instructors: Courses are taught by industry professionals with years of practical experience.
- Job Placement Assistance: The institute offers comprehensive job placement support to help you land your first position upon graduation.
- Flexible Enrollment: YTI Career Institute has an easy automated application process catering to various students’ needs.
If you are seeking a flexible yet thorough training program, the YTI Career Institute’s Electrical Technology program is a viable option.
Triangle Tech – Maintenance Electricity & Construction Technology Program
The Maintenance Electricity & Construction Technology program at Triangle Tech awards an Associate Degree in Specialized Technology and covers both theoretical and practical training.
Curriculum Highlights:
- Diverse Topics: The program includes residential wiring, construction design, motor controls, programmable logic controllers, and low voltage wiring.
- Hands-On Experience: Real-world applications are emphasized through practical training.
- Multiple Locations: The program is available in several Pennsylvania locations, making it accessible.
Benefits:
- Career Readiness: Graduates are prepared for roles in maintenance and construction as electricians.
- Financial Aid: Various financial aid options are available to help manage tuition costs.
- Job Placement Services: Triangle Tech provides robust job placement support to guide you into your career.
Choosing Triangle Tech’s program is a strong step towards a fulfilling career in maintenance electricity and construction technology.
Western Pennsylvania Electrical Apprenticeship for IBEW Local 5 – Apprenticeship Training Program
The Western Pennsylvania Electrical Apprenticeship by IBEW Local 5 offers a comprehensive apprenticeship program in collaboration with NECA and the Community College of Allegheny County.
Program Essentials:
- Up-to-Date Training: The program ensures you stay current with the latest technology and standards in the field.
- Annual Application Window: Applications open yearly, providing regular opportunities for new entrants.
- Diversity Encouraged: The program actively supports diversity, welcoming applications from women and transitioning military members.
Career Path:
- Middle-Class Career Opportunities: This program opens doors to secure, well-paying jobs.
- Hands-On Training: Real-world experience gained through the apprenticeship prepares you for immediate employment upon completion.
- Networking: Partnerships with local employers enhance your job prospects.
Enrolling in this apprenticeship provides a structured path to becoming a qualified electrician.
Fortis Institute – Electrician Trade Program
Fortis Institute in Forty Fort, PA provides an Electrician trade program that spans residential, commercial, and industrial specialties.
Training Focus:
- Safety and Standards: Learn vital safety procedures and electrical standards compliance.
- Technical Skills: Gain expertise in conduit bending, motors, controls, and schematic interpretation.
- Hands-On Learning: Emphasizes practical training to ensure you can apply your skills immediately.
Program Benefits:
- Accreditation: The program is accredited by ABHES, ensuring a quality education standard.
- Financial Aid: Fortis Institute offers financial aid options to make education more affordable.
- Career Services: Dedicated career services help you secure entry-level positions post-graduation.
For those looking for a substantial practical and theoretical education, Fortis Institute’s program is an excellent choice.
How to Choose the Best Electrician School in Pennsylvania
Selecting the right electrician school is a critical decision that will shape your future career. Here’s a guide to help you identify the best option among Electrician Schools in Pennsylvania:
- Accreditation: Ensure the school is accredited by a recognized organization. Accreditation signifies that the institution meets specific educational standards.
- Program Length and Structure: Consider how long the program will take and whether it offers part-time, full-time, or hybrid learning options. Flexibility can be crucial if you need to balance other commitments.
- Hands-On Training: Practical, hands-on experience is vital for becoming a proficient electrician. Make sure the program includes extensive lab work or on-the-job training opportunities.
- Course Content: Look for programs that cover a comprehensive range of topics including residential, commercial, and industrial electrical systems, as well as safety protocols and the National Electrical Code (NEC).
- Job Placement Rates: Schools with high job placement rates often have strong industry connections and provide robust career services to help you find employment after graduation.
- Financial Aid and Tuition Costs: Investigate whether the school offers financial aid, scholarships, or flexible payment plans. Compare tuition costs with other schools to ensure you are getting good value for your money.
- Location and Facilities: Proximity to your home can impact your daily commute. Additionally, modern, well-equipped facilities can provide a better hands-on training environment.
By taking these factors into account, you can select an electrician school that aligns with your career goals and personal circumstances.
Electrician Schools By State
Conclusion
Navigating the numerous options for electrician schools in Pennsylvania can be daunting. However, armed with the right information, you can make a well-informed choice that sets you on the path to a successful electrical career. Each of the programs listed here— from Pennco Tech to Fortis Institute— offers unique strengths tailored to different needs and career plans. Evaluate your goals, research thoroughly, and choose the program that best fits your future aspirations in the electrical industry.