Electrician Programs in Los Angeles
If you live in the Los Angeles area and are considering a career as an electrician, you might be looking to find out more about the profession and the training you will need to undertake. Most people who are considering a new career will want to know whether their choice will provide them with long-term stability. In the case of electricians, there is plenty of evidence that it will. In fact, Projections Central predicts an increase in job openings of 10.4 percent, or 74,100 new jobs in the trade, between 2018 and 2028.
Current electrician wages are also promising. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average pay for electricians in the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim area was $68,200 in 2020. This average considers electricians of all levels, from trainees to those with many years of experience. Those with the highest earning potential brought home an average of $103,690 in the same year.
Electricians should expect a great deal of physical labor, with a lot of time spent outdoors or in uncomfortable spaces. If you work in the construction business, employers will often expect you to work long hours and weekends. However, electricians are employed in a variety of industries, and a nine-to-five job is not uncommon for electricians who work in maintenance positions.
Requirements for Certified Electricians in Los Angeles
Los Angeles electricians need to acquire certification through the State of California Division of Industrial Relations. Prerequisites for certification include the following:
- Applicants are required to complete 720 hours of classroom instruction. This training can be at a local trade school, trade organization or community college, as long as it is approved by the Electrician Certification Program. Classroom-based training is also a part of the training provided by union and non-union trade organizations.
- Applicants are required to complete 8,000 hours of on-the-job training as a registered electrician trainee through the state of California. Those who have completed classroom training through a trade school or community college will need to apply for an apprenticeship upon graduation. Apprentices will need to register with the state as an electrician trainee for the hours they work to be officially counted. In addition, an electrician trainee must be closely supervised by a certified electrician.
- Applicants will need to pass an examination. You can find more information on exam specifics here.
For more information, see this page.
Long Beach City College
Long Beach City College is a two-year community college with a plethora of degree programs from which to choose. The college’s offerings include trade programs, sciences, architecture, business programs, health sciences, humanities and arts. The Electrical Technology program awards students with an Associate in Science degree plus a Certificate of Achievement. Students who complete the program will have the skills to install, maintain and repair electrical equipment safely.
Enrollment in the school will cost $46 per unit plus fees for California residents, and $260 per unit for students from out-of-state, with financial aid available to those who qualify. Students will also have additional expenses for books, tools and supplies. On-campus housing is not available, so you will be responsible for your own living expenses while attending the school.
Available amenities on the campus include a bookstore, a bistro, a health and wellness canter and athletic programs. Tutoring is offered through the college’s student success centers. Tutoring subjects offered include math and statistics, writing and reading, and ESL. However, if you need tutoring in any other subject, you can contact the MDSC Tutoring Center for free tutoring. If you are interested in attending Long Beach City College, you can contact the admissions office here.
Los Angeles Trade-Tech Community College
Los Angeles Trade-Tech Community College (LATTC) is the oldest two-year college in Los Angeles. Academic programs at the college run the gamut, with programs for accounting, fashion, liberal arts, building trades, sciences, real estate and healthcare. The Electrical Construction and Maintenance curriculum focuses on preparing students to work as residential, commercial or industrial electricians. Students can choose from a focused Associate in Science degree geared toward those seeking entry-level positions, or an Associate of Arts degree, which is designed for those who are already working in the field. You can find more information on the LATTC electrician program here.
Fees for California residents are currently $46 per, with out-of-state student fees running at $289 per unit. Additional fees are collected for health services, student representation and parking. Books, tools, supplies and housing are also the student’s responsibility, adding to the expenses incurred while attending the program. For those who qualify, financial aid is available.
College enrollees will have access to a college store, career services and counseling services. A Child Development Center is also available to provide childcare for preschool children. In addition, the school’s Bridges to Success program helps to connect students with community resources including academic support, assistance with school enrollment, volunteer opportunities and job resources. You can fill out an online application for LATTC here.