Intercoast College Electrician Training
Electrician careers are growing in the United States today. In fact, according to Projections Central, the profession should expect to see significant growth between 2018 and 2028, to the tune of 10.4 percent, or 74,100 new jobs. This data suggest that new electricians entering the field can expect a long and stable career in the trade.
So how does an electrician train for their career? To become an electrician, you will need to undergo the appropriate training, which typically includes an educational program and an apprenticeship. One such program is available at Intercoast College. (You may also want to take a look at electrician training at Baldwin Park Adult and Community Education.)
Intercoast College: A Vocational School
Intercoast College is known primarily for its vocational certificate programs, which include medical programs, mental health and counseling programs, business programs and trades. The college also offers three Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degrees in Cyber Security, Substance Use Disorder, and Business Administration.
For those who are interested in a certificate program but have not yet completed high school or earned a GED equivalent, students in some programs, including the electrical program, will have the ability to earn a high school diploma while attending their certificate training course.
A full listing of the certificate programs offered at Intercoast College are as follows:
- Healthcare Office Specialist
- Medical Assistant
- Pharmacy Technician
- Dental Assistant
- Mental Health Rehabilitation
- Alcohol and Drug Counseling
- Electrical Training Program
- HVAC Technician
- Business Office Administration
- Computerized Accounting
- Cybersecurity Specialist
Intercoast College has five campuses in various locations including Intercoast Santa Ana Campus, Intercoast Riverside Campus, Intercoast Fairfield Campus, Intercoast Rancho Cordova Campus and Intercoast West Covina Campus. Electrical training is available at all five locations. Online training is available for many programs, and the electrical program is no exception. Electrical students can train through a hybrid program with a combination of online and in-person learning.
The Electrician Training at Intercoast College
The Electrical Training Program at Intercoast College promises to provide students with an overview of electrical occupations and prepare them for work in the field. The electrical instruction provided includes such subjects as the fundamentals of electricity and fundamental mathematics for electricians, along with wiring for industrial, residential and commercial purposes. The program will also focus on teaching the National Electrical Code (NEC), which is updated by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and is essential to all electricians who wish to become fully qualified and licensed.
If you are interested, you can take advantage of the college’s Hybrid Electrical Training Program. The hybrid program allows you to attend classes and complete assignments online while attending weekly in-person labs. Lab sessions focus on providing hands-on training under the tutelage of qualified professionals in the field. These sessions are generally held on weekends to allow students to continue working while attending the program.
Electrical training at Intercoast College takes 50 weeks, or 900 hours, to complete. To apply for the program, contact the college or fill out an online application form here. Financial aid is available for those who qualify.
California Electrician Requirements
California requires all electricians to become certified. In order to qualify for certification, you must first work as an electrician trainee, which requires either being enrolled in an approved school or working under a certified electrician. Once you have completed 720 hours of classroom instruction and 8,000 hours of on-the-job training, you can apply for certification.
To become a certified electrician, you will need to pass an examination, which will be based on local building codes. In California, as in most places, building codes are based on the NEC, so it will be advantageous to study these thoroughly.
Electricians in California made an average annual wage of $70,460 in 2019, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
What to Expect at Intercoast College
Intercoast college focuses on preparing students for entry-level positions in skilled trades. It is an open admissions school, meaning that any student who applies to the school is accepted. Students will need to secure housing off-campus, as there are no on-campus housing options at the school. However, campuses are conveniently located in several locations, making for easier commuting.
The college’s webpage is filled with positive testimonials and five-star ratings, suggesting students are satisfied with the training they receive at the school. Testimonials cite knowledgeable instructors, attentive administrative staff and good preparation for career work. The college also offers career services to both enrolled students and alumni. These services include resume assistance, mock interviews, professional development, job leads, employer networking, employment counseling and employer matches.
Attending Intercoast College costs around $20,400 per year. However, program costs can vary and will include tools, books and related materials. You can use Intercoast’s Financial Aid Net Price Calculator or fill out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form here. In addition, the college provides an admissions representative and tuition coordinator to help you navigate the process.