AA/AS in Electrical and Power Transmission Installers

This electrical construction program trains students for the two main branches of the trade. Construction electricians put wiring systems into new homes, commercial buildings and factories, while maintenance electricians keep existing systems and equipment working and bring them up to date. Many people in the field do some of each. About half of all instruction takes place in hands-on labs. The college has lab space for residential wiring, bending conduit and industrial motor controls, plus training units used during theory courses. No formal internship is built in, though plenty of students hold jobs in the trade while enrolled. Graduates must comply with state and municipal building rules as well as the NEC. After three years working for a licensed contractor, a person may sit for the state licensing exam, and many license holders open their own businesses. License holders must keep up continuing education. Residential jobs tend to stay local, whereas commercial and industrial positions often involve travel.