Electrical Construction Apprentice

An Electrical Construction student working in class

Electrical Construction Apprentice

Registered Apprenticeship

16 Credits | 4 Years

Rice Lake*

*Combination of Online, On-site, and Hybrid instruction

Career Cluster: Architecture and Construction

What is an Apprenticeship?

A Registered Apprenticeship is a state-certified training program that combines paid related instruction and on the job training. Apprentices are trained under a written training agreement called an indenture. While indentured, the employer agrees to teach the student the skills of the trade and the apprentice agrees to learn the skills involved.

Electrical Construction Apprentice Overview

Electricians plan, diagram, install, and repair electrical fixtures, apparatus, and control equipment such as switches, relays, and circuit breaker panels. They measure, cut, bend, thread, assemble, install electrical conduit (pipe or tubing), and pull wire through conduit. They test circuits' continuity to ensure the compatibility and safety of components, using instruments; such as the ohmmeter, megger, and other testing equipment. Electricians assemble, install, and wire electrical systems that operate heating, lighting, power, air conditioning, and refrigeration components; electrical machinery; electronic equipment and controls; and signal and communication systems.

Program Outcomes

Electrical Construction Apprentice completers will be able to:

  • Apply AC and DC theory 
  • Apply electrical code requirements 
  • Apply operational principles to transformer installations 
  • Examine electric motor theory and applications 
  • Apply electric motor control theory and applications 
  • Analyze variable speed drives 
  • Interpret electrical and equipment drawings 
  • Communicate trade and occupational related information effectively

Technical Standards

In this program, students should be able to meet specific technical standards, which are the essential skills and abilities needed to be successful in a program, with or without reasonable accommodation. It is important to review and understand these standards before applying to the program. 

Learn More About Technical Standards for this Program

Electrician working on wires

Wage scale of apprentice systematically increases throughout the apprenticeship

Electrical apprentice student getting hands on experience

On-the-job learning is 90% of apprenticeships. Apprentices are full-time, paid employees trained by the employer's skilled workers. 

Apprenticeship students working together in class

Apprentices learn the theory and lab to support on-the-job learning.


Academics

The Electrical Construction Apprenticeship courses are available at the Rice Lake campus through a combination of Online, On Site and Hybrid instruction.

Continuing Education

Graduates are able to apply 39 program credits towards the Technical Studies – Journeyworker associate degree program

Program Features

This four-year apprenticeship includes 8,000 hours of on-the-job training, 576 hours of paid related instruction and 104 hours of unpaid related instruction.

Transition to Trainer

The Transition to Trainer course is required for completion. Students will take this course the last year of the apprenticeship


Required Courses

Program courses are state-approved and designed specifically to meet employer needs. The unpaid related coursework is designed specifically to the local employers needs.

Explore the Required Courses

Featured Electrical Construction Apprentice Courses

50413540
|
UGRD
| 2 CR
Course explores electrical theories and DC circuits and applies those theories to construction related situations. Apprentices will review energy sources, electrical devices, current, voltage and resistance. Course covers how current, voltage, and power relate in various DC circuits. Hands-on labs will reinforce applications of concepts to developing trade skills.
50413541
|
UGRD
| 2 CR
Course explores electrical theories and AC circuits and applies those theories to trade related situations. Concepts including reactance, vectors, and capacitance will be introduced. Apprentices will apply related concepts to various AC circuits. Hands- on labs will reinforce applications of concepts and help develop trade skills.

Admissions and Tuition

To become an apprentice in the state of Wisconsin, one must first be indentured by the State Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards (BAS). To become indentured you must:

  • Contact an employer on your own. Employment is a requirement of entering an apprenticeship.
  • Once you have an employer / sponsor, contact the Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards to initiate the application process between you and your employer

See Requirements and Application for more details

Cost of Attendance

The Cost of Attendance (COA) is an estimate of the costs that you may incur while attending Northwood Technical College.

Learn More About Cost of Attendance

Estimated Total Program Tuition 2024-25*

Electrical Construction Apprentice

16 Credits | 4 years

$2,588

There will be additional costs for unpaid related instruction in addition to the estimated tuition and fees listed above.


*Tuition is an estimate and does not include any miscellaneous fees for various courses, tools, books, supplies or uniforms. Program book costs are in addition to tuition and fees and vary depending on course selection and where the books are purchased or rented. 

 


After the Northwood Tech Electrical Construction Apprentice Program

Upon completion of the apprenticeship, you will receive a Certificate of Apprenticeship Completion issued by the Department of Workforce Development - Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards (DWD-BAS).

Professional Licensure and/or Certification Information

Northwood Tech’s Electrical Construction Apprenticeship is designed to prepare students to meet the educational requirements for licensure to be employed/practice in the state of Wisconsin and Minnesota. The College has not determined and does not guarantee its required courses meet the requirements for preparation, examination, or licensure in states/territories other than Wisconsin and Minnesota as documented on the licensure and certification disclosure webpage. Students who may be seeking professional licensure in states/territories other than Wisconsin and Minnesota should contact the appropriate apprenticeship bureau or licensing board in that state/territory to verify that the Northwood Tech program meets licensure or certification requirements. To be eligible for testing and/or licensing in the state of Wisconsin or Minnesota, you may be required to obtain a social security number. 

For more information, visit: 
Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards and Department of Workforce Development


Contact

Eric Lockwood, Director, Apprenticeships and Academies
715.246.1871
Email Eric

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