There are many electrical jobs out there, and the industry needs people to fill them.
The need for electrical trainees is in demand, so getting into the field at this time should be a good opportunity for new entries. In order to enter the field, you must take an electrical training program or join an apprenticeship program. These are the requirements in California in order to work in the electrical field.
Keep reading to find out what you should look for when deciding which college to consider attending in California.
Pick a School that is Approved by the State of California
Students doing well in their electrical training courses usually reflect positively on the school. Before enrolling, determine what percentage of students have successfully completed the course.
To ensure you’re dealing with a quality training provider, check if the school is accredited. An accrediting agency reviews the institution’s curriculum and program outcomes and determines if the coursework meets various educational standards.
Schools must be approved for the whole curriculum by the California Department of Consumer Affairs, Division of Industrial Relations in order to issue Training Cards (T-Cards) for its students so students and graduates can work in entry-level electrical positions.
InterCoast Colleges is a state-approved Electrician Trainee (ET) Program that offers California’s Electrical Trainee Program. This program is designed to help individuals become certified electricians by providing them with the necessary training and education. The program combines hands-on experience with classroom instruction to ensure that participants meet the state’s high standards for electrical safety and competency. Participants receive both practical and theoretical knowledge and are required to complete a minimum of 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 720 hours of related classroom instruction. Upon completing the program, trainees are able to take the California state certification exam and officially become licensed electricians.
Fees
While price isn’t always an indicator of quality, it’s good to know that you can expect some value in return for your money. The most important thing about the cost of the program is to verify that the tuition and fees are transparent. The total cost should include all charges, including any associated materials and the registration fee.
You should also be able to get a breakdown of what the total covers and an outline of how these costs will be covered. This will help you make an informed decision about whether the price is worth it.
Training Techniques
Ask whether the training is hands-on or theoretical. A good course should include hands-on lab training. That way, you can apply what you have learned in real-life scenarios.
If the program is only theory-based, it might not give you what you need. Courses like these are more suitable for experienced electricians who want to update their safety and code knowledge. All programs must provide students with CalOsha safety training and CPR.
Job Placement Assistance
Ask about the type of jobs graduates are accepting. A reputable training provider should be able to name at least one company that hires its students. Also, ask how long it takes the average student to receive placement assistance after completing the program.
This information should give you a good idea of how well the program prepares students for landing jobs.
If the school offers job placement assistance, there’s no guarantee that you’ll be chosen. After completing your program, you should take steps to find a job by applying directly to companies or working closely with your school to find employment, including helping students build resumes and gain field experience, which could help in your job search.
Instructors
Find out what kind of experience and education the instructors have. The instructors will need to have a certain number of years in the industry or possess a specific license. You can ask about the qualifications of the instructors, and even ask to meet with them before enrolling. You can ask them how long they have been teaching and what type of specific training in theory and practice.
You will likely want an instructor who has been teaching for several years as they will likely provide students with a strong learning experience.
Equipment
Ask the school if you can take a tour of the equipment lab to see if they have up-to-date equipment, tools, and materials for learning. The equipment doesn’t have to be expensive or new, but it should perform well and meet learning objectives.
Read Online Reviews
Before deciding on a course, it’s good to find out what previous students have had to say. If you see that most people haven’t been satisfied with the training course or that they wouldn’t recommend it to others, ask the school questions about the comments and perhaps the school can provide additional information.
Schools with positive ratings are possibly more likely to provide a better educational experience. If you can’t find reviews online, consider contacting the school’s support team to see if they have any testimonials from former students. Or, ask to observe classes before committing to the program.
Course Content
Look at the course outline and see what topics they cover. If most of the topics aren’t relevant to your field, the course may not be as helpful as you had hoped. For example, if you want to do electrical and solar, but find that the courses do not include training in both areas, maybe this is not the right program for you. Visit multiple schools before making your final decision.
It’s also important to look at how much time the school allocates for each section. If there’s too much material and not enough time to cover it all, you could feel frustrated or overwhelmed.
Learn More About InterCoast’s Programs
If you’ve decided that an electrical training program is right for you, contact InterCoast for more information. Our program can prepare you for an entry-level career in the electrical field. Contact us so we can discuss the trade and what is required to enter the field.
