Trade Schools
If you want to start a career as an Electrician, this page is designed to provide you with information about the top training programs available in Alabama.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, this profession is projected to grow 9 percent from 2020 to 2030 in the United States with approximately 84,700 new openings expected to occur each year over the decade.
Job prospects are expected to look good but before being ready to apply for your first job, you have to complete a post-secondary education program.
Electricians usually learn the skills for this profession through apprenticeships, certificates, or degree programs.
Alabama offers plenty of options for those who want to start a career in the field.
We invite you to read further to find out more about the available programs.
1Birmingham Electrical JATC
About the School
Birmingham Electrical JATC offers a nationally recognized registered apprenticeship training program that has been training electricians since 1942.
The apprenticeship program is a combination of classroom study and on-the-job training and can be completed in five years.
Apprentices have full-time jobs and receive a wage for their work.
They also have medical insurance, three retirement programs, and 53 college credits at no cost to them.
In total, apprentices spend 10,000 hours on-the-job and 900 hours of classroom study.
They attend classes at the BEJATC Training facility which is located behind the Birmingham airport.
Classes take place from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. one or two nights per week, depending on the class.
Apprentices advance in their training after every 2,000 hours of on-the-job training and 180 hours of classroom study.
Before graduation, apprentices are required to have several certifications, including OSHA 10, CPR-First Aid, Craft Certification, and a Journeyman Electrician License issued by the State of Alabama.
Contact Information
- Address: 5000 East Lake Blvd. Birmingham, AL. 35217
- Phone: 205-849-5522
- Website: https://bejatc.org
2Drake State Community & Technical College
About the School
Drake State Community & Technical College is a two-year college that prepares students for employment in technical fields or for university transfer.
When applying for admission, applicants need to submit an application form, a residency form, official high school and college transcripts or equivalent, as well as proof of identification.
Drake State Community & Technical College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate degrees and certificates.
Courses Offered
The college’s catalog includes an Advanced Manufacturing pathway that offers an Electrical Technology program that can lead to an Associate in Applied Science, Certificate, or Short Term Certificate.
The certifications issued by Drake State Community & Technical College are recognized nationwide.
Tuition costs vary depending on the program.
The 60-week Advanced Manufacturing-Electrical Wiring program that leads to a Certificate costs approximately $9,000 for in-state students and $14,300 for out-of-state students.
These approximate costs include tuition and fees, as well as books and supplies.
Contact Information
- Address: 3421 Meridian Street North, Huntsville, AL 35811
- Phone: (256) 539-8161
- Website: https://www.drakestate.edu
3Wallace Community College
About the School
Wallace Community College provides a wide range of career programs at its two campuses: Dothan and Eufaula.
Wallace Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate degrees.
Courses Offered
The college provides an Electrical Technology program that teaches students how to apply technical knowledge and skills to install, operate, maintain, and repair electrical appliances and systems in residential and commercial settings.
The program covers topics such as:
- Principles of Electronics and Electrical Systems
- Wiring
- Power Transmission
- Safety
- Industrial and Household Appliances
- Job Estimation
- Electrical Testing and Inspection
- Applicable Codes and Standards
This program is approved by the National Center for Construction Education and Research and sponsored by the Alabama Community College Systems.
Costs vary depending on the program and the credential it leads to.
Students enrolled in the Electrical Technology two-semester program pay approximately $3,200 for tuition for the 24 credits.
Tuition for the five-semester program that includes 74 credit hours is approximately $9,800.
Financial aid is available for students who qualify.
Contact Information
- Address: 1141 Wallace Drive, Dothan, AL 36303
- Phone: 334.983.3521
- Website: https://www.wallace.edu
4Northwest-Shoals Community College
About the School
Northwest-Shoals Community College is a comprehensive two-year college that offers more than 100 certificate and degree programs.
Tuition is $166 per credit hour for Alabama residents.
Dual enrollment programs that allow eligible students to earn high school and college credit at the same time are also available.
To be eligible for dual enrollment, applicants must meet the entrance requirements of postsecondary education and be in grades 10, 11, and 12 and have a cumulative 2.5 on a 4.0 scale in completed high school courses.
Written approval from the high school principal or counselor is also required.
Northwest-Shoals Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Courses Offered
The college’s catalog includes an Electrical pathway.
This program teaches students how to design, stage, and install commercial and residential electrical wiring.
They also learn the skills needed to supply power to a wide range of systems while following the National Electrical Code.
Students gain experience in troubleshooting electrical circuits.
The following degrees and certificates are available:
- Electrical Technology
- Electrical Technology Commercial Technician
- Electrical Technology Industrial Technician
- Electrical Technology Residential Technician
Contact Information
- Address: 800 George Wallace Blvd. Muscle Shoals, AL 35661
- Phone: 256.331.5200
- Website: https://nwscc.edu
5Trenholm State Community College
About the School
Trenholm State Community College offers educational programs in a wide range of fields.
The programs can lead to an Associate Degree or Technical Certificate that helps students start new careers.
The catalog covers a variety of fields of interest, from culinary arts to electricity and collision repair.
H. Council Trenholm State Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Courses Offered
The college’s catalog includes an Automotive/Advanced Manufacturing: Electrical program.
The curriculum covers basic electrical skills and high-tech instrumentation.
Students also learn how to safely install electrical wiring and equipment.
The program teaches basic instrumentation for measurement and control in the manufacturing field.
Students gain knowledge and hands-on skills in technologies for servicing, troubleshooting, and monitoring systems and equipment.
The following credentials are available:
- Associate of Applied Science- Automotive/Advanced Manufacturing- Electrical: Residential/Commercial Electrician- 74 semester hours are required
- Associate of Applied Science- Automotive/Advanced Manufacturing- Electrical Technician- 74 semester hours are required
- Associate of Applied Science- Automotive/Advanced Manufacturing- Electrical Instrumentation- 73 semester hours are required
- Associate of Applied Science- Automotive/Advanced Manufacturing- Robotics/Mechatronic- 70 semester hours are required for this degree
Contact Information
- Address: 1225 Air Base Blvd, Montgomery, Alabama 36108
- Phone: 866-753-4544
- Website: https://www.trenholmstate.edu
6Gadsden State Community College
About the School
Gadsden State Community College provides affordable education that prepares students for careers through quality education.
More than 70 programs are available at the college.
Tuition is $166 per credit hour for in-state students.
Financial aid is available for students who qualify.
Gadsden State Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate degrees.
Courses Offered
The school’s catalog includes an Electrical Technology program as well as an Electronic Engineering Technology.
The Electrical Technology program leads to an Associate of Applied Science that requires a minimum of 76 credit hours.
This includes at least 61 credits in technical courses and at least 15 in general education studies.
The required technical courses include:
- Introduction to Engineering Technologies
- Electrical Blueprint Reading
- Residential Wiring Methods
- Industrial Motor Control
- Principles of Industrial Mechanics
- Fundamentals of Industrial Hydraulics and Pneumatics
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 1801 Coleman Road, Anniston, AL 36207
- Phone: 256-835-5400
- Website: https://www.gadsdenstate.edu
7Fortis College
About the School
Fortis College offers healthcare training as well as HVAC, welding, and electrical trade programs.
The college was established in 2020 as a branch of Fortis College, which is institutionally accredited by ABHES.
Applicants are assigned to an admissions representative who guides them in the admissions process.
Students must be high school graduates or possess a recognized equivalent.
Courses Offered
The college’s catalog includes an Electrical Training program that trains students for entry-level positions in the field of electrical trades.
The curriculum covers safety procedures, high voltage electrical standards, troubleshooting techniques, and more.
Students also learn about high voltage applications, and OSHA and National Electric Code standards.
The program includes classes in Alternating Current Theory, A.C. Motors and Control, Three Phase Power and Transformers, and more.
The curriculum also includes classes in:
- Introduction to Skilled Professions
- Applied Mathematics
- Career and Professional Development
- Principles of Electricity
- Low Voltage Principles and Standards
- National Electrical Code Principles
- Residential Circuitry and Design
- Motor Controls
- Motor Controls Maintenance
- Commercial and Industrial Circuits
- And more
The Electrical Trades program costs $266.65 per credit hour which sums up to $19,532 in total.
Contact Information
- Address: 100 London Parkway, Suite 150, Birmingham, AL 35211
- Phone: (205) 940-7800
- Website: https://www.fortis.edu
8Elmore County Technical Center
About the School
Elmore County Technical Center offers career and technical education programs available at its Watumpka campus.
Students enrolled at the college can gain industry credentials and nationally-recognized certificates.
Career technical education classes are available for high school students.
Technical and dual enrollment courses are also offered through Central Alabama Community College, which allows them to earn college and high school credits.
Dual enrollment is available for students in the 10th grade.
Courses Offered
The Center’s catalog includes an Electrical Technology pathway.
First-year students cover NCCER Core and NCCER Electrical Tech 1 curriculum.
The second year focuses on NCCER Electrical 2 and NCCER Electrical Tech 3.
During the third year, students complete a senior project.
Students may begin enrollment in the 10th grade and are typically able to take one program at a time during a school year.
Contact Information
- Address: 800 Kelly Fitzpatrick Drive, Wetumpka, AL 36092
- Phone: 334-567-1218
- Website: https://elmorecounty.ect.schoolinsites.com
9North Alabama Electrical JATC
About the School
North Alabama Electrical JATC provides apprenticeship programs for those who want to start careers as wiremen.
The apprenticeship is accredited by the American Council on Education.
Apprenticeships may apply for credit at the college level.
Courses Offered
The following programs are available:
- Four-year wiremen
- Five-year wiremen
Apprentices work year-round for electrical contractors and attend classroom hours during the academic year.
During this time they are paid directly by the contractor.
Apprentices receive a salary that starts at $15.05 per hour for the first 2000 hours and increases to $16,56 after completing the 2,000-hour threshold.
Trainees receive salary raises gradually after each 2,000 work hours that are completed.
A journeyman worker earns $30.10 per hour.
Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and they must be high school graduates or have a G.E.D. to qualify for enrollment in the apprenticeship.
Contact Information
- Address: North Alabama Electrical JATC, 1805 E. 17th Street, PO Box 141, Sheffield, AL 35660
- Phone: 256-383-9507
- Website: http://naljatc.org
10Bishop State
About the School
Bishop State provides educational programs that prepare students for careers in a wide range of fields.
Tuition at the college is $125 per credit hour.
Fees sum up to $39 per credit hour and include technology fee, facility renewal fee, bond reserve fee, special building fee, ACCS Enhancement fee, and more.
Courses Offered
The following career technical education programs are available at Bishop State:
- Electrical Technology
- Electronics Engineering Technology
- Industrial Maintenance Technology
- Process and Maintenance Technology
- Welding Technology
- And more
The Electrical Technology program prepares students for employment as entry-level electricians.
The program combines theory and hands-on experience in the field of electrical construction and industrial maintenance.
The Electrical Technology curriculum includes classes in residential, commercial, and industrial wiring methods, industrial equipment, tool and equipment use, and rotating machines and controls, among other topics.
Contact Information
- Address: 351 N Broad St, Mobile, AL 36603
- Phone: (251) 405-7000
- Website: https://www.bishop.edu
Regional Salary in Alabama
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anniston-Oxford-Jacksonville, AL | 180 | $51,340 | $24.69 | $69,800 | $33,610 |
| Auburn-Opelika, AL | 290 | $50,150 | $24.11 | $70,400 | $29,860 |
| Birmingham-Hoover, AL | 2,490 | $55,110 | $26.49 | $77,160 | $36,310 |
| Daphne-Fairhope-Foley, AL | 440 | $50,460 | $24.26 | $74,870 | $36,210 |
| Decatur, AL | 430 | $58,300 | $28.03 | $99,030 | $36,510 |
| Dothan, AL | 210 | $48,180 | $23.16 | $64,550 | $34,060 |
| Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL | 690 | $58,600 | $28.18 | $72,900 | $37,140 |
| Gadsden, AL | 130 | $45,790 | $22.02 | $70,560 | $31,720 |
| Huntsville, AL | 940 | $59,160 | $28.44 | $81,330 | $38,100 |
| Mobile, AL | 1,420 | $55,730 | $26.79 | $72,320 | $36,320 |
| Montgomery, AL | 660 | $51,870 | $24.94 | $70,820 | $36,210 |
| Tuscaloosa, AL | 430 | $56,030 | $26.94 | $79,690 | $36,660 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have read our list, it’s time to continue the research and apply for the program that best meets your educational needs, lifestyle, and career aspirations.
This is an important step, so take your time and make an informed decision.
