Trade Schools
With an expected growth of 9 percent over the next decade, the electrician profession will continue to be in demand in the future.
Prospects are looking good, especially for electricians who specialize in linking alternative power sources to homes and power grids.
Before being ready to become a Journeyman electrician, you have to earn a diploma, certificate, or degree and pass the licensure exam.
This page includes information about the top training programs in Arkansas.
Programs last between less than a year and four years, depending on the type of program and the credential it leads to.
1Ultimate Technical Academy
About the School
Ultimate Technical Academy offers fast-track HVAC, plumbing, and electrical training for experienced workers and for those who want to start a career in this field.
One-week courses are also available at the school.
No pre-course requirements are required, so students can enroll at any time.
Courses Offered
The Ultimate Technical Academy offers an Electrician Service & Maintenance Course.
The class covers topics such as:
- Electrical theory, safety, transformers, inductive, and resistive loads
- Low voltage relays and controls
- Motor theory
- Panel replacements
- Main Panel wiring and construction
- Grounding and neutral
- And more
Apprentice electricians learn the electrical skills needed to install and troubleshoot circuits used in residential home wiring.
Technicians with one or two years of experience get to improve their diagnostic skills to be able to accurately troubleshoot electrical problems.
The Academy also provides an Electrical for HVAC program that covers:
- Safe electrical work practices
- Electrical troubleshooting
- Air conditioner, furnace, and heat pump controls and wiring
- Branch circuit design
- And more
Tuition for this program is $1,199.
Additional costs sum up to $198, bringing the total cost to $1,397.
Contact Information
- Address: 6108 Getty Drive, North Little Rock, AR 72117
- Phone: 501-835-8200
- Website: https://www.ultimatetechnician.com
2Arkansas Construction Education Foundation
About the School
Arkansas Construction Education Foundation offers apprenticeship programs in a wide range of industries.
Programs are between two and four years long and are certified by the U.S. Department of Labor, recognized by the Arkansas Department of Career Education, and accredited by the National Center For Construction Education and Research.
Students have to find employment before enrolling in the apprenticeship.
The employers will be training apprentices on the job, while classroom hours will be offered by ACEF one night a week.
Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and have a high school diploma or GED.
Courses Offered
The Foundation offers an Electrical Program.
This is a four-year program that consists of 640 hours of classroom instruction and 8,000 hours of on-the-job training.
Students learn the skills needed for the installation, commissioning, testing, and maintenance of various wiring systems.
Electricians can work in residential, commercial, and industrial settings.
Contact Information
- Address: 4421 West 61st Street, Little Rock, AR 72209
- Phone: (501) 372-1590
- Website: http://myacef.org
3Northwest Technical Institute
Northwest Technical Institute offers diploma, high school, and adult education programs.
Courses Offered
The institute’s catalog includes programs available for high school students on the following topics:
- Automotive Service Technology
- HVAC
- Welding
- And more
This program starts in the fall and spring and can be completed in two semesters and one summer term.
The approximate cost for this program is $6,140, which includes tuition, fees, books, and supplies.
The curriculum covers topics on:
- Technical Communications
- DC/AC Fundamentals
- Solid State Devices
- Motors for Electronic Technicians
- Manufacturing Processes
- ET Technical Mathematics
- And more
Students enrolled in this program learn how to troubleshoot and repair a wide range of electronic equipment, how to keep up with the latest regulations, and how to work with employees and customers to obtain and keep a good job in the field.
Financial aid is available for students who qualify.
To qualify for admission, applicants need a high school transcript or GED scores.
Immunization records and minimum test scores are also required.
Contact Information
- Address: 709 S Old Missouri Road, Springdale, AR 72764
- Phone: (479) 751-8824
- Website: https://nwti.edu
4Black River Technical College
About the School
Black River Technical College offers adult education, and career and technical education programs in a wide range of fields.
The following credentials are available:
- Certificate of Proficiency- one-semester programs
- Technical Certificates- one-year programs
- Associate Degrees- two-year programs
Black River Technical College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Courses Offered
The college’s catalog includes an Industrial Electricity/Electronics program.
This program includes English/Communication classes, Mathematics, and an Electricity Foundation part.
This Electricity Foundation curriculum covers courses on:
- Basic Electricity/Electronics
- AC/DC Fundamentals
- Motors and Motor Controls
- Industrial Electrical Systems
- Electronic Circuits
- Programmable Logic Control Technology
A one-year Technical Certificate requires 30 credits in total: six of them consisting of English and Mathematics classes and 24 of Electricity Foundation.
An Electrical Apprenticeship program is also available for those who want to combine on-the-job training supervised by an experienced and licensed worker with classroom training.
Contact Information
- Address: 1410 Highway 304 East, P.O. Box 468, Pocahontas, AR 72455
- Phone: (870) 248-4000
- Website: https://www.blackrivertech.edu
5University of Arkansas Pulaski Tech
About the School
University of Arkansas Pulaski Tech offers training programs for those who want to earn an associate degree, for those who want to find employment after graduation, and for those who want to transfer to four-year universities.
Students are provided with hands-on real-world experience.
More than 80 accredited programs are available.
In-state tuition is $134 per credit hour.
Mandatory fees include $46 per credit hour in General Student Fee, a $4 Student Support Services Fee, and a $5 Property Maintenance Fee.
Program/service-specific fees are also applicable, depending on the pathway.
Pulaski Tech is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Courses Offered
Pulaski Tech offers an Electricity-related program that leads to a Certificate of Proficiency in Electrical Systems.
This program includes eight hours of AMST courses and 12 hours of Electrical Systems classes.
The following Electrical Systems courses are available:
- Industrial Electricity
- Programmable Logic Controllers
- Basic Electrical Circuits
A minimum of 2.0 cumulative grade-point is required for graduation.
Contact Information
- Address: 3000 West Scenic Drive, North Little Rock, AR 72118
- Phone: (501) 812-2200
- Website: https://uaptc.edu
6National Park College
About the School
National Park College offers degree programs in a variety of fields.
Concurrent enrollment is available for high school students who want to earn college credit.
Concurrent enrollment courses are taught on the high school campus by high school teachers certified by NPC.
After completing the program, students receive credits toward high school graduation as well as college credit.
Applicants need to submit a copy of ACT, ACCUPLACER or ASPIRE test scores obtained within the past three years to be considered for admission.
The National Park College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Courses Offered
The National Park College catalog includes a variety of trade program options, including:
- Automotive Front-End Specialist- a nine-credit hour program
- General Technology- a 60-credit program that leads to an Associate in Applied Science Degree
- Industrial Controls- a 10-credit program that includes a three-credit class in Fundamentals of Electricity
- Mechanical Systems
- Welding Technology
- And more
Depending on the number of credits and the type of program, graduates can earn an A.A.S. degree or a certificate.
Contact Information
- Address: 101 College Drive, Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas 71913
- Phone: (501) 760-4222
- Website: https://np.edu
7Southeast Arkansas College
About the School
Southeast Arkansas College offers academic programs in technical studies, allied health, and general studies.
The programs are designed to prepare students for future careers or transfer to other institutions.
Financial aid is available for qualifying students.
Southeast Arkansas College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Courses Offered
Southeast Arkansas College provides an Electrical Mechanical Systems Technology program.
The program is designed to be completed in two years and prepares students with advanced industrial electrical mechanical skills.
The curriculum emphasizes courses in electrical motors, AC drives, DC controls, programmable logic controllers, instrumentation, and a variety of other skills used in the field of automated manufacturing systems.
Graduates know how to calibrate, troubleshoot, and maintain hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical, and electronic control devices.
After completing the program, students receive an A.A.S. degree.
The program prepares students for employment in electrical maintenance, electrical distribution, and other entry-level jobs in the electrical field.
Contact Information
- Address: 1900 Hazel Street, Pine Bluff, AR 71603
- Phone: 870-543-5900
- Website: https://www.seark.edu
8South Arkansas Community College
About the School
South Arkansas Community College provides a variety of career and technical education programs.
In-district tuition is $84 per credit hour.
Out-of-district in-state tuition is $97 per credit hour.
Financial aid is available for students who qualify.
South Arkansas Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Courses Offered
The College’s catalog includes an Industrial Engineering Technology pathway.
This program can lead to certificates or Associate in Applied Science degrees.
Students enrolled in this program are ready to become entry-level electrical and instrumentation technicians.
Workers in this profession are responsible for diagnosing, repairing, installing, and calibrating industrial equipment in a plant setting.
The curriculum focuses on the areas of electrical and instrumentation controls.
The following degree options are available:
- Industrial Electrical Technology AAS
- Electrical and Instrumentation (E&I) TC
- Industrial Engineering Technology CP
The curriculum varies depending on the chosen program but it may include classes such as:
- Introduction to Industrial Technology
- Industrial Safety
- Electricity and Electronics
- College Algebra
- Technical Math
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 300 South West Avenue, El Dorado, AR 71730 (West Campus)
- 3696 East Main Street, El Dorado, AR 71730 (East Campus)
- Phone: 870-862-8131
- Website: https://www.southark.edu
9IBEW Local 700
About the School
The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers offers an apprenticeship program that combines paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction.
Local Union 700 has more than 300 members who work in the electrical industry.
The apprenticeship is available in Fort Smith.
To qualify for admission, applicants must be at least 18 years of age.
A high school transcript or a GED with test scores is also required.
Prospective apprentices must have completed one full credit Algebra I course with a passing score and they must pass a drug test.
After fulfilling all the requirements, applicants attend an interview with the JATC committee.
Based on the interview, the application, and an aptitude test, applicants are scored by each committee member.
A score of at least 75% is needed to be placed on the list.
The Fort Smith Electrical JATC is approved for the Veterans Education Benefits Program.
Contact Information
- Address: 2914 Midland Boulevard, Fort Smith, AR 72904
- Phone: (479) 783-1149
- Website: http://www.ibew700.com
10National Apprenticeship Training Foundation
About the School
National Apprenticeship Training Foundation offers customized training programs for employers and individuals throughout the United States.
Many of its programs are certified by the United States Department of Labor.
The foundation offers classes for management, dislocated workers, new employees, high school dropouts, and employees at a minimum cost.
Currently, more than 500 different courses are available.
Adult apprenticeships, youth career training, and specialized training are available.
High school students have access to training at no cost at their local high school.
Students enrolled in apprenticeships earn a salary while they learn.
The program takes place for 15-20 hours during the school year.
Students work full-time during the summer.
The following skills are included in the training:
- OSHA Compliance
- Problem Solving
- Blueprint Reading
- Communication Skills
- Electrical Troubleshooting
- And more
Courses Offered
An Electrical training program is offered by the foundation.
This program prepares students with technical, scientific, and math skills needed for employment as entry-level workers in this industry.
The foundation also provides skills assessments to determine what skills the employees have and what skills are needed.
The assessment includes both written and hands-on skill tests.
Contact Information
- Address: 518 S 6th St, Arkadelphia, AR 71923
- Phone: 870-246-0320
- Website: https://natf.us
Regional Salary in Arkansas
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR-MO | 1,750 | $50,330 | $24.2 | $70,390 | $35,410 |
| Fort Smith, AR-OK | 370 | $49,820 | $23.95 | $70,200 | $30,150 |
| Hot Springs, AR | 260 | $45,150 | $21.71 | $59,060 | $29,550 |
| Jonesboro, AR | 380 | $48,420 | $23.28 | $60,730 | $30,810 |
| Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR | 2,100 | $48,180 | $23.17 | $61,770 | $32,740 |
| Pine Bluff, AR | 110 | $66,040 | $31.75 | $77,140 | $42,590 |
* 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 needs and learning style.
This is an important step, so be thorough and make an informed decision.
