If you live in West Virginia and want to start a career in the electricity field, this page is for you.
The electrician profession requires a lot of responsibility so before being ready to look for the first job in the field you need to complete a training program.
Most electricians learn the ins and outs of this profession through an apprenticeship, but post-secondary programs are also available at community colleges and trade schools.
Program duration and tuition costs vary depending on the format, the school, the credential it leads to, and a variety of other factors.
To help you choose the program that best meets your needs and career prospects, on this page we have compiled information about the top electrician schools in West Virginia.
1Fred W. Eberle Technical Center
About the School
Fred W. Eberle Technical Center is the first multi-county career technical center in West Virginia.
The college provides carer training that prepares students for further education after high school.
Specialized training is also available for adults who want to further their careers.
The center accepts high school students from Barbour, Lewis, and Upshur Counties.
Career training is also offered for post-secondary students.
One- and two-year career training programs are available.
Students can choose between full-time and part-time programs, depending on their schedules.
Some adult classes are available in the evening as well.
Courses Offered
The center’s catalog features a wide range of programs, including an Electrical Technician pathway.
This is a two-semester course that runs from August to December and January to June.
Tuition for the Electrical Technician program is $3,000 for adult students.
Graduates are eligible to sit for the Journeyman Electrician’s License exam.
Programs are available in the field of Automotive Technology, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, Robotics, Welding, and many other industries, as well.
Contact Information
- Address: 208 Morton Ave, Buckhannon, WV 26201
- Phone: (304) 472-1259
- Website: https://fetc.edu
2Putnam Career and Technical Center
About the School
Putnam Career and Technical Center provides career training programs in a variety of fields of interest.
The center is fully accredited by the Commission of the Council on Occupational Education.
Courses Offered
The electrical technician courses equip students with the skills needed for tasks such as reading blueprints, connecting wires, circuit breakers, outlets, and many other components.
This program can be completed in 22 months and includes 1080 clock hours.
The curriculum consists of eight nine-week courses of 135 clock hours each.
The classes cover topics such as:
- Installing, maintaining, repairing, and replacing electrical components
- Electrical system maintenance
- Wiring methods, electrical theory, drawing and reading wiring diagrams
- Working with your hands and mechanical equipment
- Working carefully and safely
The following credentials are available:
- NCCER- National Center for Construction Education and Research Core and Electrical Level I
- OSHA 10-Hour Construction Certificate
- West Virginia Electricians License Apprentice and Journeyman
- SNAP-ON 504 Meter Certification
Contact Information
- Address: P.O. Box 640 | 300 Roosevelt Blvd.Eleanor, WV 25070
- Phone: 304.586.3494
- Website: https://www.pctc.edu
3James Rumsey Technical Institute
About the School
James Rumsey Technical Institute provides training programs that prepare students for rewarding careers in a variety of fields.
The institute is accredited by the Commission of the Council on Occupational Education.
Courses Offered
The institute’s catalog includes an Electrical Technician program.
The full-time adult classes take 11 months to complete.
Students attend classes for 30 hours of training per week.
The course concentrates on the academic, technical, and social skills needed for success in the residential and commercial fields.
Additionally, students can also earn NCCER certification for each skill set mastered.
The Electrical Technician curriculum includes classes on:
- Electrical Trades
- Blueprint Reading for Electricians
- Industrial and Commercial Wiring
- Integrated Electrical Lab
- Residential Wiring
- Rotating Devices and Control Circuitry
- Work-Based Integration & Transition
- Conductor Installations
- Circuit Breakers and Fuses
- And more
This two-semester program costs approximately $7,160 in total.
Contact Information
- Address: 3274 Hedgesville Rd, Martinsburg, WV 25403
- Phone: (304) 754-7925
- Website: https://www.jamesrumsey.com
4Ben Franklin Career Center
About the School
Ben Franklin Career Center provides a variety of career training programs for high school students and adults.
The building covers more than 93,800 square feet and is comprised of the main structure with a portable classroom and an adjacent building.
The center is operated by the Kanawha County Schools.
The adult programs available are accredited by the Council on Occupational Education.
Courses Offered
The center’s catalog includes a Secondary Electricity program that follows the NCCER curriculum.
During the training program, students learn three modules: Core, Electrical 1 & Electrical 2.
Each module is recorded to a national registry and can be verified by employers.
Those who complete the program are eligible to sit for the Electrical Exam if they are 18 years of age or older.
Students also have the opportunity to earn OSHA Certification.
The class combines electrical theory and hands-on lab work.
To be eligible for enrollment, students must be currently enrolled in a Kanawha County High School.
Contact Information
- Address: 500 28th Street, Dunbar, WV 25064
- Phone: 304-766-0369
- Website: https://bf.kana.k12.wv.us
5Carver Career and Technical Education Center
About the School
Carver Career and Technical Education Center provides educational programs that equip secondary and adult students with the skills needed for employment, career advancement, and continued education.
The center has a Simulated Workplace designed in collaboration with experts from businesses and industries throughout West Virginia.
Carver Career and Technical Education Center are accredited by the Commission on the Council on Occupational Education.
Courses Offered
The center provides a two-year Electrical Technician program that follows the National and NCCER curriculum.
The program covers the fundamentals of electrical work, terminology, basic principles, and theory, and prepares students for entry-level positions in the electrical field.
Students learn about Watts Law, Ohms Law, Electrical Math, Electrical Projects, Grounding, Switching, Wiring, and Services and also study the National Electrical Code and its applications.
The following certifications are available for students enrolled in this program:
- Electrical Journeyman License
- NCCER Certifications
- OSHA 30
- Electrician Apprenticeship License
- Multimeter Certification
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 4799 Midland Dr, Charleston, WV 25306
- Phone: 304-348-1965
- Website: https://ccc.kana.k12.wv.us
6Pierpont Community & Technical College
About the School
Pierpont Community & Technical College offers educational programs for high school students and adults.
The college is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association.
Tuition costs vary depending on the type of program and the number of credits it requires.
Per-hour tuition is $211 for West Virginia residents.
Pierpont Community & Technical College has four campuses: Clarksburg, Bridgeport, Morgantown, and Sutton.
Many scholarships and grants are available to give students access to quality education at an affordable price.
Early enrollment classes available at Pierpont Community & Technical College help high school students jumpstart their college education at an affordable price.
Courses Offered
The college’s catalog includes an Electric Utility Technology program.
This program can lead to an Associate in Applied Science after earning 60 credits.
The curriculum includes classes on:
- Technical Mathematics
- Computer Concepts and Applications
- Print Reading
- Fluids
- Mechanics
- Electric Utility Practice
- Basic DC Circuits
- Power Systems Institute Capstone
- Financial Literacy
- Technical Physical Science
- And more
Graduates can begin careers as electric utility line workers, cable workers, or electrical line supervisors.
Contact Information
- Address: 500 Galliher Dr. Fairmont, WV 26554
- Phone: 304-367-4907
- Website: https://www.pierpont.edu
7Eastern West Virginia Community & Technical College
About the School
Eastern West Virginia Community & Technical College offers personalized instruction and custom solutions for first-time students, individuals who take classes to transfer to a four-year college or university, and those looking for skills training.
Available are 20 programs that lead to associate degrees, 17 certificate programs, and 25 skill sets.
Costs vary depending on the program, the credential it leads to, and the number of credits it includes.
The per-hour tuition rate is $160 for in-state students.
Tuition for West Virginia residents is $3,840 for two full-time semesters.
Courses Offered
The Electro-mechanical Technology program available at Eastern West Virginia Community & Technical College includes 30 credit hours and leads to a Certificate in Applied Science.
The curriculum offers instruction and practical application of a wide range of technical concepts and practices.
Students take classes on electricity, pneumatics, hydraulics, industrial controls, and computer fundamentals.
Graduates are ready to enter the workforce as technicians who know how to assemble, install, troubleshoot, service, and repair equipment and system components used in the industry.
Full-time day and part-time evening schedules are available to accommodate students’ needs.
Contact Information
- Address: 316 Eastern Drive, Moorefield, West Virginia 26836
- Phone: 304-434-8000
- Website: https://easternwv.edu
8Laurel College of Technology
About the School
Laurel College of Technology offers a quality education that prepares students for new careers in a wide range of industries.
The college uses Experiential Learning- a process that uses hands-on experiences to give students direct work-based learning.
High school dual enrollment is available for qualifying juniors or seniors who want to jump-start their studies and explore careers they might like.
Laurel College of Technology is licensed by the West Virginia Council for Community and Technical College Education to operate an occupation school and to offer degrees in the state of West Virginia.
Courses Offered
The college’s catalog includes an Electrical Technician program that leads to an Associate Degree.
The program can be completed in 16 months and prepares students for positions as residential, commercial, and industrial electricians.
The curriculum includes classes on PLC Programming, Transformers, Raceway Systems, Wiring, Load calculations, Motors, and Blueprint Reading.
Among many other topics, students also learn field and shop safety, NEC requirements, and commercial and industrial wiring.
Tuition for the four-semester Electrical Technician program is $21,360.
Students need 70 credits for graduation.
The school partners with organizations that hire its graduates or provide internship opportunities.
Contact Information
- Address: 200 Wedgewood Drive Morgantown, WV 26505
- Phone: 304-381-4097
- Website: https://www.laurel.edu
9Monongalia County Technical Education Center
About the School
Monongalia County Technical Education Center provides three adult daytime programs and 15 high school career technical education programs.
The programs aim to prepare students for high-demand occupations and post-secondary education.
Students who complete six or more CTE classes with a “C” average in each course and all program requirements are issued a certificate of completion.
Programs for adults are available in daytime and evening schedules.
Courses Offered
A 1080-clock-hour Electrical Technician program is available at the Monongalia County Technical Education Center.
Students enrolled in this program have the opportunity to earn NCCER certification for each skill they master.
The curriculum covers topics such as:
- Electrical Trades
- Rotating Devices & Control Circuit
- Integrated Electrical Lab
- National Electrical Code
- And more
Students learn career preparation skills, safety, leadership development, literacy and numeracy, safety, introduction to construction math, hand tools, construction drawing, communication skills, and more.
The electrical trades skill set this program focuses on includes orientation to the electrical trade, introduction to electrical circuits, electrical theory, introduction to the National Electrical Code, hand bending, conductors and cables, theory and application of motors, conduit bending, and more.
Contact Information
- Address: 1000 Mississippi Street, Morgantown WV 26501
- Phone: 304-291-9240
- Website: https://mtec.mono.k12.wv.us
10Cabell County Career Technology Center
About the School
Cabell County Career Technology Center provides high school and adult programs that equip students with career-ready skills in a variety of industry areas.
The center is operated by Cabell County Schools.
They are accredited by the Commission of the Council on Occupational Education.
Courses Offered
The center’s Career Technical Education division includes an Electrical Technician and Electrical Technician Advanced program.
This program can be completed in one year by full-time students and two years by part-time students.
The curriculum covers topics such as:
- Orientation to the Electrical Trade
- Electrical Safety
- Hand Bending
- Raceway and Fittings
- Residential Electrical Services
- Alternating Current
- Cable Tray
- Control Systems and Fundamental Concepts
- Distribution Equipment Transformers
- Motor Controls
- Advanced Controls
- Motor Operation and Maintenance
- And more
Tuition is $3,780.
Additional fees bring the total cost to $5,219.
To qualify for admission, applicants must:
- Have a high school diploma or equivalent diploma
- Take a pre-admission test and score a 9th-grade level or higher in all required components
- Be physically able to perform the tasks associated with this profession
Those who complete the programs receive a Certificate awarded by the Cabell County Career Technology Center.
Contact Information
- Address: 1035 Norway Avenue, Huntington, WV 25705
- Phone: 304.528.5106
- Website: https://www.cabellschools.com/Domain/12
Regional Salary in West Virginia
Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Beckley, WV | 300 | $68,170 | $32.77 | $84,880 | $35,400 |
Charleston, WV | 430 | $67,440 | $32.42 | $88,140 | $37,850 |
Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH | 800 | $60,520 | $29.09 | $82,120 | $36,050 |
Morgantown, WV | 250 | $60,740 | $29.2 | $96,830 | $36,400 |
Parkersburg-Vienna, WV | 150 | $59,450 | $28.58 | $79,320 | $35,560 |
Weirton-Steubenville, WV-OH | 180 | $62,510 | $30.05 | $87,660 | $36,090 |
Wheeling, WV-OH | 310 | $67,870 | $32.63 | $89,500 | $37,540 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Final Thoughts
West Virginia provides a variety of high-quality training options for individuals who want to become electricians.
Here we have compiled information about some of the top programs in the region.
Now that you have read our list, the next step is to continue with your research and choose the program that best meets your needs and lifestyle.