Electrician Schools in Alabama: The Ultimate Guide

Accredited Alabama Electrician Training Programs

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), “Most electricians learn their trade in a 4- or 5-year apprenticeship program. For each year of the program, apprentices typically receive 2,000 hours of paid on-the-job training as well as some technical instruction. Workers who gained electrical experience in the military or in the construction industry may qualify for a shortened apprenticeship based on their experience and testing. Some electricians start out by attending a technical school. Many technical schools offer programs related to circuitry, safety practices, and basic electrical information. Graduates of these programs usually receive credit toward their apprenticeship.” 

Most people entering the electrical industry in Alabama learn on-the-job as an apprentice electrician. Formal education is not required by law in Alabama, but work experience is. To perform electrical work in the state of Alabama, electrical journeymen and electrician contractors must hold an Alabama electrical license by the Alabama Electrical Contractors Board. To own your own business you must hold a contractor license. Electrician apprentices and helpers do not need a license to start working, but may need to pass an aptitude test to get hired.

According to the BLS some electricians enter apprenticeship programs after working as an electrician helper. The Alabama Office of Apprenticeship also offers certification of pre-apprenticeship programs. The Skilled Trades of West Alabama has a Jumpstart Program that is the key feeder program for the Skilled Trades of West Alabama apprenticeship programs. It is a comprehensive introductory program to the construction trades, built on the core curriculum of the National Construction Center for Education & Research (NCCER). The course leads to certification for 10 OSHA safety requirements and other credentials. Once a student completes the course successfully, the student becomes employable and ready to go to work.

Alabama Apprenticeships

Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) Alabama Chapters

• ABC Eastern Alabama Chapter in Birmingham

• ABC North Alabama Chapter in Huntsville

Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC)

• IEC Central Alabama Apprenticeship

Alabama Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committees (union) are alliances between the local International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) chapters and the Alabama chapter for the National Electrical Contractors Alliance (NECA)

• The Gulf Coast Chapter in Mobile:North Alabama Electrical JATC (LU 558)

• Birmingham Electrical JATC (LU 136)

• Mobile Electricians JATC (LU 505)

• Montgomery Electrical JATC (LU 443)

Skilled Trades of West Alabama

• Apprenticeships

• Jump Start

If you choose to start your journey with electrical education, there are a lot of training programs in Alabama. Several schools have aligned their program curriculum with the  National Center for Construction Education & Research (NCCER), in particular high school Career and Technical Education (CTE) centers. More on those below, along with college technical programs that have been accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Electrician Degrees & Certificates

As you weigh the benefits of formal training at a trade school or technical college, you may want to speak with people in the field in your state. The licensing requirements vary from state to state, and some require a minimum amount of education. To legally perform electrical services in Alabama, you must be licensed after meeting experience requirements, specifically 8,000 hours of work, and passing a statewide test. Though there is no requirement for formal education, it can be applied toward the experience requirements. If you complete a two-year technical school program, you’ll need 6,000 hours of work.

There’s typically a range of choices of degree and certificate programs, but again most electricians enter an apprenticeship rather than a college program. Some electrical contractors may allow you to get the hands-on training with them while also attending a college program at night or on the weekend. If you choose to start at a technical college, the time it takes to complete each kind of program and the cost of each are the most significant differences. The most common programs are:

• Certificate Program – three to six months

• Associate’s Degree – two years

• Bachelor’s Degree – four years

Obviously, the longer the program, the more it costs. If you wish to be an electrical engineer, you’ll need a four-year bachelor’s degree. If this is a path that interests you, you may want to explore the Electrical Engineering Bachelor of Science degree at one of the four-year universities in Alabama such as:

• Auburn University

• The University of Alabama

• The University of Alabama in Huntsville

• The University of Alabama at Birmingham

• University of South Alabama

• Alabama A & M University

In many cases, formal education pays off in the form of higher wages. 

Typical Courses in Technical College Programs

Electrical programs at technical colleges are all intended to prepare students for careers in commercial, industrial, or residential electrical applications. All combine theory and the practical skills needed to do the job and be confident working with electrical power. Most encourage students to work in their field of interest while attending school. Some are intended to give students a base of knowledge to prepare them to be helpers and get that first job with a licensed electrician. Typically, they include coursework in the fundamentals of the electrical trade. Classroom and laboratory experiences allow students to become proficient in the installation and maintenance of electrical wiring, transformers: A/C and D/C motor control circuit, instrumentation, and programmable logic controllers used in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. They all cover safety and the national electric code. Among the most common classes offered in these degree programs are:

• Foundations of Mathematics

• Industrial Safety Procedures

• Direct Current

• Alternating Current

• Electrical Prints, Schematics, and Symbols

• Commercial Wiring

• Residential Wiring

• Electrical Controls

• Diagnostic Troubleshooting

School Selection Criteria

There are a lot of things to consider when picking the right school and program.

Cost

Cost is, of course, at the top of the list. According to Community College Review, tuition at Alabama community colleges on average is $4,439 per year for in-state students and $6,998 for out-of-state students. Some of the programs listed here can be less than $2,000 for a short-term certificate and about $8,000 for an Associate of Applied Science. There will be some variations in fees at each school, though, so be sure to review all the costs involved. 

There are also always costs for books and tools, but those tools are yours to keep as you enter your chosen occupational field. All students who are interested in receiving financial aid in the form of federal (Pell Grant) and state grants apply by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form online.

Program Length

As noted above, you can choose from a certificate or an associate degree. The certificates require as few as nine or as many as 34 credit hours. Associate degree programs typically take two years and require 60 credits or more. Most apprenticeships are four to five years long.

Benefits

There are benefits to formal education, and oftentimes that formal education can be applied toward a college degree, such as an Associate’s of Applied Science in Electrical Construction Technology or toward experience required for licensing. Technical training is also usually rewarded with higher starting pay and lifelong earnings.

Online vs in-person

You may choose to get electrician training through an online certificate program. Only you know if this type of independent curriculum will work for you. Both Penn Foster and Ashworth College offer online electrician classes.

Online programs are ideal for people looking for entry-level jobs or for entry-level workers who are looking to increase their salaries. If you know your learning style relies on personal instruction, more traditional in-person classes are accessible throughout the state.

Level of difficulty

Electrician training programs are designed to prepare graduates for entry-level positions in commercial, industrial, or residential sectors as an electrical technician. The BLS says technical instruction for apprentices includes electrical theory, blueprint reading, mathematics, electrical code requirements, and safety and first-aid practices. Students may also receive specialized training related to soldering, communications, fire alarm systems, and elevators.

School Comparison: At a Glance

Many of the accredited training schools listed above are county technology centers for high school students that follow NCCER curriculum. Some offer dual enrollment so that students can be earning college credit simultaneously. Just a few are listed here but Career and Technical Education (CTE) is widely available, so check with your school district for electrical CTE opportunities near you.

Elmore County Technical Center in Wetumpka

• Electrical Technology | 10-12 grade (NCCER core + Electrical Tech 1, 2, 3) | Can receive dual enrollment credit through Central Alabama Community College

Enterprise High School in Enterprise

• Building Construction, Plumbing & Electric | 10-12 grade (NCCER Core)

Tuscaloosa Career & Technology Academy in Tuscaloosa

• Electrical Technology Academy | 10-12 grade (NCCER core)

Adults have a variety of training programs available to prepare them for a career as an electrician. The acceptance rate for most community colleges in Alabama is 100%. Most offer an Associate in Applied Science degree (AAS), a certificate or short-term certificate in an electrical technology program.

Northwest-Shoals Community College in Muscle Shoals offers dual enrollment programs that allow eligible students to earn high school and college credit at the same time.

• Electrical Technology | Associate in Occupational Technology (AOT) | 72 credits

• Electrical Technology | Certificate  | 51 credits

• Electrical Technology Commercial Technician | Short-Term Certificate | 12 credits

• Electrical Technology Industrial Technician  | Short-Term Certificate | 12 credits

• Electrical Technology Residential Technician | Short-Term Certificate | 12 credits

Bishop State Community College in Mobile

• Electrical Technology | AOT  | 68-69 credits

• Electrical Technology | Certificate | 36-37 credits

Calhoun Community College in Decatur

• Electrical Technology | AAS | 66-67 credits

• Electrical Technology Entry Level Electrician | Short-Term Certificate | 24 credits

• Electrical Technology | Short-Term Certificate | 15 credits

Drake State Community & Technical College in Huntsville

• Electrical Technology | AAS | 72 credits

• Electrical Wiring | Certificate | 38 credits

• Electrical Fundamentals | Short-Term Certificate | 9 credits

J.F. Ingram State Technical Center in Deatsville (NCCER Core and Electrical Level 1)

• Electrical Technology | Certificate | 42 credits

• Commercial/Industrial Wiring | Short Term Certificate | 12 credits

• Residential Wiring | Short Term Certificate | 9 credits

Northeast Alabama Community College in Rainsville

• Building Construction Electrical | AAS | 61 credits

• Building Construction Electrical | Certificate | 34 credits

• Building Construction Electrical | Short-Term Certificate | 9 credits

Wallace Community College in Dothan, Eufaula, and Oneonta (NCCER Accredited)

• Electrical Technology | AAS | 68 credits

• Electrical Technology | Certificate | 24 credits

Skilled Trades of West Alabama

• Electrical Program | Must be currently employed in electrical trade.

• Jumpstart Program | Designed to help graduates get first electrician job | 4-weeks daytime | 15-weeks nighttime

Construction Education Foundation of Alabama

• Electrical Program | Apprentice classroom instruction

CEFA offers employment referrals to students after one level of training has been completed, but does not guarantee placement.             

Steps for Enrollment in Alabama

Every program has its own way of doing things, but in general the process begins with you visiting the school’s website and applying for admission online. Some require that you pay an application fee and provide several documents. In general, the application process has the following steps:

1. Complete your application.

2. Pay the application fee (if applicable).

3. Provide proof of residency to qualify for in-state tuition.

4. Have sealed official high school transcript or GED scores sent.

5. Submit placement test scores.

6. If applicable, apply for on-campus housing.

If you choose to start with an apprenticeship, you will want to contact the JATC, Local Union, or IEC or ABC chapter closest to you. Each organization has a slightly different application process, but the application requirements in general are:

• Must be at least 18 years of age.

• Must be a high school graduate, senior scheduled to graduate or have earned a GED certificate. Applicants will be required to provide a copy of their diploma or GED certificate, and an official transcript of their grades following submission of the application.

• Must have a valid driver’s license.

• Have passed high school algebra or an equivalent post-high school algebra class with a “C” or better or pass an aptitude test.

• Pass a drug screen and criminal background checks.

Electrician Career Requirements in Alabama

As mentioned earlier, Alabama does not have an educational requirement to legally perform entry-level electrical work at the state level. Entry-level professionals just need to meet employer expectations to get started, but they must work for a licensed electrician. Getting some formal education may help you meet those expectations and get that first job in the electrical field. To be eligible to become a licensed electrician you must gain specific years of experience under the supervision of a master electrician or electrical contractor and pass a test. That can be accomplished through a formal apprenticeship or by working in the trade for a licensed independent contractor and learning under supervision.

Licensed Journeymen are currently not required to submit continuing education hours to renew their license, but contractors need 14 hours of continuing education over two years before renewal. For a detailed explanation of Alabama’s Electrician licensing requirements and how to fulfill them, check out our essential guide to getting your Alabama Electrical License. 

Salaries for Electricians in Alabama

Before paying for technical education to become an electrician, you’ll want some idea of the potential return on your investment of time, effort, energy, and money. In other words, what can you expect to make as an electrical professional in Alabama? Payscale.com data provides an answer based on your experience. The median electrician salary in Alabama for 2023 is:

• Entry level <2 years: $50,500

• Intermediate 2-4 years: $60,100

• Senior 4-6 years: $66,700

• Supervisor > 7 years: $95,000

For more information about electrician salaries, visit this state-by-state guide.

Industry Apprenticeships   

Most electricians get their training through a formal apprenticeship. Most apprenticeships are four to five years long and combine hands-on training with classroom instruction. To meet U.S. Department of Labor standards, you must accumulate 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 576 hours of classroom instruction over four years. Most also require you to be at least 18 years of age, have a high school diploma or a GED, a valid driver’s license, and have passed high school algebra or an equivalent post-high school algebra class with a “C” or better. 

There are many electrical union apprenticeship programs in Alabama, which are offered by local chapters of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) in coordination with the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA). Together they make up the Electrical Training Alliance.

• North Alabama Electrical JATC (LU 558)

• Birmingham Electrical JATC (LU 136)

• Mobile Electricians JATC (LU 505)

• Montgomery Electrical JATC (LU 443)

Nonunion apprenticeships like those offered by the Alabama chapters of the Associated Builders and Contractors ABC Eastern Alabama in Birmingham and ABC North Alabama in Huntsville and Independent Electrical Contractors IEC Central Alabama are similar to the union programs.

These nonunion and union programs culminate in journeyman status as directed by national standards. Apprentices work for member contractors with an opportunity for increased wages each year until reaching journeyman status.

Some electrical contractors have their own training programs, which include both technical classroom and on-the-job training. Marathon Electrical Contractors has been running its own apprenticeship program since 2015. It is a certified NCCER program.

The state also has a website dedicated to registered apprenticeships for job seekers. 

After completing an apprenticeship program, electricians are considered journey workers and may perform duties on their own once they earn their journeyman license.

Other School Options

We’ve highlighted accredited colleges and though accreditation can give you confidence in your technical or community college, accredited programs are far from your only option in Alabama. There are so many other programs throughout the state to choose from that may be more accessible to you based on where you live. For example, the Academy of Craft Training has three campuses now. The original is in Birmingham, and it has expanded to locations in Mobile and North Alabama. The Academy of Craft Training is a public/private partnership between the commercial construction industry and the State of Alabama’s K-12 Career and Technical Education System designed to recruit, educate, and guide high school students to educational and employment opportunities in the construction industry. The trades included are building construction, electrical, HVAC, interior & exterior finishing, and welding and piping.

There are just too many to list them all here but in addition to all those already mentioned, each of the schools below has electrician programs.

• Bevill State Community College In Fayette, Hamilton, and Sumiton

• Gadsden State Community College in Gadsden and Ayers

• Lawson State Community College in Bessemer

• Shelton State Community College in Tuscaloosa

• Trenholm State Community College in Montgomery

Alabama has so many college campuses across the state with electrical programs. You can find the training you need to excel as an electrician in Alabama. The opportunities are all around you.