Electrician Schools in Delaware: The Ultimate Guide

Accredited Delaware Electrician Training Programs

According to the U.S. 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.” 

According to the BLS, some electricians enter apprenticeship programs after working as an electrician helper. The Home Builders Institute offers a pre-apprenticeship certificate training (PACT) program for eight construction trades, including electricians.

The state of Delaware mandates licensing to perform electrical work. To begin the process, candidates must join a qualified apprenticeship program and submit a registration form as an electrical apprentice with the Delaware Board of Electrical Examiners. Unlike most states, Delaware doesn’t require classroom training for apprentice electricians.

The following community colleges and training centers offer electrician classes in Delaware:

• Polytech Adult Education in Woodside

• Delaware Skills Center in New Castle

• New Castle County Vocational Technical School District in Wilmington

Delaware Apprenticeships

• Joint Apprenticeship and Training Program (JATC) provided by the Local 313 IBEW Union

• Independent Electrical Contractors Chesapeake (IEC)

• Delaware Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeship Program

Electrician Degrees & Certificates

There’s typically a range of degree and certificate programs, but most electricians enter an apprenticeship rather than a college program. Some electrical contractors may allow you to get 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

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

• University of Delaware in Newark

• Delaware State University in Dover

As stated earlier, in many cases formal education can pay 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. 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, these programs 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 (NEC). Among the most common classes offered in these programs are:

• Foundations of Mathematics

• Industrial Safety Procedures

• Direct Current

• Alternating Current

• Electrical Prints, Schematics, and Symbols

• Commercial Wiring

• Residential Wiring

• Electrical Systems and Controls

• Communication Systems

• Diagnostic Troubleshooting

• OSHA standards

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 Delaware community colleges on average is $3,530 per year for in-state students and $8,282 for out-of-state students. However, many of the accredited electrician programs listed here are part of apprenticeship programs where tuition may be reimbursed by or paid for outright by the student’s employer or union. There will be some variations in fees at each school, too, so be sure to review all of the costs involved. 

You will also incur 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 federal (Pell Grant) and any state grants apply by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form online.

Program Length

Apprenticeships in Delaware last four years.

To become a licensed journeyperson electrician in the state of Delaware, you must have 8,000 hours (about four years) of work experience through an apprenticeship program or under the supervision of a licensed master electrician.

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

The accredited training schools listed in this article are part of Delaware’s college system. They typically offer students financial aid in the form of grants. Apprenticeships have limited openings for candidates, and many of the programs below are only available to students who participate in a registered apprenticeship. These electrical apprenticeship programs are intended to fulfill all or part of the required training needed to apply for a journeyman electrician license.

Polytech Adult Education

• Offers an Electrical Construction program that fulfills the required hours for apprenticeship training

Delaware Skills Center 

• Offers a 420-hour Electrical Trades program

New Castle County Vocational Technical School District

• Offers pre-apprenticeship training for high school students

Steps for Enrollment in Delaware

Every training program has its own way of doing things, but in general the process begins with applying for admission online, in person or by mail. Some require that you pay an application fee and provide several documents. In general, the application process includes 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 aptitude 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 Delaware

To recap, Delaware requires on-the-job training to legally perform electrical work. To become eligible for a journeyman electrician license, you must earn a minimum of 8,000 hours of full-time experience performing electrical work as a licensed apprentice electrician under the supervision of a licensed master electrician.

To become eligible for the master electrician licensing exam, you must demonstrate a minimum of six years of work experience under a licensed master electrician, or four years of experience with a two-year degree in applied electrical technology.

To own your own electrical business, you will need to apply for an electrical contractor license. Delaware offers two types of electrical contractor licenses: residential and non-residential. Before receiving approval for an electrical contractor license, you must provide proof of insurance compliance, including workers' compensation and unemployment insurance. 

After licensure, journeyperson and master licenses require renewal every two years, while contractors must renew annually. Renewals mandate continuing education, but the number of hours needed varies depending upon when you first received your license.

For a detailed explanation of Delaware’s electrical licensing requirements and how to fulfill them, check out our essential guide to getting your Delaware Electrical License.

Salaries for Electricians in Delaware

Before paying for technical training at a trade school or completing a lengthy apprenticeship 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 Delaware? Payscale.com data provides an answer based on your experience. The median electrician salary in Delaware for 2023 is:

• Entry level <2 years: $52,200

• Intermediate 2-4 years: $61,700

• Senior 4-6 years: $68,900

• Supervisor > 7 years: $97,900

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

Industry Apprenticeships

To meet apprenticeship requirements in Delaware, you must have a high school diploma or GED and be at least 18 years of age. Interested applicants should apply directly to the company with which they’d like to apprentice. Remember, apprenticeship—or working under the supervision of a licensed electrician—is required to become a licensed electrician in Delaware.

The Delaware Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeship Program maintains a list of apprenticeships for all trades, including electricians, HVAC, and plumbing.

The National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) offer union-based apprenticeships for aspiring Delaware electricians. The Independent Electrical Contractors Chesapeake, a non-union trade group, offers apprenticeship programs through local merit shops.

Other School Options

In addition to the training programs and schools already mentioned, there are training centers in neighboring Pennsylvania and Maryland.

• Electric Education Center in Bensalem, Pennsylvania

• Delaware County Community College  in multiple locations in Pennsylvania

• Montgomery College in Rockville, Maryland

You can find the training you need to excel in a career as an electrician in Delaware. The opportunities are all around you.