Electrician Schools in Massachusetts: The Ultimate Guide

Accredited Massachusetts 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.

Massachusetts licenses every level of this workforce at the state level — requiring applicants to meet job experience and classroom instruction requirements. Even apprentices must be registered with the state. Everyone who wants to join this skilled workforce is required to complete 600 hours of classroom instruction and 8,000 hours of work experience for a journeyman license and an additional 150 hours of education and one year as a licensed journeyman for a master electrician license. The Massachusetts Division of Professional Licensure issues all the professional licenses and the state regulates electricians through the Board of State Examiners of Electricians. The board has established and implemented a formal academic electrician curriculum. It is comprised of 8 modules — four in each of two tiers. Each tier of these electrician programs is 300 hours long and taught at approved schools — but most often split up into eight semesters taught over four academic years. There are also formal union or non-union apprenticeships that follow this curriculum.

The list of approved programs includes dozens of trade schools, community colleges, and apprenticeships offered through union and non-union organizations throughout the state.

Since the state of Massachusetts requires this curriculum, you most likely will not choose to get a post-secondary degree. However, if you want to build your knowledge base before beginning as an apprentice or to help you compete for your first choice of apprenticeship, there are a couple of programs intended to prepare you.

Career and Technical Education is offered in high schools throughout the state to give you a head start on an electrical apprenticeship. These programs are approved by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. They are all Chapter 74 programs which means the program will provide all the training required to begin entry-level work in the field including hands-on training. They are also on the approved list of training programs.

If you’ve already left high school, the Southeastern Technical Institute offers a ten-month program designed to develop the entry-level practical skills needed to get started in the electrical trade. This 10-month program includes Tier 1 (300 hours) toward the 600 hours of required education for journeyman licensing.

The Peterson School offers a Basic Electricity course that is only 12 weeks and 72 hours and  introduces students to electrical products, basic troubleshooting, Ohm’s Law, load calculations, wiring of outlets and more, but it does not count toward a journeyman electrical license. It would simply give you a basic understanding before you begin your apprenticeship.

All of these preliminary classes are intended to help you find that first job or apprentice opening so you can begin the four-to-five-year process that combines classroom instruction with hands-on training.

Electrician Degrees & Certificates

As you weigh the benefit of getting some formal training at a technical or community college, you will want to speak with people in the field in your state. Since Massachusetts requires that you complete an approved program, you will want to be sure to satisfy that requirement and not waste time or money along the way. That being said, sometimes the apprentice openings can be very competitive, and a little classroom training can help you stand out among the candidates and give you a higher ranking on the hiring list.

There’s typically a range of choices of degree and certificate programs, but again most electricians enter an apprenticeship rather than a college program. 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

• Associates 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 Massachusetts like:

• Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge

• Olin College in Needham

• Boston University in Boston

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute in Worcester

• Tufts University in Medford

• Northeastern University in Boston

• University of Massachusetts in Amherst

• University of Massachusetts in Lowell

As stated earlier, in many cases but not always, 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. 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 programs are:

• Foundations of Mathematics

• Industrial Safety Procedures

• Direct Current

• Alternating Current

• Electrical Prints, Schematics, and Symbols

• Blueprint reading

• Commercial Wiring

• Residential Wiring

• Electrical Controls

• Diagnostic Troubleshooting

School Selection Criteria

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

Cost

Cost is, of course, at the top of the list. According to Community College Review, tuition at Massachusetts community colleges on average is $4,424 per year for in-state students and $9,401 for out-of-state students. Some programs listed here can be quite affordable. For instance, the 10-month Electricity program through Southeastern Technical Institute is $5,000 for tuition in-district and $9,000 for out-of-district and provides the first 300 hours of the 600 required to test for a journeyman license.

Fees at each school will vary, so be sure to review all the costs involved.  Apprenticeships are often paid for by your employer or the union.

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

Program Length

Electrical apprenticeships are four to five years long. Massachusetts requires 600 hours of classroom education and 8,000 hours of work experience in no less than four years before applicants are permitted to take the examination for a journeyman electrician license. Union apprenticeships are five years long but will qualify you to take the master electrician licensing exam in Massachusetts.

Benefits

There are benefits to formal education if you want to be an electrician. It’s complicated work and requires a full understanding of the National Electrical Code (NEC) as well as the Massachusetts Electrical Code. It is also required for licensing.

Online vs in-person

You may choose to get started on your electrician training through an online certificate program just to give you the basics before beginning your state approved training. Only you know if this type of independent curriculum will work for you. Both Penn Foster and Ashworth College offer online electrician classes.

Once licensed you can also take online classes to get the required continuing education for renewing your license.

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

As explained above, the state of Massachusetts Board of Examiners of Electricians created a curriculum which is required for all apprentice electricians to complete to be permitted to test for a Journeyman License and Master License. They have listed all authorized schools in Massachusetts including vocational or technical high schools throughout the state, private trade schools and community colleges, and both union and non-union apprenticeships.

Massachusetts Career and Technical Education offered in high schools throughout the state is a great place to start if you know early on that this is the career path you’d like to take. The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education offers an electricity program that is state approved (Chapter 74) at various technical schools statewide. The Chapter 74 designation means the program will provide all the training required to begin entry-level work in the field including hands-on training. There are 45 regional vocational technical high schools that offer electrical technology on the list from the Board of State Examiners of Electricians in Massachusetts. Check with your high school CTE coordinator to find the nearest program if it is not offered at your school. Some also offer adult evening/weekend programs. “Assabet After Dark” is associated with Assabet Valley Regional Technical School offered through Assabett Community Education in Marlborough. The Electrical Code and Theory Journeyman #1, #2, #3, #4 courses each cost $1,000.

Adult education for Journeyman licensing is also offered at:

Greater Lowell Regional Technical School in Tyngsborough Electrical Journeyman | 75 hours/semester | two semesters/school year for 4 years | $525/semester

Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical School in New Bedford Electrical Journeyman ELJ 1A&B, ELJ 2A&B, ELJ 3A&B, ELJ 4A&B | 75 hours/semester | two semesters/school year for 4 years | $600/semester

Medford Vocational Technical HS in Medford Electrical I & II | 75 hours/semester | two semesters/school for 2 years only | $500/semester

Massasoit Community College in Canton Systems Technician Electrician License (D) only 300 hours total | 4 semesters over two years | $269/semester

Northern Berkshire Vocational HS in North Adams (McCann Technical School) 600-hour Journeyman Electrician Course | 8 Modules | $625/module

Shawsheen Valley Regional Technical School in Billerica Electrical Code Series for Journeyman Licensure Level 1 | 150 hours | $595/75 hour semester Level 2 | 150 hours | $605/75 hour semester Level 3 | 150 hours | $605/75 hour semester Level 14 | 150 hours | $550/75 hour semester 

Southeastern Technical Institute in South Easton Electricity | 10 month/750 hours | $5,000 in-state tuition | $9,000 out-of-state tuition | $700 books $200 uniform/equipment | $1,875 Program fees

Smith Vocational Adult Community Education in Northampton Electrical Code and Theory Journeyman Level 1-4 | 75 hours/semester | two semesters/school year for each level | $650/semester plus $200 for “student package” for each semester

Whittier Regional Vocational Technical School in Haverhill Electrical Journeyman License Program Electrical Journeyman I | 75 hours/semester | 2 semesters | $550/semester Electrical Journeyman II | 75 hours/semester | 2 semesters | $550/semester Electrical Journeyman III | 75 hours/semester | 2 semesters | $550/sermester Electrical Journeyman IV | 75 hours/semester | 2 semesters | $575/sermester Electrical Master’s Course | 75 hours/semester | 2 semesters | $550/semester

On that authorized list there are private career training centers and community colleges including:

Benjamin Franklin Institute of Boston Certificate in Practical Electricity | 12 months/600 hours | $9,135/semester | $600 one-time tool fee

Cape Cod Electrical School in South Dennis Electrical | Journeyman 1-4 | Master

Gould Construction Institute in Canton, Medford, Springfield, and Woburn Electrical 1, 2, 3, 4  159 to 168 hours | Prices range from $1,864 to $2,476

Leo F. Martin Electrical School in Norwood Journeyman 1-4 | 150 hours/course | $2,100 each level Master | 150 hours | $2,100

Peterson School in Woburn, Westwood, Worcester Journeyman Electrician I Prep | 37.5 weeks/300 hours | $3,000 Journeyman Electrician II Prep | 37.5 weeks/300 hours | $3,000 Master Electrician Prep | 18.75 weeks/150 hours | $1,750

There are also Non-Union Employer Trade Organizations:

Independent Electrical Contractors of New England in Rocky Hill, CT   720 hours/4 years | $1,750/year for IEC New England Members | $2,750/year for Non-Members 

And Union Joint Apprenticeship Training Centers: IBEW Local 7 Springfield Electrical JATC IBEW Local 96 Worcester JATC IBEW Local 99 JATC in Cranston, RI IBEW Local 103 JATC (Greater Boston) IBEW Local 223 Brockton Electricians JATC

Each of the union JATCs offer a five year apprenticeship that will qualify apprentices to test for the journeyman electrician license after four years and the master electrician license after the completion of the fifth year.

Steps for Enrollment in Massachusetts

Every training program has its own way of doing things, but in general the process begins with you visiting the school or trade organization 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. Interview if necessary for apprentice opening.

7. Obtain an apprentice card.

If you choose to start with an apprenticeship, you will want to contact the JATC, Local Union, or IEC 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 Massachusetts

As mentioned earlier, Massachusetts requires an educational element in the training of electrical professionals before they are licensed to legally perform electrical work in the state. The state requires everyone who wants to join this workforce to complete an apprenticeship which combines a minimum of 8,000 hours of hands-on work experience under a licensed electrician and at least 600 hours of classroom instruction for a journeyman license and then complete an additional year of practical experience as a licensed journeyman and another 150 hours of classroom instruction to be permitted to test for a master electrician license. The National Electrical Code as well as the Massachusetts Electrical Code are a part of the curriculum.

To keep your license current in Massachusetts you will need 21 hours of Board approved continuing education in the three-year renewal period.

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

Salaries for Electricians in Massachusetts

Before paying for technical education 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 Massachusetts? Payscale.com data provides an answer based on your experience. The median electrician salary in Massachusetts for 2023 is:

• Entry level <2 years: $56,800

• Intermediate 2-4 years: $67,500

• Senior 4-6 years: $73,700

• Supervisor > 7 years: $106,500

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

Industry Apprenticeships

As was stated earlier, 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. Massachusetts requirements exceed this national standard. 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. 

The Massachusetts Division of Apprentice Standards maintains a list of apprentice opportunities in the state. There are both union and non-union apprenticeships.

The state lists the union programs that we’ve included above and Non-Union Employer Trade Organizations on the approved list of training programs.

These are the non-union approved apprenticeships:

• Glynn Electric in Plymouth

• Independent Electrical Contractors of New England in Rocky Hill, CT

• Wayne J. Griffin Electric, Inc. in Weymouth

These non-union and union programs culminate in master status. Apprentices work for member contractors with an opportunity for increased wages each year until reaching full journeyman and then master pay.

Other School Options

We’ve highlighted above most of the training programs approved by the state. There are so many programs throughout the state to get the training you need to be an electrician in Massachusetts. Here are a few more in addition to all those already mentioned:

• Bay Path Regional Vocational Technical School in Charlton

• Chicopee Comprehensive High School in Chicopee

• Pillarella School of Electrical Code & Theory in Assonet

• Porter and Chester Institute in Brockton, Chicopee, and Worcester

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