skip to main contentskip to navigation

Electricity

The Electricity student who successfully completes four years of the program will, at a minimum, be able to read blueprints or technical diagrams; install and maintain wiring, control, and lighting systems; inspect electrical components; identify electrical problems using a variety of testing devices; repair or replace wiring, equipment, or fixtures; follow state and local building regulations based on the National Electrical Code.

Graduates of our Electricity program will graduate with the following skills and competencies:

  • The ability to demonstrate health and safety practices on all related equipment and materials specific to Electricity

  • The ability to read technical drawings and blueprints

  • The ability to use tools and techniques in fastening objects

  • The ability to demonstrate an understanding of the concepts of electrical theory

  • The ability to use electrical test equipment

  • The ability to demonstrate an understanding of the Massachusetts Electrical Code (MEC) and Code of Massachusetts Regulations MGL and (CMR)

  • The ability to install raceways, boxes, and fittings

  • The ability to demonstrate an understanding of the fundamentals of conductors and cables

  • The ability to demonstrate an understanding of the power and distribution of electricity

  • The ability to demonstrate an understanding of the fundamentals of motors and motor controls

  • The ability to demonstrate an understanding of the fundamentals of grounding and bonding

  • The ability to demonstrate an elementary use of luminaires and luminaire controls

  • The ability to demonstrate an understanding of basic low voltage wiring

Our graduates are not limited to entry-level positions in the Electricity industry. Higher level positions are vast and vary in both the general industry as well as specialty areas within the industry.  Graduates of our Electricity program, who take post-graduate training and/or industry specialized training, might choose to specialize in one of the following examples of technical career areas:

  • Electrical inspector (would require the ability to examine a building’s installed electrical systems including sound and security systems, lighting and photovoltaic systems, generating equipment, and wiring for HVACR systems and appliances)

  • Electrical design engineer (would require the ability to develop electrical system layouts and specifications, making adjustments whenever necessary) 

  • Electrical engineering consultant (would require the ability to conduct analysis on the design of an electrical system in a residential or commercial building and suggest solutions or possible improvements)

  • Electrical project manager (would require the ability to estimate and control costs, and forecast and schedule multiple projects through final project completion)

  • Chief electrical estimator (would require the ability to create an accurate and reliable estimate of costs for each construction project)

  • Electrical system designer (would require the ability to design and develop layouts for electrical circuits or systems for power distribution) 

  • Electrical lighting designer (would require the ability to design, install and operate lighting and electrical effects used in production)

  • Commercial electrician (would require the ability to work in an environment accessible to the masses along with the ability to ensure that the wiring and electrical components of  the structure are functioning efficiently and safely)

  • Industrial electrician (would require the ability to handle issues with anything from exceptionally high voltage systems to miniscule and direct micro currents of electricity)

  • Master electrician (would require a journeyman’s license and an additional 150 hours of classroom theory before qualifying for licensure testing) 

  • Electrical foreman (would be required to have an active license as a journeyman or master in the specialty area in which they would work as well as prior supervisory experience)

  • Maintenance technician (would need to have an industry-recognized level 3 qualification in an area such as electro technical services)

  • Journeyman electrician (would require a high school diploma or its equivalent and an additional 600 classroom hours of theory before qualifying for licensure testing)

  • Lineman (would need experience with an understanding of systems and networks such as power lines, microwave transmissions, fiber optic cables, and other conduits)

  • Photovoltaic (PV) installer (would require the ability to design, install, operate, and maintain photovoltaic systems)

  • Photovoltaic (PV) design specialist (would require the ability to configure the mechanical and electrical design components of a PV system

  • Photovoltaic (PV) commissioning and maintenance specialist (would require the ability to apply verification protocols, critically analyze systems, and implement preventive and corrective procedures for PV systems)

Graduates of our Electricity program have the opportunity to secure the following industry-recognized certifications and theory hours:

  • OSHA 10-Hour Card and Certificate

  • A maximum of 300 classroom theory hours may be applied toward the 600 post-secondary classroom hours needed to qualify for journeyman licensure testing

Following are the qualities and skills that are necessary for success in the field of Electricity:

  • Visual skills are necessary to identify electrical wires by color

  • Dexterity is necessary in order to perform the many tasks that require steady hands and good eye-hand coordination

  • Detail orientation is necessary because electricians perform many tasks that require precise measurements

  • Math skills are necessary because electricians use basic algebraic formulas on a daily basis

  • Physical skills are necessary to move electrical components weighing up to 50 pounds, as well as the ability to move around all day while running wire and connecting fixtures to the wire

  • Diagnostic skills are necessary to find, diagnose, and repair electrical problems

  • Organizational skills are necessary to maintain safety 

  • Mechanical skills are necessary to take apart major parts for repairs and be able to put them back together

  • Customer-service skills are necessary for residential electricians who discuss electrical problems and their solutions with customers 

  • Business skills are necessary for self-employed electricians who must be able to bid on new jobs, track inventory, and plan payroll and work assignments

Frameworks

The Electricity Frameworks identify the competencies that students will have the opportunity to learn in a four-year time span.

Articulation Agreements

Our Electricity program has local articulation agreements with Keene State College and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW Local 7), which recognize credits beyond a standard 3 credit state recognition.

These agreements allow for a seamless continuation of education for our students.


ADA Compliance Errors0