Texas boasts some of the highest employment for electricians, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as many of the top-growing industries are located within the Houston region.

With a median pay at an average of $50,000 a year, anyone interested in working as an electrician can benefit from knowing that he or she can train and gain employment in as little as two years.

“The security industry is always growing,” said Natalie Sharp, who looks to hire qualified electricians for Kingdom Security, LLC. She prefers those who hold credentials from a reputable electrical technology program. “There is always a need for skilled workers due to new regulations and standards each year. We look for someone who is licensed by the state of Texas, and if they have a certificate of technology, that is even better.”

That is why San Jacinto College not only offers a certificate of technology, but also an occupational certificate and an associate of applied science degree. It is the only apprenticeship school that awards college credit recognized by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.

“Our goal is to turn out the most qualified persons possible for the electrical industry,” said Mike Sims, electrical technology program director at San Jacinto College. “The job outlook is great for the Houston/southeast Texas area, primarily due to the oil and gas industry expansion, and it should be for many years ahead.”

Sims explained that students with an associate degree from San Jacinto College can transfer their credits toward a bachelor’s degree in certain university programs across Texas.

The San Jacinto College occupational certificate program is designed to help an inexperienced apprentice electrician to get their first job with an electrical contractor. After a student successfully completes and receives this certificate, he or she will know basic math calculations, basic D/C and A/C electrical theory, a basic knowledge of the National Electrical Code, how to wire dwelling units, and commercial wiring with conduit fabrication.

The certificate of technology program includes curriculum on advanced electrical calculations, D/C and A/C motors and generators, transformers and three phase theory, motor control, Programmable Logic Controllers, an advanced knowledge of the National Electrical Code, planning and estimating, service calculations, electrical systems design, industrial wiring, low voltage telecommunications, and soon to include solar and small wind power generation. The College also offers journeyman and master electrician exam review classes, to prepare a student for the state licensing exams.

With an additional 15 semester hours of academic courses, a student will have earned an associate degree.

“People who are interested in this career should have good math skills, including algebra, good communication skills, have a mind like a sponge, and be willing to work hard,” said Sims. “They should like to work with their hands, with tools, work indoors and outdoors, be independent, be able to work alone, and make a great living.”

Jeannie Peng-Armao

For more information about the San Jacinto College electrical technology program, visit www.sanjac.edu.