Industrial Electrician

DIPLOMA IN INDUSTRIAL ELECTRICITY/ELECTRONICS
CERTIFICATE IN BASIC ELECTRICAL WIRING

Industrial ElectricianAbout the Career

Advances in automation and logic controls are changing the demands upon electricians. In addition to wiring a building’s electrical system, electricians may install coaxial or fiber optic cable for computers and other telecommunications equipment. Microprocessor and computer controlled programmable controllers are now an integral part of the electrician’s environment. A growing number of electricians install telephone systems, computer wiring and equipment, streetlights, intercom systems, and fire alarm and security systems. They also may connect motors to electrical power and install electronic controls for industrial equipment.

The need for electricians who will work mainly for contractors of residential buildings can be satisfied by successfully completing the certificate program, which covers house wiring. Those who need the more comprehensive knowledge required of industrial electricians can gain this expertise with the diploma program.

As the population and economy grow, more electricians will be needed to meet the increasing demands in business and industry as well as the construction (residential, commercial and industrial) field.

 

Terminal BlockAbout the Program

The Industrial Electricity program at Midlands Technical College provides theory and hands-on training to prepare qualified electricians who can install basic residential, commercial and industrial wiring or who can wire and program basic industrial logic controls. The introduction of the programmable controller has mandated (1) that current electricians get advanced training to update skills and (2) the electrical curriculum includes courses that provide the knowledge and training to prepare novice electricians for entry into the workforce. Both of these mandates can be fulfilled via Midlands Technical College’s Industrial Electricity program.

Classes begin in the fall and spring semesters in the day. Evening classes are offered in the Fall. Articulation agreements with high schools in the Midlands Technical College service area may allow qualified graduates of two-year high school electricity programs to exempt one or more courses in the first semester of the Industrial Electricity program.