Electrical & Instrumentation Technicians install, service, troubleshoot and perform preventive and predictive maintenance functions on equipment.

This includes plant lighting equipment and receptacle circuits, motors, starters, motor control centers, programmable controllers, control panels, electrical control systems and transformers. They may also service high voltage electrical systems, and ensure that work is in accordance with relevant codes. They repair, test, adjust, calibrate or install electronic equipment, such as industrial controls, transmitters and antennas.

View Curriculum

Terms of Apprenticeship

  • 5 year program
  • 9,392 hours of on-the-job training
  • 1,008 hours of paid related classroom instruction
  • Apprentice must complete Red Cross First Aid, CPR and Transition-To-Trainer Courses

Get Started

2023–24 Curriculum

First Term (144 Hours)

DC FUNDAMENTALS 72 Hours#50-413-509

Introduces the fundamental concepts of and computations related to DC electricity. Emphasis is placed on circuit analysis and the problem solving skills necessary for the maintenance of modern industrial electric systems. Competencies related to metering and safe use of measuring devices are included.

AC FUNDAMENTALS 72 Hours#50-413-510

Introduces the industrial electrical apprentice to the basic concepts of alternating current. Emphasis is placed on circuit analysis and the problem solving skills necessary for the maintenance of modern industrial electric systems.

Second Term (144 Hours)

ELECTRICAL CONTROL SYSTEMS AND TROUBLESHOOTING 144 Hours#50-413-519

Leads learner through the fundamentals of electric motor control. Learner will learn to recognize and draw the symbols and language of motor control, and how to apply these symbols into current industrial format. Learner will also learn to draw and read ladder and wiring diagrams. Learner will be introduced to the logic used in motor control and be required to apply this logic in order to correctly interpret, troubleshoot, design, and wire control circuits.

Third Term (144 Hours)

BASIC INSTRUMENTATION 72 Hours#50-413-517

Introduces learner to industrial automated equipment and systems. Learning outcomes will examine basic control loops, compare automated and robotic manufacturing systems, explore distributed and central control, examine various system layouts, apply controller concepts and communications, and discuss automated control system safety Signaling systems and redundant systems are explored as well.

SEMI-CONDUCTORS 48 Hours#50-414-502

Provides the learner with the skills and knowledge for troubleshooting basic solid-state devices and circuits. The construction, identification, and operating characteristics of solid-state devices are investigated. The learner builds test circuits, gathers and analyzes data, and follows safety procedures. Methods for locating defective components are applied. The replacement of printed circuit board components is performed. Also examined is the effect of temperature on the operation of solid-state devices.

BASIC COMPUTERS & DIGITAL 24 Hours#50-414-503

Provides the learner with knowledge about the internal parts of a computer, the operating characteristics of Digital components, how to do Basic programming and flow-charting, and includes an introduction to Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint.

Fourth Term (144 Hours)

TRANSFORMERS & MOTORS 72 Hours#50-413-518

Introduces the Industrial Electrician Apprentice to the basic concepts of single and three-phase transformers. The course will cover transformer theory, turns, current and voltage ratios as well as proper connections and use of various transformers. In addition, this course is designed to give the Industrial Electrician Apprentice the knowledge required by industry to maintain electric motors and generators.

AC/DC DRIVES & PRINT READING 72 Hours#50-414-504

Provides the opportunity for students to learn about power systems and variable speed drives (VSD’s). Topics include electricity, electronics, power transmissions, motor operations, AC and DC motor drives, servo and stepper drives, peripherals and communication. Apprentices will also explore closed loop control, feedback devices, and drive maintenance and the troubleshooting of VSD’s. Course includes lab/shop and classroom lecture-lab hours. This course will also acquaint the apprentice with the interpretation of “Prints” (blueprints) and other engineering and manufacturing documentation. The primary focus of the course will be on the basics of prints and how they are used to convey information to technicians. Applications of electrical prints from industrial settings will be studied.

Fifth Term (144 Hours)

ELECTRICAL SKILL DEVELOPMENT 1 72 Hours#50-413-508

Introduces the apprentice to the layout and purpose of the National Electric Code. It also strives to teach the apprentice proper methodology to research a code question and correctly interpret what they are reading. Various examples in the textbook and activity sheets help guide the apprentice through this process. Apprentices will research the structure of the National Electric Code and define the requirements of the code that are common to all electrical installations and electrical codes applicable to the trade.

HYDRAULICS & PNEUMATICS 72 Hours#50-413-520

The Hydraulics and Pneumatics course is customized for Industrial Electricians and relates the basics of hydraulic/pneumatic theory and hydraulic/pneumatic components. Safety and the interrelationship between hydraulic/pneumatic power with electrical control are emphasized.

Sixth Term (144 Hours)

PROCESS MEASUREMENT 72 Hours#50-413-505

Apprentices will learn to describe and explain the make-up of an automatic control loop, the function of each of the control loop elements and the terms used to describe the loop performance and characteristics, perform mathematical functions associated with offset math and apply the concepts to common signaling systems use used in process control systems. Course will examine the principles, methods and devices used to measure flows, temperatures, pressures, levels, and densities in various industrial process applications. Course will explore common methods and types of equipment used to measure chemical components of a material or stream. This course was formerly the MOD-11 unit in related instruction.

PROGRAMMABLE LOGIC CONTROLLERS 1 72 Hours#50-413-512

Introduces the fundamentals of the programmable logic controller and its programming software. Learners identify terminology and components, explore functions, analyze logic instructions, interpret ladder logic, and develop basic programming and troubleshooting skills.

Seventh Term (144 Hours)

PROGRAMMABLE LOGIC CONTROLLERS 2 72 Hours#50-413-515

Expands on the subjects introduced in the Programmable Logic Controller 1 course. Learners strengthen their knowledge of programming and their troubleshooting ability. They apply the principles to installation, communication, faults, and troubleshooting programmable logic controllers and other automation equipment in an industrial environment.

PROCESS CONTROL 72 Hours#50-413-516

Apprentices will explore instrumentation basics involved in process control and relate these to job duties and tasks performed by E&I technicians. Course learning outcomes include safety, instrumentation basics, measurement, control, instrument calibration, control theories, using technical resources, and networking protocols.

Get Started

You must be employed by a company/organization that is willing to participate in an apprenticeship program. Each employer has their own requirements
for entry into the apprenticeship program. Contact your employer’s human resources department to see what is available.

Questions?

If you have questions about this apprenticeship or the application process, please contact our Admissions team.