Electrical Technician

Electrical work has some of the best opportunities for career stability, especially for electrical technicians. If you want to start a career as an electrical technician, this 100% online course will teach you the fundamentals of working with and repairing electrical equipment.

Become an Electrical Technician Online

Outlook for Electrical Technicians

  • Electrical technicians earn up to $43,000 annually on average, according to Burning Glass
  • Burning Glass data also shows that job demand for electrical technicians will grow 2% over the next decade.
  • Electrical technicians work across several high-demand industries, including scientific and technical services, transportation equipment manufacturing and electronic parts manufacturing.

 

Course Objectives

  • Master the basics of electrical theory and systems
  • Learn PLC equipment and communication
  • Understand advances in robot Maintenance and Installation
  • Learn the basics of Six Sigma, 5S, Lean and TPM

Math

  • Math Fundamentals 101
  • Math: Fractions and Decimals 111
  • Units of Measurement 112
  • Basics of Tolerance 121
  • Blueprint Reading 131
  • Geometry: Lines and Angles 151
  • Geometry: Triangles 161
  • Geometry: Circles and Polygons 171
  • Trigonometry: The Pythagorean Theorem 201
  • Trigonometry: Sine, Cosine, Tangent 211
  • Statistics 231

 

Inspection

  • Basic Measurement 101
  • Introduction to GD&T 301
  • Major Rules of GD&T 311
  • Inspecting a Prismatic Part 321
  • Inspecting a Cylindrical Part 331

 

Safety

  • Intro to OSHA 101
  • Personal Protective Equipment 111
  • Noise Reduction and Hearing Conservation 121
  • Respiratory Safety 131
  • Lockout/Tagout Procedures 141
  • SDS and Hazard Communication 151
  • Bloodborne Pathogens 161
  • Walking and Working Surfaces 171
  • Fire Safety and Prevention 181
  • Flammable/Combustible Liquids 191
  • Ergonomics 102
  • Safety for Lifting Devices 211
  • Powered Industrial Truck Safety 221
  • Confined Spaces 231
  • Environmental Safety Hazards 241
  • Machine Guarding 140

 

Quality and Manufacturing Management

  • Lean Manufacturing Overview 101
  • Essentials of Leadership 110
  • Essentials of Communication 120
  • ISO 9001: 2015 Review 122
  • Continuous Process Improvement: Managing Flow 124
  • Manufacturing Process Applications: Part I 124
  • Continuous Process Improvement: Identifying and Eliminating Waste 125
  • Manufacturing Process Applications: Part II 125
  • Managing Performance: Best Practices 130
  • Approaches to Maintenance 131
  • Managing Performance: Corrective Actions 135
  • Total Productive Maintenance 141
  • Conflict Resolution Principles 150
  • 5S Overview 151
  • Conflict Resolution for Different Groups 155
  • Team Leadership 160
  • Intro to Six Sigma 171
  • Quality and Customer Service 175
  • Manufacturing Management 180
  • Troubleshooting 181
  • Personal Effectiveness 190
  • Conducting Kaizen Events 191
  • Managing the Diverse Workplace 210
  • SPC Overview 211
  • Harassment and Discrimination 215
  • TS 16949:2009 Overview 221
  • Interpreting Blueprints 230
  • Performance Management and the Law 230
  • Metrics for Lean 231
  • Process Flow Charting 241
  • Strategies for Setup Reduction 251
  • Preventative Maintenance for Fluid Systems 261
  • Management Tools: Problem Solving 270
  • Six Sigma Goals and Tools 310

 

Machining

  • Safety for Metal Cutting 101
  • Metal Cutting Fluid Safety 231
  • Introduction to CAD and CAM for Machining 241

 

Electrical/Mechanical Systems and Motor Controls

  • Electrical Units 101
  • Safety for Electrical Work 111
  • Forces of Machines 121
  • Introduction to Circuits 201
  • Relays, Contactors, and Motor Starters 201
  • Introduction to Magnetism 211
  • DC Circuit Components 221
  • Distribution Systems 221
  • NEC Overview 231
  • AC Fundamentals 241
  • Electrical Instruments 251
  • Electrical Print Reading 261
  • DC Power Sources 271
  • AC Power Sources 281
  • Conductor Selection 291
  • Series Circuit Calculations 301
  • Introduction to Electric Motors 301
  • Parallel Circuit Calculations 311
  • Symbols and Diagrams for Motors 311
  • Logic and Line Diagrams 312
  • Battery Selection 321
  • Limit Switches and Proximity Sensors 360

 

PLCs

  • Basics of Siemens PLCs 200
  • Intro to PLCs 200
  • Siemens PLC Hardware 210
  • Hardware for PLCs 210
  • Siemens PLC Communication 230
  • Networking for PLCs 270
  • Siemens PLC Inputs and Outputs 240
  • PLC Inputs and Outputs 240
  • Siemens Human Machine Interfaces 250
  • Siemens SIMATIC Modular PLCs 260
  • Hand-Held Programmers of PLCs 280
  • Overview of PLC Registers 305
  • Siemens SIMATIC S7-1200 PLCs 340
  • Siemens SIMATIC S7-1500 PLCs 350
  • Siemens Safety Integrated for Factory Automation 360

 

Automation

  • Automated Systems and Control 135
  • Robot Troubleshooting 160
  • Robot Maintenance 170
  • Robot Installations 230
  • Industrial Network Integration 260

 

Fasteners

  • Intro to Fastener Threads 110
  • Overview of Threaded Fasteners 117
  • Tools for Threaded Fasteners 120
  • Overview of Non-Threaded Fasteners 125
  • Intro to Fastener Ergonomics 130
  • Properties for Fasteners 200
  • Understanding Torque 210
  • Threaded Fastener Selection 215

Hardware Requirements:

This course can be taken on either a PC or Mac.

Software Requirements:

  • PC: Windows 8 or later.
  • Mac: macOS 10.6 or later.
  • Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox are preferred. Microsoft Edge and Safari are also compatible.
  • Adobe Acrobat Reader.
  • Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.

 

Other:

Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.

Instructional Material Requirements:

The instructional materials required for this course are included in enrollment and will be available online.

Prerequisites:

There are no prerequisites to take this course. However, this course requires basic computer skills, including the ability to open and manage windows, navigate websites, and perform common online tasks such as downloading files, completing forms, and using web-based tools.

This is not an instructor facilitated course; however, support will be provided through email.

How much does an electrical technician make a year?
Electrical technician training can lead to a high-demand career with rewarding pay. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) states that the average salary for electrical technicians and electronics engineering technicians is $72,800 per year, with opportunities for advancement and increased pay based on skill level, location, and years of experience.

What is an electrical technician?
Electrical technicians help create, maintain, and repair the electronic components and equipment used in any equipment or device that involves electricity. They also can sometimes work with electricians or electrical engineers or work on site to keep machinery and specialty equipment running correctly.

What are the duties of an electrical technician?
Some of the duties for an electrical technician include:

  • Reading blueprints and technical diagrams to determine the placement of outlets and fixtures
  • Installing wiring, outlets, and controls
  • Maintenance of electrical systems
  • Inspecting transformers and circuit breakers to ensure they are up to code
  • Identifying electrical problems using specialized tools like voltmeters, cable testers, thermal scanners, and ammeters
  • Repairing and replacing wiring and equipment using both power and hand tools
  • Training and directing fellow workers to install, maintain, and repair systems and wiring
  • Following local and state building requirements

 

What is the difference between engineering technicians and electrical technicians?
Engineering technicians work alongside engineers and technologists to ensure all machinery used to bring a design to life remains functional and working. Electrical technicians work on creating, maintaining, and repairing electrical equipment and components.

What is the difference between an electrical technician and a residential electrician?
An electrical technician works on electrical systems within machinery, specialty equipment, and other commonly used devices while working in a manufacturing environment. A residential electrician installs, maintains, troubleshoots, and repairs the wiring in residential buildings.

Are electrical technicians in high demand?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for electrical technicians is expected to be sustained by the continuing integration of computer and electrical systems. There are also about 84,700 openings for electricians in general projected for each year, on average, over the decade.

Do you get hands-on training?
This electrical technician course provides a wealth of information and training but does not currently include hands-on training or simulations. Due to the in-demand nature of this career, many employers are looking for people that have the applicable knowledge base and let them get hands-on electrical technician training on the job.

Do we offer career assistance after completion of the course?
Upon completing this electrical technician course, you will receive a certificate of completion.

What career paths can I take as an electrical technician?
Becoming an electrical technician is only the beginning. Candidates who choose to go into the field can go different routes as they progress through the profession. Career paths include maintenance technician, electrical engineer, engineering technician electrical, senior electrical engineer, senior systems engineer, and project manager.

What are soft skills, and what soft skills are needed for an electrical technician?
Soft skills, according to Indeed.com, are personality traits and behaviors that will help candidates get hired and succeed in their work. Unlike technical skills or "hard" skills, which can be learned during electrical technician training, soft skills are interpersonal and behavioral skills that help you work well with other people and develop your career.

According to Lightcast data, the top five soft skills for an electrical technician are troubleshooting, communication skills, preventative maintenance, physical abilities, and problem solving.

What are the soft skills of this course?
This electrical technician course currently covers the following soft skills: troubleshooting, problem solving, communication skills, conflict resolution, customer service, and leadership.

Why should I choose this electrical technician program?
This course prepares you for a job as an electrical technician. It also sets you on a path for career growth by providing instruction on quality management that covers employer in-demand skills such as Six Sigma, Kaizen, and Lean. With other educational providers, you would have to take multiple courses to cover those topics, and with us, it is included in our program curriculum.

What is the 25% tools discount for students?
When starting a career as a residential electrician, you need to make a substantial investment in tools. To help ease the financial burden, students are eligible for a 25% discount on tools from Ideal Industries through local distributors. Please contact your Student Advisor or Instructor for more details on the discount.

Does this course prepare you for a certification?
No.

When can I start the course?
This course is open enrollment, so you can register and start the course as soon as you are ready. Access to your course can take 24-48 business hours.

How long does it take to complete this course?
This course is self-paced and open enrollment, so you can start when you want and finish at your own pace. When you register, you'll receive twelve (12) months to complete the course.

What if I don't have enough time to complete my course within the time frame provided?
The time allotted for course completion has been calculated based on the number of course hours. However, if you are unable to complete the course, contact the student advising team to see what options you may have available to work out a suitable completion date. Please note that an extension fee may be charged.

What kind of support will I receive?
Our courses are designed to accommodate various learning preferences. Depending on the course structure, you may get different forms of support. Self-paced courses are designed to be user-friendly and independent, minimizing the need for external support. In courses with instructors, our direct platform support feature includes opportunities for questions, discussions, and remediation, with email and phone support available for select courses. Our student advising team is available to guide you on program requirements and administrative requests, but they do not provide assistance with course content. Our goal is to provide you with the necessary support for success, whether it's through self-paced exploration, direct communication, or guidance from our advising team.

What happens when I complete the course?
Upon successful completion of the course, you will be awarded a Certificate of Completion.

Am I guaranteed a job?
This course will provide you with the skills you need to obtain an entry-level position in most cases. Potential students should always do research on the job market in their area before registering.

Can I get financial assistance?
This course is non-credit, so it does not qualify for federal aid, FAFSA and Pell Grant. In some states, vocational rehab or workforce development boards will pay for qualified students to take our courses. Additionally, some students may qualify for financial assistance when they enroll, if they meet certain requirements. Financing is available from select schools. Learn more about financial assistance.

How can I get more information about this course?
If you have questions that are not answered on our website, representatives are available via LIVE chat. You can also call us at 1-877-221-5151 during regular business hours to have your questions promptly answered. If you are visiting us during non-business hours, please send us a question using the "Contact Us" form.