Westchester Community College, State University of New York

Job 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.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AN ELECTRICIAN AND AN ELECTRICAL TECHNICIAN?

While electricians and electrical technicians both deal with electrical systems, the nature of their work is different. Electricians install, maintain, troubleshoot and repair the wiring in buildings, whether that be residential homes, offices or commercial properties. On the other hand, electrical technicians work on electrical systems within machinery, specialty equipment and other commonly used devices.

WHAT DO ELECTRICAL TECHNICIANS DO?

Electrical technicians help maintain and repair electronic components in any equipment or device that uses electricity. Their work can vary from helping with product design to working on site to keep machinery and power systems running correctly.

IS ELECTRICAL TECHNICIAN TRAINING WORTH IT?

Yes. As with any technology, electrical work evolves and electrical technicians need to understand emerging automation, such as programmable logic controllers (PLC) AND network communication, robot-controlled equipment and the Internet of Things (IoT).

• 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

There are no prerequisites to take this course.

MATH

Fractions and decimals, units of measurement and basics of tolerance; algebra, geometry, trigonometry and blueprint reading

INSPECTION

Introduction to GD&T, optical comparators and CMMs; standards for inspecting and calibrating holes, threads and surfaces

SAFETY

OSHA, personal protective equipment, SDS and hazard communication; hand and power tool safety, safety for lifting devices and powered industrial truck safety

QUALITY AND MANUFACTURING MANAGEMENT

Lean manufacturing, 5S and continuous process improvement; Six Sigma, conducting Kaizen events and value stream mapping

MACHINING

Safety for metal cutting; introduction to CAD and CAM for machining

ELECTRICAL/MECHANICAL SYSTEMS AND MOTOR CONTROLS

Electrical units, AC and DC power sources, distribution systems; introduction to circuits, relays, contactors, and motor starters

PLCS

Basics of Siemens PLC hardware, communication and inputs and outputs; Siemens human machine interfaces, SIMATIC PLCs and hand-held programmers

AUTOMATION

Automated systems and control; robot troubleshooting, maintenance and installations

FASTENERS

Intro to fastener threads, fastener ergonomics and properties; understanding torque

This is a completely self-pace course. Additional support will be provided through email and phone.