The industrial electrician maintains and repairs many different types of electrical equipment. They may also modify or install electrical equipment like motors, transformers, generators, machine controls and lighting systems in industrial, commercial and public establishments. The electrician is responsible for the periodic inspection of equipment to locate and repair defects before breakdowns occur.

The Industrial Electrician Apprenticeship Program is four years in length. The apprentice attends 720 hours of paid related instruction classes at Southwest Tech.
  • Overview

  • Typical duties of electricians include:

    • performing preventive maintenance.
    • replacing units or parts such as wiring, fuses, circuit breakers, coils or switches; measuring, cutting, bending, threading and installing circuits.
    • using test meter.
    • working from blueprints and diagrams.
    • making mathematical computations.
    • troubleshooting AC and DC drives.
    • installing programmable logic controllers.

    Term of Apprenticeship

    • The Industrial Electrician Apprenticeship Program is four years in length.
    • The apprentice attends 720 hours of paid related instruction classes at Southwest Tech.
  • Curriculum & Costs
  • Requirements

  • Minimum Requirements

    The apprenticeship applicant and employer must complete the following applications to be considered a qualified applicant:

    • Complete Apprentice Application
    • Complete Employer Application
    • Admissions Meeting: After applying and submitting transcripts, work with the program dean to begin or continue your student success plan to talk about your career interests and goals, develop a plan for paying for college, learn about various funding options, create an academic map, and discuss supports and services. Schedule an admissions meeting by contacting the program dean.
    If you are unable to access documents here, please contact Academic Services (academicservices@swtc.edu, 608.822.2617)

    Please submit the information listed above to the respective Apprenticeship Training Representative listed on this page for the county where the employer resides.

    Program Fees

    • NOTE: This program is not eligible for financial aid. However, many apprenticeship employers pay for their Apprentice's tuition and fees.
    • Estimated cost for each semester can be found under the Curriculum tab. Please note that costs are approximate and are based on the current academic year.
    • Please discuss additional fee questions with the program advisor or instructor.

    Additional requirements

    Students must have eye wear protection (safety glasses with side shields or wrap around safety glasses over prescription glasses) and must meet OSHA Z87.1 or greater while they are conducting operations that are deemed hazardous in nature. These glasses can be purchased at the College Bookstore.

  • Outcomes

  • A student successfully completing this program will be able to do the following:

    • Maintain safe working practices through the use of safety guidelines.
    • Select, maintain and property use tools and equipment.
    • Install and maintain power distribution and lighting systems.
    • Install and maintain industrial machinery and equipment including panel building.
    • Install and maintain material handling equipment, welding equipment and robotics.
    • Install and maintain general plant equipment.
    • Install and maintain communication systems.
    • Install and maintain high voltage equipment, including sub-stations.
    • Read, interpret and revise drawings and specifications.
    • Select, install and maintain motor drives and controls.