Blinn College highlights electrical training program, apprenticeships

Blinn College highlights electrical training program, apprenticeships
Blinn College highlights electrical training program, apprenticeships | Courtesy of Shutterstock
Blinn College is working to meet the demand for skilled electricians in southern Texas through its Electrical Technician Program, which allows students to take part in Department of Labor-registered apprenticeship programs.

“It’s a real good industry course,” instructor Jim Culverhouse said. “When you finish you will understand basic residential wiring, you will get exposed to bending pipe, and if you are aggressive and energetic, you can continue your education to earn a master’s license and own your own business. This is one of the fields where your growth potential only is limited by your own initiative.”

U.S. Bureau of Labor statistics show that demand for electricians will see the creation of nearly 86,000 new jobs between 2014 and 2024; and data from Workforce Solutions Brazos Valley show that new electrical jobs in the region will have average wages of nearly $20 per hour.

The school's nine-month course includes 240 hours of classroom instruction and helps place students in 2,000-hour, four-year apprenticeship programs.

“With all the local construction taking place, companies always need new employees to work as electricians,” Blinn Manager of Corporate Projects Gayla Briles said. “This training definitely gives you a leg up when you apply for entry level positions. If you already understand the math, terminology and basic skills, that is certainly a plus for the employer.”