Trade Schools
This page compiles information about the top electrician schools in Kentucky.
If you want to learn the skills needed for this trade, here you will find information about the curriculum, program duration, costs, and more about the schools that offer training programs in the region.
Most programs are designed to be completed in two years or less and lead to a diploma, certificate, or degree.
Apprenticeships that last up to four or five years are also available and combine on-the-job paid training with classroom instruction.
We invite you to read further and apply to the program that best meets your needs and learning styles.
1Louisville Electrical JATC
About the School
Louisville Electrical JATC is provided by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and the National Electrical Contractors Association.
The training program takes place in a facility that covers more than 26,000 square feet of space- much of it used exclusively for hands-on training.
The electrician training program prepares more than 200 apprentices per year and offers continuing education classes for hundreds of journeymen workers.
Courses Offered
The apprenticeship includes five years of training which consists of classroom instruction and 8,000 hours of on-the-job work.
Apprentices attend 22 class sessions per year, each one lasting eight hours.
The curriculum covers topics on:
- DC Theory
- Introduction to Blueprints
- Rigging- hands-on course
- Code and Practices
- AC Theory
- CPR/AED, Bloodborne Pathogens
- Theory on grounding
- Motor Theory
- Lighting Protection Theory
- Power Factor Theory
- Code Calculations
- Building Automation control devices and applications
- And many other electricity-related topics
A variety of certifications and test preparation classes are also available at Louisville Electrical JATC, including AMP ACT I, Basic Life Support, First Aid, NECA Effective Project Supervision Level 1 and Level 2, and more.
Contact Information
- Address: 4315 Preston Hwy, #100 Louisville, KY 40213
- Phone: (877) 378-7492
- Website: http://www.loujatc.com
2Southcentral Kentucky Community & Technical College
About the School
Southcentral Kentucky Community & Technical College offers associate degrees, diplomas, and certificate programs that help students reach their professional goals.
Southcentral Kentucky Community & Technical College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Courses Offered
The college offers an Industrial Maintenance Technology pathway that teaches students how to install, repair, and maintain the machinery used in the manufacturing industry.
An Electrical Technology program is also available at the college and provides students with the knowledge and hands-on skills that prepare them for careers as electricians in the industrial or construction fields.
Among other topics, the curriculum covers electrical theory and systems design, residential and commercial wiring conduit bending, and advanced training in motor controls and programmable logic controllers.
Students who attend this program can specialize as industrial or construction electricians.
The following credentials are available at Southcentral Kentucky Community & Technical College:
- Industrial Electrician Level I Certificate
- Industrial Electrician Level II Certificate
- Construction Electrician Level I Certificate
- Construction Electrician Level II Certificate
- Voice and Data Wiring Installer Level I
- Electrical Technology AAS- Industrial Electrician Track
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 1845 Loop Dr. Bowling Green, KY 42101
- Phone: (270) 901-1000
- Website: https://southcentral.kctcs.edu
3West Kentucky Community & Technical College
About the School
A Manufacturing Industrial Technology- Electrical Technology program is available at West Kentucky Community & Technical College.
This program prepares students for careers in a variety of electrical specialties, including electrical maintenance and construction.
Students learn how to maintain and monitor electrical and electronic equipment.
The program also covers the installation and calibration of electrical equipment and components in residential, commercial, and industrial settings.
West Kentucky Community & Technical College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.
Courses Offered
Students have several certifications and degree options, including:
- Associate Degree in Applied Science with the following specialties:
- Automated Industrial Controls Technician Track
- Construction Electrician Track
- Industrial Electrician Track
Diplomas are also available in the above specialties.
Certificates are offered in the following fields:
- Automated Industrial Controls Technician Level I and II
- Construction Electrician- Levels I, II, III
- Industrial Electrician- I and II
Students enrolled in an Associate in Applied Science degree pathway can complete the program after earning 60-68 credit hours.
A diploma requires between 45-60 credit hours.
Certifications are awarded as credentialing requirements are met.
Contact Information
- Address: 4810 Alben Barkley Drive Paducah, Kentucky 42001
- Phone: (270) 554-9200
- Website: https://westkentucky.kctcs.edu
4Paducah Electrical JATC
About the School
Paducah Electrical JATC provides a five-year Electrical apprenticeship program.
The training is available in Paducah, Kentucky.
During this program students complete 180 hours of classroom instruction per year and 8,000 hours of on-the-job training in total.
The apprenticeship program can be completed in five years.
After meeting all the apprenticeship requirements, students are advanced to the Journeyworker Wireman status.
The program costs $200 per year.
Students are eligible for a union membership after completing 2,000 hours of training and the first year of school.
During the program, apprentices are paid a percentage of the Journeyman Wireman scale.
After the first 420 hours of on-the-job training are completed, apprentices and their families also receive health insurance.
Contact Information
- Address: P.O. Box 3085, 2110 Shade Tree Drive, Paducah, KY 42002-3085
- Phone: 270-575-9646
- Website: https://padjatc.org
5IEC of Kentucky and Southern Indiana
About the School
The local chapter of the National IEC, the Independent Electrical Contractors Association of Kentucky, and Southern Indiana emphasizes training, safety, and professional development.
IEC of Kentucky and Southern Indiana offers classes at its training facility in Louisville, Kentucky.
Currently, 230 apprentice electricians are enrolled in the local training program.
The school is an approved education provider for Kentucky electrical license continuing education.
Courses Offered
The apprenticeship is fully accredited by the U.S. Department of Labor and the Kentucky Apprenticeship Council
The program is also fully accredited by ACE for up to 37 hours of college credit and approved by U.S. Veteran’s Administration.
The electrician apprenticeship curriculum covers topics on Residential, Commercial, and Industrial Wiring, Motors, Generators, Motor Controls, Fire alarms, Security Systems, Programmable Controls, National Electrical Code, Electrical Safety, and many other electricity-related topics.
Contact Information
- Address: 1810 Plantside DR, Louisville KY 40299
- Phone: (502) 493-1590
- Website: http://www.iec-kyin.co
6International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers
About the School
International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers- Local 816 prepares workers for careers in the electrical industry.
IBEW represents approximately 775,000 active members and retirees in the fields of utilities, construction, broadcasting, manufacturing, government, and railroads.
The committee offers a year-round procedure for accepting applications for the Electrical Construction Industry Apprenticeship Program.
To qualify for enrollment in the apprenticeship, applicants must meet the following admission requirements:
- Being 17 years of age and turning 18 at the time of indenture
- Being a high school graduate, have a GED or Associate Degree
- A valid driver’s license, a birth certificate, and proof of one full credit in Algebra I are also required
- Eligible applicants also have to obtain a minimum score on an aptitude test provided by JATC
The apprenticeship program includes five years of comprehensive training that, in total, consists of 900 hours of classroom study in electrical theory and project safety combined with 8,000 hours of on-the-job training alongside experienced electricians.
Contact Information
- Address: 4515 Clarks River Rd, Paducah, KY 42003
- Phone: 270-898-2456
- Website: https://ibewlocal816.org
7Building Institute
About the School
The Building Institute offers training programs that allow students to work during the day and go to school in the evening.
The Institute is operated by the Building Industry Association of Central KY- a trade association for the building and construction industry.
The association has jurisdictions in more than 10 counties.
Courses Offered
The Institute provides programs in Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, Plumbing, and the Electrical field.
The Electric program is two years long and costs $8,000.
The program combines on-the-job training and classroom instruction.
Among many other topics, students who attend this program learn about electrical systems and models through lab work.
During the program, trainees spend the daytime working for an electrical company and the evenings in a classroom environment.
The school covers all the electric codes applicable in the state of Kentucky and how to correctly install residential and commercial electrical projects.
Contact Information
- Address: 3146 Custer Drive, Lexington, KY 40517 (Lexington Main Office)
- 1000 N Hurstbourne Pkwy, Louisville, KY 40223 (Louisville Main Office)
- Phone: 859-229-6641
- Website: https://www.buildinginstituteky.com
8Elizabethtown Community & Technical College
About the School
Elizabethtown Community & Technical College offers a variety of technical programs through its Engineering and Electronics Technology pathway.
The college has four campus locations and eight off-campus sites located in Fort Knox, Springfields, and Leitchfield.
Elizabethtown Community & Technical College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.
Courses Offered
The following credentialing options are available for students enrolled at Elizabethtown Community & Technical College:
- Engineering and Electronics Technology- Associate in Applied Science with the following tracks: Communications, Computer Maintenance, Electronics, Instrumentation, and Robotics and Automation
- Certificates for: CAD Technicians, Communications Technicians, Electronics Technicians, Instrumentation Technicians, Maintenance Technicians, and other professions.
Full-time students can earn an Associate in Applied Science Degree in two years.
Contact Information
- Address: 600 College Street Road, Elizabethtown, KY 42701
- Phone: (270) 769-2371
- Website: https://elizabethtown.kctcs.edu
9J.B. Speed School of Engineering
About the School
J.B. Speed School of Engineering offers academic programs in a wide range of areas of study.
Students can earn engineering degrees in a variety of areas of study, including Electrical Engineering.
All of the school’s engineering bachelor’s degree programs and master of engineering degree programs are individually accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET.
Courses Offered
The school’s catalog includes an Electrical Engineering program.
This pathway provides undergraduate, graduate, and doctorate degrees.
First-year students start their training with Engineering Fundamentals, before specializing in an engineering discipline.
Students learn the basics of engineering through a hands-on approach.
Students have access to hands-on learning opportunities throughout their training and learn about a variety of Electric Engineering topics, including:
- Microelectronics and Circuits
- Communications
- Electromagnetic Design
- Energy and Power
- Automated Control
- Robotics
- Embedded Systems
- And more
The following areas of research are also available for Advanced Degrees: Wireless communications, Image processing and recognition, nanotechnology, microelectromechanical systems, Power electronics, Robotics, Smart Interfaces, Custom circuits, Human-machine interfaces, and more.
Contact Information
- Address: 132 Eastern Pkwy., Louisville, Kentucky 40292
- Phone: 502-852-6281
- Website: https://engineering.louisville.edu
10Somerset Community College
About the School
Somerset Community College prepares students for careers in the electrical industry through the Lineman Training Center.
Students learn from instructors who are either employed or retired from the industry.
The programs available at the college prepare apprentice-level students for employment.
The Electrical course costs $4,500 with an additional $300 needed for the Kentucky Class A CDL training fee.
The curriculum covers topics on safety rules, safety meetings, proper care, use, and storage of tools and equipment, tool and equipment inspections, and more.
Students also become proficient in climbing, simulated emergency storm restoration, rigging, underground distribution, digger and bucket truck operation, and other skills.
The academic training parts add to 80 hours.
During this time students learn about electrical systems, career planning, transformers, material identification, system operations, maps and standards, and a variety of other related concepts.
To qualify for admission, applicants must:
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Have a high school diploma or GED
- Be able to pass a DOT Physical and DOT Drug Screen
- Take the TABE 11/12 Test and score at least a 9th-grade math and reading level
Contact Information
- Address: 347 Coin Road, Somerset, KY 42503
- Phone: 606 274-1721
- Website: https://somerset.kctcs.edu
Regional Salary in Kentucky
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bowling Green, KY | 460 | $54,030 | $25.97 | $77,240 | $34,750 |
| Elizabethtown-Fort Knox, KY | 170 | $52,530 | $25.25 | $76,360 | $33,460 |
| Lexington-Fayette, KY | 1,180 | $52,510 | $25.25 | $71,750 | $35,360 |
| Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN | 3,360 | $60,160 | $28.92 | $78,020 | $37,120 |
| Owensboro, KY | 240 | $55,520 | $26.69 | $76,200 | $35,650 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Final Thoughts
Kentucky is home to many trade schools and community colleges that prepare students for careers as an electrician in a variety of settings.
Now that you have read our list, we invite you to continue the research and, depending on your career aspirations and learning style, apply for the program that best meets your needs, budget, and learning style.
