Trade Schools
If you’re passionate about physics and electricity and you want to start a career that allows you to work with your hands, the electrician trade is worth considering.
Before being ready to work as an electrician you have to learn the skills needed for this profession through a post-secondary program or apprenticeship.
Dual credit programs are also available for high school students who want to earn high school and college credit.
The state of Rhode Island is home to a variety of training programs for adults and high school students.
To help you choose the format that works best for you, on this page we have compiled information about some of the best electrician schools in the region.
1New England Institute of Technology
About the School
New England Institute of Technology provides career-focused programs in a variety of areas of study.
The Institute is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
Courses Offered
The institute’s catalog includes a Professional Building Trades program.
This program includes the following electricity-related pathways:
- Electrical Technology, AS
- Electrical Technology with Renewable Energy
The Electrical Technology Associate degree program combines basic electrical theory with hands-on applications.
Students learn the skills needed when wiring and installing electrical systems and apparatus.
The program also covers the National Electrical Code safety standards.
Among many other skills, students learn the mathematical and practical knowledge to troubleshoot a variety of projects.
The A.S. program in Electrical Technology with Renewable Energy prepares students with the manual skills needed to wire and install electrical systems and the knowledge to support, explain, and troubleshoot and variety of electrical projects.
Graduates are ready for entry-level positions in the field of constructing, installing, and maintaining solar and wind energy generating systems.
Contact Information
- Address: 1 New England Tech Boulevard, East Greenwich, RI | 02818
- Phone: 401-739-5000
- Website: https://www.neit.edu
2Providence Career & Technical Academy
About the School
One of New England’s premier technical high schools, Providence Career & Technical Academy combines academic education with technical training.
The academy provides nine programs that allow students to graduate with a high school diploma and industry-recognized certifications.
Courses Offered
Providence Career & Technical Academy provides an Electrical Technology pathway.
This program is designed to provide students with an in-depth knowledge of scientific theories and principles specific to the Electrical trade, while also developing cognitive mathematical, and problem-solving skills.
This curriculum is structured into four levels of study.
The first level focuses on equipping students with skills and knowledge on the following topics:
- National Electric Code
- Shop Practices
- Communication
- Safety, Tools & Equipment
- Basic Wiring
- Basic Blueprint Reading
- Electrical & OSHA Safety
- Employability Skills
During the next three levels of study, students also learn about Electric Motors, Pipe Bending, Renewable Energy Applications, Ohms Laws, and Basic Engineering & System Design, among other topics.
Other career fields available at the academy are Automotive Technology, Construction Technology, Cosmetology, Culinary Arts, Graphic Communications, General Construction, and more.
Contact Information
- Address:
- Phone: (401) 456-9136
- Website: https://www.providenceschools.org/PCTA
3IYRS School of Technology & Trades
About the School
IYRS School of Technology & Trades provides career training programs for students who “work with their hands and their minds to create successful careers and richer lives”.
The student-to-faculty ratio is 7:1 which allows students to receive individualized attention from the instructors.
The school located in the heart of Newport has a three-acre campus on Newport Harbor.
Courses Offered
IYRS School of Technology & Trades provides a Marine Systems program that can be completed in six months.
The curriculum covers topics on Electrical & Electronic Systems, Steering, Marine Pumps, Fuel Systems, Diesel & Gasoline Engines, LPG Systems, A/C and Refrigeration, Plumbing Systems, and Basic Fiberglass.
Students take classes such as:
- Shop Safety and Tool Use
- Electrical Fundamentals, Basic & Advanced Installation, Troubleshooting
- Marine Sanitation Devices
- Steering Systems
- Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Systems
- Marine Electronics Installation and Troubleshooting
- And more
Among many other topics, students learn the fundamental principles for circuit and electrical equipment design, equipment installation, common electrical circuit topics, and more.
Contact Information
- Address: 449 Thames StreetNewport, Rhode Island 02840
- Phone: 401.848.5777
- Website: https://www.iyrs.edu
4Newport Community School
About the School
Newport Community School offers apprentice training in the Electrical, Plumbing, and Pipefitting fields.
The apprenticeship is a combination of paid on-the-job training and classroom instruction.
The instruction available at Newport Community School is regulated by the RI Apprenticeship Council and the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training.
The classes prepare students for success on the Journeyman license exams and future careers in electrical trades.
Courses Offered
The Electrician program fulfills the state requirements for electricians’ apprentice educational hours.
The semesters are designed to equip students with the knowledge needed to progress through the four-year apprenticeship.
Each one of the eight semesters includes 75 hours of instruction.
The program is approved by the R.I. Board of Electrical Examiners and the State Apprenticeship Council of the R.I. Department of Labor and Training.
Contact Information
- Address: 55 Broadway, Newport, RI 02840
- Phone: (401) 848-5923
- Website: http://newportcommunityschool.org
5Martin Electrical and Technical School
About the School
A family-owned business, Martin Electrical and Technical School provides electrical education to Eastern Massachusetts and the surrounding area.
The curriculum provides students with the skills and knowledge needed for a career as Licensed Electricians.
The school’s instructors have more than 15 years of real-world experience as licensed electricians.
The school is licensed by the Massachusetts Division of Professional Licensure’s Office of Private Occupational School Education and approved by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Board of State Examiners of Electricians.
Courses Offered
The Journeyman Electrician course is designed for beginners with no formal training in electrical theory or code.
The curriculum covers different aspects of electrical theory and code and includes many practical examples of the tasks electricians have to perform.
The course meets the requirements set by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Board of Examiners of Electricians for the completion of 600 hours of approved education to sit for the Journeyman Electricians licensing exam.
In addition to completing the classroom instruction, students must work under the supervision of a Licensed Journeyman Electrician for a minimum of 8,000 hours completed in at least four years.
A Licensure exam preparation course is also available and can be completed in 10 weeks.
Contact Information
- Address: 130 Kerry Pl, Norwood, MA 02062
- Phone: 781-769-2376
- Website: http://www.martinelectricalschool.org
6Community College of Rhode Island
About the School
The largest public, two-year degree-granting college in New England, the Community College of Rhode Island provides more than 90 degree and certificate programs that help students start their journey towards a four-year university of careers in high-demand fields.
The college has six campuses: Knight Campus in Warwick, Flanagan Campus in Lincoln, Liston Campus in Providence, Newport County Campus, and two satellite campuses in Westley and Woonsocket.
The general tuition fee for 12 credits or more per semester is $2,312 for in-state students.
Courses Offered
The college’s catalog includes the following programs, among many other pathways:
- Engineering Systems Technology, Electrical- Associate in Science
- Engineering Systems Technology, Energy Utility- Associate in Science
- Engineering Systems Technology, Energy Utility Technology- Certificate
- Engineering, Electrical- Associate in Science in Engineering
The curriculum and number of credits required depend on the program and the credential it leads to.
The Engineering Systems Technology, Electrical- Associate in Science program includes classes such as:
- Applied Technical Mathematics
- Physics of Everyday Life
- Introduction to Electromechanical Systems
- Robotics and Control
- Introduction to Wireless
- Electrical Systems
- Electrical Power Systems
- Introduction to Instrumentation Technology
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 400 East Ave. Warwick, RI 02886-1807
- Phone: (401) 825-1000
- Website: https://www.ccri.edu
7East Providence High School Career and Technical Center
About the School
The East Providence High School Career and Technical Center offers educational opportunities for students who want to pursue post-secondary training or enter the workforce.
Educational programs are available in nine different career fields.
During training, students have access to work-based opportunities and may earn post-secondary credits.
Courses Offered
An Electrical Technology program is available at the Center.
This program teaches a variety of skills, including:
- Wire single pole and three-way switching to control lighting
- Installing light fixtures and 120-volt receptacles
- Building a house service from the meter to the breaker panel
- Wiring low-voltage home controls
- Installing 120-volt home smoke detector systems
- Learning proper use and tool identification and maintenance
- Installation of power and lighting circuits
- Troubleshooting receptacles and switching
- The National Electrical Code
- And more
Students also become OSHA 10 certified.
Contact Information
- Address: 2000 Pawtucket Avenue, East Providence, RI 02914
- Phone: 401.443.4360
- Website: https://eastprovidencectc.com
8International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers- Providence, RI
About the School
International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers in Providence provides apprenticeships and continuing education courses.
Applications for apprenticeships are accepted for 12 months per year.
Applicants need a driver’s license and a high school diploma or GED.
They also need a passing grade of “C” or “70” in Algebra 1.
After submitting the application and the required documentation, the next step in the admissions process consists of an exam that includes 50 percent reading comprehension and 50 percent mathematics.
Those who pass the exam will attend an interview.
The interview score will determine if applicants are accepted into the Apprenticeship.
The apprenticeship lasts five years.
Those who meet the requirements of the Apprenticeship Agreement are granted a full scholarship paid by the Apprenticeship Trust Fund.
Apprentices have to purchase books, keep acceptable grades and attend classes.
Contact Information
- Address: 22 Amflex Drive, Cranston, RI 02921
- Phone: (401) 946-9900
- Website: https://ibew99.org
9Davies Career & Technical High
About the School
Davies Career & Technical High provides a variety of career and tech programs designed to provide students with academic, technical, and employability skills and knowledge.
The high school provides academic and technical education that prepares students for higher education and employment in their field of specialization.
The school has an Office of Workforce Development that helps students find internships, job shadowing, and placement opportunities.
Programs are available for the following careers in advanced manufacturing: Electrical & Renewable Energy, Biomanufacturing Technology, Machine Technology, and Pre-Engineering Technology.
Students start their training with an exploratory period, which allows them to experience all nine shop areas.
Afterward, they may choose one specific area.
Courses Offered
The Electrical and Renewable Energy program combines hands-on learning and classroom instruction and covers topics such as:
- Solar and alternative energy wiring
- Residential and commercial wiring
- Blueprint symbols
- Industry motors and controls
- Industrial lighting
- Electric range outlets
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 50 Jenckes Hill Road, Lincoln, RI 02865
- Phone: 401-728-1500
- Website: https://www.daviestech.org
10Roger Williams University
About the School
Roger Williams University provides undergraduate and graduate programs in a variety of paths.
Opportunities are available for students of all ages and backgrounds.
Roger Williams University provides an Engineering major that combines math, science, and engineering with in-depth specialization in civil, computer, electrical, or mechanical engineering.
The program is accredited by the Engineering Accrediting Commission of ABET.
Roger Williams University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
Courses Offered
The Electrical Engineering specialization includes the following required courses:
- Engineering Electronics and Lab
- Digital Systems Design and Lab
- Signals and Systems
- Microprocessors
- Digital Signal Processing
- Dynamic Modeling and Control
- Electromagnetic Theory
Students also have to choose two of the following courses: Sustainable Energy Systems, Heat Transfer, Mechatronics, Modern Physics, or Computational Physics.
Students who attend this program learn how to design, develop, and test lights, wiring, radar, and other types of equipment.
Contact Information
- Address: 1 Old Ferry Road, Bristol, RI 02809
- Phone: 800-458-7144
- Website: https://www.rwu.edu
Regional Salary in Rhode Island
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Providence-Warwick, RI-MA | 2,580 | $64,360 | $30.94 | $83,200 | $40,140 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Final Thoughts
Rhode Island offers a variety of educational alternatives for those who want to start a career in the electrical field.
From one-year certificates to four-year apprenticeships, there are plenty of options you can choose from.
On this page, we have included information about the best electrician schools in Rhode Island.
Now that you have read our list, the next step is to continue the research and choose the format that fits your learning style, budget, and career aspirations.
