Oklahoma Technical College is proud to announce that we will now be meeting Oklahoma job demands even better than before. With the addition of our Electrical Technology program, OTC is now educating students in five out of Oklahoma’s top 100 Critical Occupations for 2018-2020.
A Career That Pays
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary of an Electrical Tech job was $55,190 per year in 2018. In other words, this means the average electrician is making about $26.53 an hour. For many skilled workers out in the workforce, this is a tell-tale sign that electrical technicians are needed and compensated well.
“What my students seem most interested in is a career. They want to work in a field that offers more than a dead-end job. In other words, this is why working in the Electric industry is such a smart move. The demand for electrical workers has always been and remains high. But now, this demand has reached an all-time high. As a result, this is reflected in want ads and the high number of openings for electrical workers,” said OTC Electrical Technology instructor, Larry Rogers.
Job Outlook
Employment for electrical technicians is projected to grow 9% from 2016-2026. This is about as fast as the average, but with demands increasing for construction and alternative energy resources this calls for even more skilled electricians.
What does an electrical technician do?
A majority of electrical techs will go on to work for an electrical contractor. When categorized, this is broken up into residential, commercial, industrial and institutional. This is the licensed area of the trade. After completing the OTC Electrical Technology program, graduates are eligible to pursue multiple career paths. For instance, maintenance, line work, and installation of lighting are all sustainable career options for electrical technicians.
Students in the Oklahoma Technical College Electrical Technology program learn how to install and troubleshoot electrical systems including receptacles, lighting, switches, relays, and contactors. Above all, this Tulsa electrical technician program places an emphasis on learning to install and bend conduit.
Duties of an electrician
- Follow state and local building regulations based on the National Electrical Code
- Identify and master the use of hand tools and power tools
- Identify electrical problems using a variety of testing devices
- Inspect electrical components
- Install and maintain wiring, control, and lighting systems
- Manage and train workers to install, maintain, or repair electrical wiring and equipment
- Read technical diagrams and blueprints
- Replace or repair wiring, equipment, or fixtures
Our Electrical Technology program
The Electrical Technology Program will prepare the student for entry-level employment as technicians in the design, operation, service, repair, and installation of electrical systems and equipment. This program combines theory with extensive practical hands-on training designed to simulate the actual work environment and skills needed to excel in this challenging field. For instance, labs afford the student the opportunity to install, repair and/or operate a wide variety of actual field equipment. In addition, those who complete the OTC Electrical program will earn their diploma.
Acquired Electrician Skills
During your time at OTC, you will be taught the fundamentals and theory of operation, diagnosis, and repair of the following areas:
- Diagnose, repair and maintain common electrical system problems.
- Adhere to environmental laws and regulations as applied to the electrical industry.
- Demonstrate and use terminology related to the industry.
- Embrace the model of lifelong learning, accessing new information to remain current in industry trends.
Hands-on Training
Our philosophy is simple; learn by doing. In order to be successful in the field, you must learn the operation of each system. For instance, our average class is 25% classroom time and 75% lab time. In conclusion, you will apply what you learn in class in the lab on real-world concepts and get your hands dirty.
Oklahoma Technical College – Enroll Now!
Oklahoma Technical College currently trains students in the areas of automotive, diesel, electrical, HVAC/R, and welding. The instructors are experts in their fields and pass on their real-world industry knowledge to their classes. With learning that goes beyond the classroom, OTC trains students through theory and hands-on education. Similarly, students from all programs benefit from working on the latest technology and equipment. The facilities are tailored to teach students how to be successful in their chosen career. In conclusion, those interested in learning more about the OTC programs can visit the website or schedule a tour by calling 918.895.7500.
From the desk of Raye Mahlberg, President of Community HigherEd.
