Everything runs on power: homes, offices, hospitals, the phone in your hand. If you like working with your hands and figuring out how things work, electrical work might be worth a look.
This guide covers Houston Career Institute's Electrical Technician program. You'll see what you learn, how hands on it is, and what to ask before you sign up.
What you learn in HCI's Electrical Technician program
The program is built around seven courses:
- Introduction to Electrical Theory. AC and DC current, voltage, resistance, Ohm's law, magnetism, load calculations, and basic circuit design and troubleshooting.
- Introduction to the National Electrical Code and Blueprint Reading. How to read residential and commercial blueprints, and how the National Electrical Code (NEC) ties into local, state, and federal codes.
- Basic Residential Wiring Methods I. How a single family home gets wired, from permit to final inspection, using hand tools, power tools, and NEC rules.
- Basic Residential Wiring Methods II. Underground and overhead service, lighting, wiring for heating and AC, troubleshooting, structured media, and an intro to "smart house" tech.
- Basic Commercial Wiring Methods: Conduit Bending. Commercial blueprints and materials, service, feeder, and branch circuit calculations, and bending and installing conduit.
- Basic Commercial and Motor Control Wiring II. Three phase power, transformers, motors, and how to maintain and troubleshoot them.
- Solar Photovoltaic System Design and Installation. Solar basics, PV system parts, site analysis, utility interactive systems, and real world case studies.
How hands on is it?
Very. At least half of the program is hands on, with you actually wiring residential and commercial setups in the lab under an instructor. HCI provides the hand tools you use in class.
How long is electrician school at HCI?
You can finish in as few as 10 months. HCI offers morning and evening classes. If you need night classes, ask admissions which one is open for your start date.
What about getting licensed in Texas?
HCI's program prepares graduates with the skills for entry level work as a residential, commercial, or industrial electrician. Graduates will still need to meet Texas licensing requirements to become a licensed electrician.
School program or apprenticeship?
You might be weighing electrician school against an apprenticeship. Here's the difference. HCI's Electrical Technician program is a school program, so you learn as a student in classes and hands on labs, with instructors guiding you the whole way. An apprenticeship is on the job training through an employer.
Lots of people like learning the basics in a classroom and lab before looking for work. The right path is the one that fits you.
What jobs could you look into after the program?
Entry level job titles graduates may want to look into include Electrician Helper, Electrician Apprentice, Maintenance Electrician, Building Electrician, and Solar Panel Installer, among others.
HCI's Career Services Office is there to help graduates look for entry level opportunities in their field. Employment isn't guaranteed, but you won't be figuring it out alone.
How much does electrician school cost?
Tuition and fees are listed in the student catalog on HCI's consumer information page.
Financial aid is available for those who qualify. The financial aid team can go over grants, loans, and payment options with you.
FAQ
How long is HCI's electrician program?
In as few as 10 months.
Can I take electrician classes at night?
HCI offers morning and evening classes. Ask admissions which one is open when you want to start.
Does the program cover solar?
Yes. The Solar Photovoltaic System Design and Installation course covers solar basics, PV systems, and site analysis.
Do I need my own tools?
HCI provides the hand tools you use in class.
Will I be licensed when I finish?
Graduates will still need to meet Texas licensing requirements to become a licensed electrician.
Is HCI accredited?
Yes. Houston Career Institute is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC).
Come see the electrical labs
Houston Career Institute is at 9700 Bissonnet Street in Houston, close to Sharpstown, Gulfton, Bellaire, and Alief.
Request info or schedule a campus tour, and an admissions rep can go over start dates, class times, admissions requirements, and financial aid for those who qualify.
Houston Career Institute is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC). Career services assistance is available to students and graduates; employment is not guaranteed.
