Electricians play a crucial role in our modern society, from delivering power to homes and businesses to ensuring industries are safe and their electrical systems are functioning properly. Becoming an electrician involves a choice between attending a trade school or completing an apprenticeship. While an apprenticeship involves mentorship under an experienced electrician, trade schools offer a structured learning environment that many students prefer.

Pennco Tech provides an Electrician training program in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Here, we explore the benefits of an electrician trade school program versus an apprenticeship.

Trade School Offers a Structured Learning Environment

Trade schools teach prospective electricians problem-solving techniques, procedures, blueprint reading, government regulations, physics, and chemistry, covering all aspects of the trade. The structured format helps students grasp a wide range of skills and prepares them for real-world challenges.

This approach to learning allows students to explore their techniques without the pressures of a real-world job site they would encounter in an apprenticeship. Trade school programs emphasize the importance of comprehensive skill training. Meanwhile, apprenticeships concentrate on real-world job training, which might miss covering some vital areas, such as:

• Basic electrical theory, mathematics, and load calculations
• Voltage, current, resistance, transformers, and power flows
• Wiring and electrical controls
• Pipe and conduit bending
• Generators and related codes
• Shop safety and precautions

At Pennco Tech, our structured learning environment emphasizes the importance of learning skills and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) compliance. These courses provide helpful insights into personal protective equipment, health hazards during construction, and evacuation safety. Our Electrician training program provides students with personalized, hands-on training that covers everything they need to know.

Skilled Instructors

At Pennco Tech, our trade school instructors have extensive backgrounds in the electrical field and vast hands-on experience. Their practical knowledge gives them in-depth insights into the field, allowing them to provide examples to their students. In apprenticeships, students typically learn from a mentor who may not have much teaching experience or who may use outdated teaching techniques.

Instructors at Pennco Tech hold certifications from recognized organizations and adhere to electrical codes. Many instructors hold formalized education in electrical engineering, and practical skills courses ensure students are informed of industry standards.

Formal Instruction and Curriculum

Trade schools allow students to benefit from formal instruction. They offer modern, controlled environments and access to specialized equipment and tools. Instructors thoroughly teach students how to use tools like multimeters, oscilloscopes, conduit benders, and safety gear. Students are taught from an approved curriculum, which demonstrates how and when to use these tools of the trade.

Apprenticeships may have access to similar tools and lessons. However, the quality of the instruction comes down to their superior’s education and experience, which can vary.

Our Trade School Offers Additional Resources

Pennco Tech offers additional resources compared to apprenticeships. For one, financial aid options can help qualified students manage the costs of their education. Financial aid advisors are available to help qualified students navigate the process. In addition to scholarships and other forms of financial aid, in Pennsylvania, Pennco Tech offers aid through local agencies, such as Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA). New Jersey has a similar program through New Jersey Higher Education Student Assistance Authority.

We also offer comprehensive career services to help students find employment after graduation. Our team aids students with networking strategies, writing resumes and cover letters, interview coaching techniques, and connecting students and graduates with possible future employers. Whereas our students have access to these resources, those who opt for apprenticeships typically do not have the same opportunities.

Electricians Enjoy Good Job Security and Earning Potential

Becoming an electrician is a strong career choice for several reasons. The job outlook for electricians is positive, with projected job openings increasing by 11% through 2033, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This is much faster than the growth rate for most other careers.

The earning potential for electricians is competitive. The median salary for an electrician in 2024 was about $62,000 annually, according to the BLS. In Pennsylvania, the average electrician salary is $73,510 a year, and in New Jersey, the average electrician salary is $80,090 per year. Electricians in government or manufacturing settings often earn more than those who work as electrical contractors. To increase their earnings, electricians can also work overtime (if available) or pursue additional certifications.

This career is also rewarding, as electricians help ensure businesses and homes are safe and running efficiently. Completing the Pennco Tech Electrician program can prepare students for a successful career.

Choose Pennco Tech for Your Electrician Trade School

If you’re ready to pursue an electrician career, turn to Pennco Tech. Available at our Bristol, PA, and Blackwood, NJ, campuses, our Electrician program comes in both daytime and evening class schedules. Instructors provide students with individualized attention, helping them develop the skills needed for success. For more information about our Electrician trade school program, contact us today.