Ignite your career with an electrical apprenticeship.
Learn how to become an electrician through HCC’s partnership with the Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) Chesapeake, the Mid Atlantic Region's premier electrical and renewable energy contractor association and apprenticeship program provider. Students beginning their electrical careers will enter an in-demand industry. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the electrical industry is on track to grow by 20 percent through 2022. Electrical technicians can expect to enjoy high wages, job security and more.
HCC has partnered with IEC Chesapeake to offer a four-year Electrical Apprenticeship Program. Apprentices will take classes at IEC Chesapeake in Laurel and HCC. Apprentices will work a full-time electrician job with a participating employer. Upon successful completion of the program, apprentices will receive nationally-recognized credentials as a Journeyman Electrician.
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Program Requirements
To be eligible for this apprenticeship applicants must be able provide copies of the following documents:
- Driver's License/Government issued ID
- Social Security Card
- High School Diploma/GED Certificate OR be a dual enrolled HCPSS senior**
- One letter of recommendation from a personal reference (non-family)
- OSHA10 Card
- Transcript (If Transferring from Another Program)
Additionally, applicants must complete the following steps before they can be accepted into the program:
- Successfully complete an OSHA 10-hour training course prior to program start OR have a current OSHA10 card
- Complete an interview and math & reading evaluation with IEC Chesapeake
- Pass an employer's pre-employment drug screening.
**Dual enrolled HCPSS seniors must successfully graduate before moving to year two of their apprenticeship. For more information on dual enrollment, visit the JumpStart program pages on the HCC and HCPSS websites.
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Upcoming Information SessionsFuture information sessions will be announced here.
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Electrical Apprenticeship Curriculum
Apprentices will complete a four-year program that will provide them with 8,000 hours of on-the-job and classroom training required are eligible to receive nationally recognized credentials as a Journeyman Electrician upon satisfactory completion. During this time, apprentices will be expected to work full-time and attend classes two nights per week (some Saturday labs will be required). The education received through this program is recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Apprenticeship Training and Maryland Department of Labor. Apprentices who complete the program as registered students are eligible to receive nationally-recognized credentials as a Journeyman Electrician upon satisfactory completion of the program.
Students who successfully complete their apprenticeship may earn credit that applies to the Associate in Applied Science degree in Electronics Technology. For more information, contact the Science, Engineering, and Technology Division Office at 443-518-1600.
Transition from HCPSS Apprenticeship Maryland to the IEC Chesapeake Electrical Apprenticeship at HCC
Howard County Public School System seniors who have already completed the first year of instruction and on-the-job training through the Apprenticeship Maryland graduation pathway can finish their apprenticeship at HCC.
After graduating high school, students will be eligible to complete their remaining on-the-job and classroom training hours needed to finish their four-year apprenticeship at HCC. Students who have successfully completed their year-one classroom instruction and on-the-job training hours can start in the second year of the program.
Upon completing their four-year program, students will be eligible to receive nationally-recognized credentials as a Journeyman Electrician upon satisfactory completion of the program. Students will also earn advanced standing towards earning an Electronics Technology Associate in Applied Science or Electrical Engineering.
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Year One Topics
- Orientation and Basic Principles
- Tools, Fasteners, and Knots
- Introduction to Safety, Navigating the NEC and EWR Plans
- Introduction to Electric Charges and Basic Math
- Applied Math, Circuit Theory, Plans & Specs
- Applied Math, Ohm’s Law, Electrical Symbols, and Boxes
- Conduit Bending
- Dwelling Circuit Requirements, Outlet Locations, and General Lighting Load
- Conductor Types, Ampacity, Overcurrent Protection, Type NM Cables, and Common Voltage Systems
- Voltage Drop, Cable Conduit, and Tubing
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Year Two Topics
- NEC® Scope, Definitions, Working Spaces, and Branch Circuits; Hazardous Locations; Common Voltage Systems
- Service Calculations, and Class 1 Installations
- Services, and Class 2 Installations
- Conductor and Overcurrent Protection; Class 3 Installations
- Grounding Terminology, Equipment Grounding Conductors and Commercial Garage Installations
- Grounding Electrode System, Main Bonding Jumper and Motor Fuel Dispensing Facilities
- Ohm’s Law Review, Article 300, Aircraft Hangar, and Bulk Storage Facilities
- Conduit Fill, Box Fill, Pull Box Sizing, Raceway and Cable Support; Spray Applications
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Year Three Topics
- Practical Guide to OSHA and NFPA 70E®
- Introduction to Grounding and Bonding
- General Requirements for Grounding and Bonding
- System Grounding
- Equipment Grounding and Equipment Grounding Conductors
- Line-Side and Load-Side Bonding
- Grounding of Specific Equipment & Conditions
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Year Four Topics
- Energized Electrical Work Relative to NFPA 70E®
- Power Distribution Systems and Phase-Loss Monitors
- Solid-State Relays and Phase-Loss Lab
- Timing Relays
- Counters and Sensors
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How to Apply & Enroll
If you have not completed an OSHA 10-hour Training Course:
- Ensure you meet all of the program requirements
- Submit a secondary Electrical Apprenticeship Interest Form
- Monitor your email for additional enrollment instructions sent from apprentice@howardcc.edu
Please note, in addition to an OSHA 10-hour training, all eligible applicants are required to complete an apprenticeship application with IEC Chesapeake (IECC) from their website at: https://www.iecchesapeake.com/apply-now/. This process will require you to complete an initial screening interview and evaluation for basic math and reading skills with IECC.
For more information, contact apprentice@howardcc.edu.
If you have completed an OSHA 10-hour Training Course:
- Ensure you meet all other program requirements
- Go to https://www.iecchesapeake.com/apply-now/ and complete their online apprenticeship application process
Please note, you must also submit a processing fee to IECC with your application. Their rates are as follows;
- $60 Processing Fee if postmarked before the listed deadline
- $110 Processing Fee if postmarked after the listed deadline
Other Apprenticeship Opportunities
Howard Community College - The Electrical Apprenticeship is one of many apprenticeship programs offered through HCC. Apprentices gain industry experience while they take classes. We are proud to work with local employers to offer apprenticeships in Maryland. Learn more about our apprenticeship program.
Questions? Email apprentice@howardcc.edu to learn more about the electrical apprenticeship program.
Howard County Public Schools - If you are the parent of or are currently an HCPSS student going into their senior year. HCPSS offers the Apprenticeship Maryland Career Academy, which is a graduation pathway for students interested in employment and further education based on STEM career pathways.
Seniors participating in Apprenticeship Maryland have the opportunity to participate in a paid, supervised, and structured on-the-job training program. For more information, visit the HCPSS Apprenticeship Maryland program page.
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