Electrical Technician

Overview

Electrical work has some of the best opportunities for career stability, especially for electrical technicians. If you want to start a career as an electrical technician, this 100% online course will teach you the fundamentals of working with and repairing electrical equipment.

Job Outlook

  • Electrical technicians earn up to $43,000 annually on average, according to Burning Glass
  • Burning Glass data also shows that job demand for electrical technicians will grow 2% over the next decade.
  • Electrical technicians work across several high-demand industries, including scientific and technical services, transportation equipment manufacturing and electronic parts manufacturing.

Objective

What You’ll Learn…

Upon completion of this course you will learn:

  • Master the basics of electrical theory and systems
  • Learn PLC equipment and communication
  • Understand advances in robot Maintenance and Installation
  • Learn the basics of Six Sigma, 5S, Lean and TPM

    Outline

    MATH
    Fractions and decimals, units of measurement and basics of tolerance; algebra, geometry, trigonometry and blueprint reading

    INSPECTION
    Introduction to GD&T, optical comparators and CMMs; standards for inspecting and calibrating holes, threads and surfaces

    SAFETY
    OSHA, personal protective equipment, SDS and hazard communication; hand and power tool safety, safety for lifting devices and powered industrial truck safety

    QUALITY AND MANUFACTURING MANAGEMENT
    Lean manufacturing, 5S and continuous process improvement; Six Sigma, conducting Kaizen events and value stream mapping

    MACHINING
    Safety for metal cutting; introduction to CAD and CAM for machining

    ELECTRICAL/MECHANICAL SYSTEMS AND MOTOR CONTROLS
    Electrical units, AC and DC power sources, distribution systems; introduction to circuits, relays, contactors, and motor starters

    PLCS
    Basics of Siemens PLC hardware, communication and inputs and outputs; Siemens human machine interfaces, SIMATIC PLCs and hand-held programmers

    AUTOMATION
    Automated systems and control; robot troubleshooting, maintenance and installations

    FASTENERS
    Intro to fastener threads, fastener ergonomics and properties; understanding torque

    Prerequisites and Requirements

    There are no prerequisites to take this course.

    Instructor(s)

    This is a completely self-pace course. Additional support will be provided through email and phone.

    FAQs

    1. What is the difference between an electrician and an electrical technician?
      While electricians and electrical technicians both deal with electrical systems, the nature of their work is different. Electricians install, maintain, troubleshoot and repair the wiring in buildings, whether that be residential homes, offices or commercial properties. On the other hand, electrical technicians work on electrical systems within machinery, specialty equipment and other commonly used devices.
    2. How long does it take to complete a program?
      When you register, you’ll receive twelve (12) months to complete this program.
    3. What do Electrical Technicians do?
      Electrical technicians help maintain and repair electronic components in any equipment or device that uses electricity. Their work can vary from helping with product design to working on site to keep machinery and power systems running correctly.
    4. Is Electrical Technician training worth it?
      Yes. As with any technology, electrical work evolves and electrical technicians need to understand emerging automation, such as programmable logic controllers (PLC) AND network communication, robot-controlled equipment and the Internet of Things (IoT).
    5. Can I get financial assistance?
      ed2go courses are non-credit courses, so they do not qualify for federal aid.  In some states, vocational rehab or workforce development boards will pay for qualified students to take our courses.  Additionally, some students may qualify for financial assistance when they enroll, if they meet certain requirements.
    6. What happens when I complete the program? 
      Upon successful completion of the program, you will be awarded a certificate of completion from the ECU Office of Continuing Professional Education.
    7. When can I start the program?
      Our programs are all open enrollment.  You can register and start the program as soon as you are ready. Please note: Once the program curriculum is accessed online or through submission of a material shipment confirmation, refunds cannot be issued.