Electrician
Help Power the World by Becoming a Skilled Electrician in Santa Ana
Orange County-Area Electrician Training
Light Up Your Future with Training as an Electrician
Anyone who has ever experienced a power outage is deeply aware of how critical electricity is to our daily lives. From the office to the grocery store to our living rooms, everything relies on the power, communications, lighting, and control systems that are hardwired into our very walls. And to install, repair, and maintain those electrical systems requires the skills of trained electricians. How in-demand are they? According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for electricians is growing much faster than average, with thousands of projected job openings every year.
What Does an Electrician Do?
A day of work as an electrician will likely include handling the different problems and needs of multiple clients. This can include:
- Repairing and replacing wiring, equipment, and fixtures
- Reading blueprints and technical diagrams
- Installing and maintaining wiring, control, and lighting systems in homes, businesses, and factories
- Inspecting electrical components, such as transformers and circuit breakers, and identifying problems using a variety of testing devices
- Following state and local building regulations based on the National Electrical Code
What Will I Learn in an Electrician Program?
The 36-week Electrician certificate program at Summit College in Santa Ana combines hands-on instruction with classroom theory to teach you the essentials of everything from electrical safety and theory to the National Electric Code to client communication skills.
What will course instruction look like?
Our Santa Ana Electrician program utilizes our Hyflex format, a unique teaching system that leverages lecture and lab hours delivered both on-campus and online in order to take advantage of the strengths of both in order to provide the best in education and training. Each class session and activity is offered:
- In-person
- Synchronously online
- Asynchronously online
The 340 hours of lab time are all about hands-on experience, so you have the chance to practice relevant, real-life activities and industry-related skills that expand your understanding of your new career.
Is Career Training Right for You?
Take the Summit College Career Training Readiness Quiz
The fun, online quiz takes 3 minutes to complete, and you’ll get a personalized report. Identify your strengths and social style, plus the training and positions you’re best suited for.
What electrician classes will I take?
The curriculum for the Electrician program offered at Summit College Santa Ana includes the following courses:
- Electrical Theory
- Measuring for Electricians
- National Electric Code
- Electrical Circuits
- AC Machines & Motors
- Low Voltage
- Green Electricity
- Residential Installation
- Commercial Installation
Are Electricians In-Demand in California?
The sort answer is: yes. Nationwide, employers are looking for skilled electricians to fill open positions. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment will grow 9% through 2034, much faster than the average, even when compared to other construction trades. Average annual job openings are expected to be over 80,000.
For California, that growth is expected to be even higher. The U.S. Department of Labor’s
Projections Central projects growth of electrician employment to hit 13%, with around 8,300 job openings on average every year in this state alone.
Where can electricians work?
For Orange County graduates of the Summit College Santa Ana Electrician certificate program, employment opportunities can be found with:
- Electrical contractors
- Construction companies
- Manufacturing facilities
- Residential service companies
- Building maintenance services
- Government facilities
Electricians can also be self-employed and work directly with customers to hire out their skills and services.
What jobs can I get in Santa Ana with an Electrician certificate?
Here are just some of the career possibilities:
- Control Electrician
- Electrical Journeyperson
- Electrician
- Housing Maintenance Electrician
- Electrical Troubleshooter
- Industrial Electrician
- Lineman
Santa Ana Campus
Our Santa Ana campus, located in the heart of Orange County, is built to encompass labs with modern equipment and instruments, numerous classrooms, computer access, and a student lounge. Parking is provided to students at no charge.
Address and Location
Address
1639 E. Edinger Ave.
Santa Ana, CA 92705
Located near Irvine, Huntington Beach, and Anaheim; just off I-55 and the 55 Freeway, with access to multiple public transportation options, including MetroLink
Phone Number and Hours
General Business Hours: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday – Friday
Phone Number: 888.504.2552
Why Should You Choose Summit College Santa Ana?
Not only will you get the hands-on training and skills you need to become a professional electrician, you’ll also be able to start working and earning fast. Summit College has been providing quality career education since 1991, and we currently offer flexible day or evening class schedules in a hybrid delivery format. Free tutoring and one-on-one assistance from our Career Services Department is available to help you land the job of your dreams.
- Professional faculty focused on your success: Your instructors have all done the job you’re training for and use their experience to prepare you for real-world situations. You’ll develop clinical skills through hands-on learning and benefit from small class sizes.
- Curriculum that provides a broad foundation: In addition to clinical and skills fundamentals, you’ll learn about various specialties, including obstetrics, pharmacology, pediatrics, nutrition and psychology and patient education for a solid foundation.
- Flexible schedules: Choose from day or evening/weekend classes that adapt to your lifestyle and responsibilities. Complete the program in just 12 months (full-time) or 18 months (part-time).
Ready for What’s Next?
Your Path to Success Starts Now!
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Become an Electrician in California?
According to California law, to become an electrician you need to start as what’s referred to as an electrician trainee. And in order to do that, you have prove that you’re enrolled in an approved school, as well as submit an application and application fee of $25.
As one of these approved schools, Summit College provides a comprehensive Electrician training program that readies you for the next stage in your career. To apply to our Santa Ana campus, you need to:
- Be 18 years or older
- Provide an acceptable high school diploma, GED, or equivalent
- Complete an interview with an Admissions Advisor
Meet the required level of proficiency with speaking, reading, writing, and understanding English.
Additionally, California law requires a set number of hours of on-the-job experience once you’ve completed your Electrician training program, depending on what type of electrician job you’re interested in pursuing:
- General Electrician — 8000 hours of work for an electrical contractor installing, constructing or maintaining electrical systems covered by the National Electrical Code
- Residential Electrician — 4800 hours of work for an electrical contractor installing, constructing or maintaining electrical systems covered by the National Electrical Code
- Voice Data Video Technician — 4000 hours of work for an electrical contractor installing, constructing or maintaining electrical systems covered by the National Electrical Code
- Fire/Life Safety Technician — 4000 hours of work for an electrical contractor installing, constructing or maintaining electrical systems covered by the National Electrical Code
- Non-Residential Lighting Technician — 2000 hours of work for an electrical contractor installing, constructing or maintaining electrical systems covered by the National Electrical Code
What Is a Journeyman Electrician?
Becoming a journeyman electrician means that you have achieved enough training and experience that you can work with minimal supervision. At the very beginning of your career, you’re generally considered an electrician apprentice, and your work is heavily supervised and overseen by experienced technicians. Reaching the level of journeyman puts you on the path to becoming a master electrician, who can manage teams, supervise apprentices, and oversee projects.
What Kinds of Certifications or Licenses Do I Need to Be an Electrician?
Per California law, any electrician who works for a class C-10 licensed contractor must be certified. C-10 is the electrical contractor license according to the California Code of Regulations:
An electrical contractor places, installs, erects or connects any electrical wires, fixtures, appliances, apparatus, raceways, conduits, solar photovoltaic cells or any part thereof, which generate, transmit, transform or utilize electrical energy in any form or for any purpose.
It is possible to be hired onto electrician jobs that do not require this certification, but not having your C-10 can significantly limit your career options.
How Long Does It Take to Become an Electrician?
Summit College Santa Ana’s Electrician program can be completed in just 36 weeks, giving you the opportunity to train for and start on your new career in under a year. That isn’t the case with all schools and programs, however. At community colleges, for example, electrician programs can sometimes take a year or more to get from first class to graduation.
How Much Does Electrician Trade School Cost?
At Summit College Santa Ana, we have structured our programs to maximize your time and your budget because we understand that pursuing training is a significant financial investment. How much tuition costs can vary widely depending on a school’s cost per credit hour, how long it takes to complete their program, any books or equipment or auxiliary fees, and more. When selecting a training program, you should also make sure they offer financial aid options to help support you in paying for your education.
