Electrician program launches at SJVC’s Modesto campus

We have exciting news for those interested in becoming an electrician and who would like to complete their training near Modesto, California: Starting May 15th, SJVC’s Modesto campus will offer a 9-month Electrical Technology (ET) certificate program – a promising career training option to many who are eager to develop expertise in this popular field.

The decision to launch the Electrician program on the Modesto campus was prompted by a combination of growing construction in the area, a lack of trained electricians to fill industrial, commercial and residential construction needs, and the success of SJVC’s Electrical Technology program in Ontario, California.

Electricians install, maintain and repair electrical power, communications, lighting and control systems in homes, businesses, and factories. They service hardware and wiring, operate PLCs (Program Logic Controllers), motors and variable speed drives, troubleshoot problems and bend pipe to run wiring for units.

“Students will be excited about our new lab and equipment, which has been designed to provide hands-on training that replicates what they will use in in the field,” says Anthony Alejandre, Campus Director. “We are seeing a flow of interest from potential Electrical Technology students looking at the program and touring the campus.”

There are three influences that have taken the electrician’s job of yesteryear to a hot job commodity:

1. Solar energy development
2. Growing popularity of electric cars
3. Strong economy that sees home construction and business expansion on the rise

“From the moment we wake up, electricity touches everything in our lives,” says Jim DeBerry, Electrical Technology instructor at the Ontario campus. “It’s a growing industry, and employers are just waiting for our first Electrical Technology students to graduate.”

Modesto area employers have a need for the type of individual who is technologically minded and works well with their hands. A good Electrician program fit is someone who has a curiosity about how things work and who takes pride in quality work.

Employment opportunities in this industry are strong, and employers are eager to fill open positions with well-trained electricians. “With the shortage of qualified electricians in California and across the nation, it is great to see the expansion of the Electrical Technology program to include our Modesto campus,” says DeBerry, who helped introduce this program on the Ontario campus. “We are improving lives throughout California and setting standards for good electricians throughout the state.”

Employment of electricians is projected to grow 14% from 2014 to 2024; much faster than the average for all occupations. As homes and businesses require more wiring, electricians will be needed to install the necessary components. The job prospects for electricians should be very good, as many employers report difficulty finding qualified applicants.¹

The Modesto campus also offers accelerated programs in Medical Assisting, Medical Office Administration, Industrial Maintenance Technology, Business Administration, Criminal Justice Corrections, and Pharmacy Technology.

Final approval from the State Department of Industrial Relations for the Electrical Technology program is expected at the end of April.

Request Information or call toll-free 866-544-7898 to learn more.

¹www.onetonline.org/link/summary/47-2111.00#JobOpenings