Electrician/Electrical Technology Programs

About the Programs

Ridgewater’s Electrician and Electrical Technology programs prepare you to excel through the development of problem-solving skills. You will train to perform electrical work in residential and commercial construction as well as industrial and maintenance installation in accordance with the National Electrical Code.

You will experience:

• Complex areas such as motor controls
• Photovoltaic solar systems
• Service and transformers
• Specialized systems (generators, fire alarms, security systems, etc.)
• Heating, venting, and air conditioning
• Energy-efficient lighting and heating/cooling systems

To better meet industry demand, Ridgewater has expanded its Electrician program to now include two options:

Option 1) Electrician: Traditional, daytime, on-campus delivery

Option 2) Electrical Technology: New blended online and on-campus afternoon and evening delivery

Program Distinctions

• Hands-on experience with specialized systems
• Training with green, eco-friendly products and technologies
• Curriculum that’s reflective of energy efficiencies
• Two convenient tracks: one with a traditional daytime schedule and one with
  an afternoon-evening schedule
• Instructors possess a combined 100+ years of electrical industry experience

Career Info

Ridgewater Electrician graduates have enjoyed 100% job placement for more than five years, thanks to industry demand.

The projected Minnesota job growth outlook is about 9.5%, well above the state average, for 2018-2028. Central Minnesota current median wages are $35.55, much higher than the state median wage of $21.49 for all careers.

Which Option is Best for You?

Electrician

Hutchinson and Willmar Campuses

83-credit Associate of Applied Science Electrician Degree

74-credit Electrician Diploma

• Delivery method: Traditional style of face-to-face classroom instruction and lab
• Approved by the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry toward one year (or 2000 hours) of work experience allowing students to test for your Electrician Journeyworker license
• This track also includes such topics as:
  • Applied Math
  • Construction Site Safety
  • OSHA General Industry/First Aid
• Diploma includes six general education credits
• Degree includes 15 general education credits

Electrical Technology

Applications due Nov 15! Classes start on Jan 10.

Willmar Campus

60-credit Electrical Technology Diploma

• Delivery method: Modified blended teaching experience with online lectures and in-person labs
• Earn while you learn — Students currently working in the industry can continue working during the day and attend classes in the evening
• Laptop required
• Includes six general education credits