ELECTRICAL TECHNOLOGY                                                 

The Electrical Technology program is a one or two-year program using the NCCER curriculum.  The first year focuses primarily on electrical theory, safe work practices, residential wiring and starts the commercial wiring lessons.  The second year covers additional NEC considerations, commercial wiring, HVAC controls, industrial motor controls and troubleshooting.

All students receive a State of Maine Electrical Helper’s license, and OSHA 10 safety course, and upon completing two years earn all 576 education hours and 1000 working hours, credit towards Electrician licensing, and upon passing the NCCER test they will earn NCCER electrical education certification.

Class time is split between class instruction, practical wiring, labs, and real-world projects in the school and the local community.  Sections of the National Electrical Code (NEC) pertaining to residential wiring are covered in detail. 

Students apply the current code in designing and installing an entire home wiring system including meter enclosure and load center. Students apply the current code in understanding the engineered blueprints for a commercial building and installing the electrical system.  Students learn how HVAC control systems work and how to design and install the control systems.  Students learn the basics of how to install and maintain industrial motor control systems.

Students also have the opportunity to compete in the Skills USA contests at the local, state, and national levels.  The Electrical Technology Program, using the NCCER curriculum teaches students electrical theory, residential wiring commercial construction wiring, motor controls wiring and HVAC controls wiring. Students will leave the program with the skills required to work for an electrical contractor at an entry-level position or continue their education.

CATC Electrical Technology program, using the accredited NCCER curriculum, is recognized by the State of Maine Electricians’ Examining Board. Graduates of the CATC Electrical Trades course two-year program meet 576-hour education requirement to take the Journeyman Electricians Exam. 

Upon completion of the program, students have several options:

• Go directly to work for a contractor and complete the additional 7000 work hours (3.5 year) required to take their journeyman’s exam

• Take the exam after working 5000 hours to receive their journeyman’s in training license

• Continue education and earn an associate’s degree in an electrical area of study

• Continue education and earn a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering

• Enter the IBEW 5 year apprenticeship program at an elevated level

• Expect to earn $18-25 fresh out of CATC’s program, and earn $50-75 per hour after 5 years and becoming a Journeyman Electrician

Qualities of a Successful Student

Maturity and desire to work towards developing valuable job skills

Ability to perform calculations using fractions and decimals

Ability to perform basic computations

Ability to read and write at grade level and interpret technical texts

Attendance – students must meet the state mandated hour requirements in order to get licensing credit.

Certifications Offered

Maine Electrical Helper’s License

OSHA 10-hour Safety Certificate

SkillsUSA Certification Points

NCCER Electrical Education Program Certification

Completion of 2 years

576 education hours required for the State of Maine Journeyman License Exam

1000 working hours required for the State of Maine Journeyman License Exam

College Opportunities:

Articulation agreements with:  

Central Maine Community College

Eastern Maine Community College

Kennebec Valley Community College

Northern Maine Community College

Southern Maine Community College

Washington County Community College