If considering a career in electricity, there are various academic opportunities and career paths to explore. The most common way forward here would be to pursue an electrical engineering course or a certification in electrical technology. This can help one explore the basics of the field, get a specialization, and develop key skills for various jobs. That said, it is important to choose the right electrical technology course based on career goals.
Things to know
Finding an electrical technology course is a straightforward process, given that many online and in-person options are available today. That said, understanding a few key details can help one choose the right course.
- Certain courses may come with eligibility criteria, which determine who can enroll. Others might be open to everyone.
- While some courses are free, others can come with different kinds of fees, including registration charges. Additionally, certain electrical technology courses may charge a flat fee for generating a certificate upon curriculum completion.
- Courses in electrical technology may have a predetermined completion time, ranging from a few hours to a month or more.
So, when shortlisting courses, along with the curriculum, one should check the cost, eligibility criteria, and length of course. A thorough evaluation can help one make an informed decision.
Popular electrical technology courses
1. Introduction to the electrical trade
In this course, one will learn theories, safe practices, and proven procedures involved in the electrical trade. The curriculum also covers the basics of electrical wiring systems, job requirements in the field, and safety standards as per the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OSHA). Course participants will also learn about key concepts like the “lockout” or “tagout” rule and when it should be used and adherence to safety rules when working with ladders, overhead equipment, tools, and hazardous materials.
2. Fundamentals of electrical controls
This electrical technology course will cover the fundamentals of industrial control boards and how they work. Here, one will learn ways to install, wire, and commission a basic motor control from scratch. Another part of the course curriculum is the process of fault finding, repairing, and maintaining a basic motor control system. Additionally, participants will learn how electrical components work and how to wire them. Those interested in becoming electricians, pre-apprentices, and apprentices and learning motor control basics can consider signing up for the course. Even established electricians who want to brush up on electrical technology basics can take the course. The registration fee is around $90.
3. MOS transistors course
This is a flexible online course that takes 18 hours to complete. The 12-module course covers the working mechanism of metal–oxide–semiconductor (MOS) transistors and how to model them. It comes with six quizzes between modules to assess what one has learned. The coursework is designed for device modelers and designers of high-performance circuits. As for the fee, the MOS transistors course is available for free online.
4. Introduction to basic electrical drawings and test equipment
This free course covers basic electrical drawings, symbols, and test equipment, which is essential know-how for aspiring electricians. The ability to read the wiring and cables is crucial for electrical system installation and maintenance. Later in the course, participants will learn how to analyze information regarding power, communication, and lighting.
5. Electrical engineering simulations with ETAP software
This electrical engineering course provides an easy-to-understand guide to designing and simulating power circuits and motor and transformer-related circuitry using the ETAP software. Here, participants will learn how to build power systems and simulate the power, voltage, and current flow. The course also covers ways to run and analyze AC power circuits, create and analyze one-line diagrams on the software, run load flow analysis on the diagram, short circuit analysis, and arc flash. The course is designed for electrical engineers, electrical major students, researchers, teacher assistants, and junior electrical engineers. It is priced at $60.
6. Electrical transformer components course
Electrical transformers are key parts of all electrical distribution networks, facilitating energy transmission through an electrical grid. The course will cover electrical transformers and the features and functionality of their primary components. It will use 3D models to explain these concepts. The course involves between 1.5 and 3 hours of learning, a final assessment, and a CPD accreditation.
7. Electronics engineering circuits fundamentals
Electronics engineering is a subset of electrical engineering. Those who are interested in the subfield can opt for this course. It covers electrical and electronic engineering technology fundamentals, such as safety, direct current (DC), alternating current (AC), and digital and solid-state electronic circuits. The course structure consists of lecture notes, video lectures, and quizzes to test participants’ understanding of the concepts presented. The $13 course is meant for engineering and technology freshmen or anyone interested in the concepts covered under the curriculum. Participants need to know basic algebra and trigonometry as well as computer and internet skills to work with software.
8. Introduction to electronics
This free online course consists of seven modules, which cover components of electronics, like transistors, diodes, and op-amps. This is a self-paced course. That said, one would need to commit 46 hours to complete it. The course also has 70 quizzes to test participants’ skills before issuing a shareable certificate.
With an electrical technology course or degree program, one can consider jobs in various sectors, including construction, aerospace, power generation, and information technology.
