Electrical Construction and Maintenance Electrician

Application Code:
0498
Degree Received:
Associate in Occupational Studies (AOS)

Description:

This program provides in-depth instruction in the theories and principles of electricity. Principles of operation for electrical devices and equipment, and correct and safe operation of tools are covered. The student will study and learn to interpret and apply the requirements of the National Electric Code for designing electrical layouts, installation methods, and the maintenance, trouble shooting, and repair of electrical circuits and equipment.

During their two years of study, students will receive instruction and hands-on training in the laboratory for the following areas of specialization.

  • Residential Wiring
  • Magnetic Motor & Circuit Control
  • Raceway Systems
  • Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC)
  • Lighting Systems
  • Industrial/Commercial Wiring
  • Alarm Systems
  • Single & Three-Phase Electrical Power Systems
  • Hazardous Locations

Practical (hands-on) application of the classroom theory is the main emphasis of the laboratory work. Electrical construction and maintenance electrician students assist in the design and installation of the electrical installations of many projects both on and off campus. Approximately one-third of lab time is spent on actual work sites, gaining real-life work experience.

Entrance Requirements & Recommendations:

Recommended: Math A (algebra); good writing and reading comprehension skills

Features & Facilities:

  • Offers hands-on training in residential, commercial, and industrial wiring.
  • Students learn:
    • Drawing interpretation
    • Troubleshooting
    • National Electrical Code
    • Layout and design
  • Freshmen perform all wiring tasks on a house that is built by the College; the senior year focuses on commercial and industrial electrical systems.
  • Scholarships: The Margaret Pfuntner Scholarship is awarded to a third-semester student.

Graduation Requirements:

A student must successfully complete all courses in the prescribed four-semester program and earn a minimum cumulative index of 2.0, which is equivalent to a "C" average.

Internship Opportunities:

Summer internships are available to selected students through the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Village of Wellsville Electric Department, and Kodak in Rochester, allowing students to gain additional, valuable trade experience.

Transfer Opportunities:

The electrical construction and maintenance electrician program offers an excellent opportunity to our graduates who have earned a minimum of 2.5 GPA to matriculate into our robotics and computerized control tecnician program. Students who have met these requirements may take a challenge exam for the freshman year of the robotics and computerized control technician program. Upon passing the challenge exam with a grade of 75 or better, the student will be enrolled as a senior student. This means that the student may earn two separate AOS degrees from the Electrical/Electronic Service Department in just three years.

The following local chapters of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Worker (IBEW) have signed articulation agreements with the electrical construction and maintenance technician program at Alfred State College.

  • IBEW Local 86, Rochester
  • IBEW Local 237, Niagara Falls
  • IBEW Local 139,Elmira
  • IBEW Local 241, Ithaca

The above IBEW Locals have agreed to award qualified graduates from Alfred State College's electrical construction and maintenance electrician program, advanced placement in their apprenticeship programs. The degree of advanced placement to be awarded will be determined after review by the joint apprenticeship committee and after all conditions of the joint apprenticeship standards have been met.

Career Opportunities:

  • Designer
  • Electrical Trade Union or Non-Union Apprentice
  • Installer
  • Electric Motor Control Technician
  • Construction Site Electrician
  • Private Contractor (Residential, Commercial)
  • Electrical Estimator
  • Industrial Maintenance Electrician
  • Electrical Inspector
  • Technical Field Representative
  • PLC Programmer
  • Wholesale Representative
  • Salesperson
  • Electrical Technician

Typical Semester Layout:

Students receive 1,800 hours of practical experience and classroom training in their two years at the Wellsville campus. Approximately 1,400 hours are hands-on lab work. Classes start at 8 a.m. and end at 2:50 p.m. each day.

First Semester credits
ELTR 1156 Residential Wiring I 6
ELTR 1166 Res Wiring Lab I A 6
ELTR 1176 Res Wiring Lab I B 6
      18
Second Semester credits
ELTR 2156 Residential Wiring II 6
ELTR 2166 Res Wiring Lab II A 6
ELTR 2176 Res Wiring Lab II B 6
      18
Third Semester credits
ELTR 3159 Electrical Power Systems 9
ELTR 3169 Magnetic Motor Controls 9
      18
Fourth Semester credits
ELTR 4169 Alarms & Special Systems 9
ELTR 4159 Program Controls for Industrial Automation 9
      18
Employment and Transfer Report
Employment and Transfer Rate:
97%
Survey Details200520062007
Receiving Degrees 31
34 35
Responding to Survey 28(90%) 28(82%)
28(80%)
Employed 21(75%)
27(96%)
26(93%)
Employed in Field 19(90%)
24(89%)
22(85%)
Transfered 2(7%)
1(4%)
1(4%)
Unemployed & Seeking Employment 5(18%)
--
--
Unemployed & Not Seeking Employment -- -- 1(3%)
Salary Information
NACE Annual Average Salary Survey Data
(2003-04 survey for associate degree program;
2007-08 for baccalaureate degree program)
$28,100
DOL Annual Mean Salary
(2007 survey for those employed in this career path)
$48,100