Along with technical skills such as blueprint reading and troubleshooting, anyone pursuing an electrician career in Rhode Island must also possess soft skills such as attention to detail and problem-solving. This is one of the reasons why it is so important that interested candidates choose a top-class program to acquire their training.
Thankfully, the city and the state are familiar with high-quality electrician training programs. This page’s guide is to introduce interested individuals to some of the best options available.
We also highlight the general steps required to acquire an electrician license in Providence, Rhode Island.
How to Become an Electrician in Providence
Electricians in Providence, Rhode Island, can only carry out their duties professionally if the appropriate authorities have licensed them. In this case, the “appropriate authority” is the Division of Professional Regulations under Rhode Island’s Department of Labor and Training Division of Workforce Regulation and Safety.
To acquire an electrician license, candidates must study in the classroom for at least 576 hours and then acquire work experience of 8,000 hours. Individuals who have met these requirements will have to forward an application and pay a $72 fee before they can officially receive their license.
They will also have to pass a licensing examination. The license received at this stage is the journeyman license, which candidates can upgrade to a master license after working for two years as journeyman electricians.
Top Electrician Schools in Providence, Rhode Island
The following are some of the best places to receive training as an aspiring electrician in Rhode Island.
Community College of Rhode Island
Providence, RI Campus Only
Community College of Rhode Island is an excellent destination for studying as an aspiring electrician in Providence. This is not only because the school is one of the best community colleges in the area but also because of its emphasis on balancing classroom and hands-on training.
Tuition
$1,240 - $1,410Contact
(401) 825-2320
ElectricalApprenticeship@ccri.edu
Roger Williams University
Bristol, RI Campus Only
Roger Williams University is another highly-rated Rhode Island institution offering an excellent electrical technology program. The school allows candidates to meet the classroom training hours requirements for a journeyman license while building the foundation for more hands-on training.
Tuition
$1,670 per YearContact
(401) 254-3838
ucadmissions@rwu.edu
New England Institute of Technology
East Greenwich, RI Campus Only
The East Greenwich Campus of the New England Institute of Technology offers an Electrical Technology program for candidates who are passionate about becoming electricians. This program will help students earn an associate degree and begin their careers on a very appealing footing.
Tuition
$34,875 per YearContact
(401) 739-5000
neitadmissions@neit.edu
Apprenticeship Programs
There are several apprenticeship programs for Rhode Island candidates who want to become successful electricians through predominant hands-on training. One of the most prominent is the Electrical Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (JATC) program available in Rhode Island.
Like most electrical JATCs, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers offers this program, in this case, the Local 99 Union.
The program teaches students the fundamental principles in the classroom and helps them meet the work experience requirements to receive a license. Candidates must have a high school diploma or GED before they can be admitted.
The Associated Builders and Contractors in Rhode Island offers another high-quality apprenticeship program—albeit non-union.
Explore nearby states for education and training:
Explore detailed steps and the state’s licensing requirements: