Electrician Schools in Virginia Beach

The state of Virginia is home to more than 22,000 electricians. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, these professionals are expected to be in greater demand in the upcoming decade.

For Virginia Beach residents looking to begin a career in this amazing profession, the most important step is to acquire the right level of education needed to meet the growing requirements of the job.

And even though there are several high-quality training destinations to consider, candidates often have to go through the challenging steps of separating the great options from the “just good enough” ones. For interested individuals on this page, you’ll be glad you don’t have to go through the same issues.

Below is a list of the most prominent options and information about what these programs offer.

How to Become an Electrician in Virginia Beach

Anyone looking to start a career as an electrician in Virginia Beach must attend a training program combining on-the-job and classroom/academic training. However, they are expected to have a high school diploma or GED before reaching this stage.

This is because such foundational education is needed to secure placement at an on-the-job training destination and is also typically a requirement asked for by academic training programs.

As for the best choice between these two options, Virginia typically wants electricians to have both on-the-job experience and formal education before they can be licensed to work professionally.

The benchmark is usually five years of practical experience and 160 hours of classroom instruction. Candidates who meet these requirements may apply for a license through the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR).

Top Electrician Schools in Virginia Beach, Virginia

The following are worthwhile training programs for candidates in Virginia Beach to consider.

Explore nearby states for training:

• Electrician schools in Kentucky

Apprenticeship Programs - Union Options

Some candidates prefer to receive their training exclusively from an apprenticeship program. Thankfully, there are several top-quality options to consider in this regard.

However, it is important to distinguish between union apprenticeship programs and non-union apprenticeship programs. For those who would like to consider only union apprenticeship programs, the most prominent options include the programs offered through the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) and the National Electrical Contractors Association.

These are overseen through the Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (JATC) in Newport News and Ashland.

Apprenticeship programs - Non-Union options

For those who would like to attend an electrician apprenticeship program organized by non-union sources such as professional organizations and trade associations, the two most notable options are the programs offered by the Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) in Chesapeake and the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), which has multiple locations across the state.

As expected, these programs operate at a very high educational standard, incorporating both classroom and hands-on training to help students meet the requirements for licensure. Candidates will also learn in a hands-on environment under experienced teachers, with the possibility of job placement assistance upon graduation.

Notable Options

Other notable electrical technology programs for candidates to consider include the Electricity Certificate program at New River Community College in Dublin, Virginia; the Electrical Electronic Equipment program at Danville Community College; the Electricity Certificate program at Virginia Highland Community College; the Electrical Technology Certificate program at Central Virginia Community College; and the Electrical Fundamentals Certificate program at Blue Ridge Community College in Weyers Cave.

Explore detailed steps and the state’s licensing requirements:

• Learn to become an electrician in Virginia