Electrical Apprenticeship Program

Our program has been approved by the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training and meets the related training instruction (RTI) component of the apprenticeship standards.  The State of RI requires a student to attend 144 hours of related instruction per level of studies, for a total of 576 hours at the end of 4 years while concurrently participating in an apprenticeship that is registered with the RI Department of Labor and Training for licensure in Rhode Island (RI General Law 5-6-24).  We impart 150 hours of related instruction for a total of 600 hours at the end of 4 years.  We are the only higher education institution in the state with full National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) accreditation. NCCER is nationally recognized as the training, assessment, and certification standard in the construction industry. Our key program differentiators include:

• Continuous testing—Our program requires students to complete chapter tests and maintain a minimum 70% average each year, reinforcing their test-taking skills in preparation for the journeyperson exam.
• Employability skills—Students complete embedded modules on career skills, including financial literacy, job readiness, soft skills, and time management.
• Small class sizes— This model promotes personalized attention from the instructors.
• Updated national curriculum— NCCER crafted our curriculum, which contains current and updated information on the electrical trade.
• Quality instructors—Our instructors are amongst the best educators and practitioners in the field. They hold A, B (RI) license or A, E (MA) licenses.
• Top-of-the-line Learning Management System (LMS) and free access to LinkedIn Learning—our LMS platform is intuitive and easy to use.  The course has multimedia resources and 24/7 online tutoring support that aids student learning. LinkedIn Learning is an additional online learning platform with over 5,000 video courses led by experts across business, technology, and creative fields that are provided at no cost with your Roger Williams University email address.   
• College credits may be available—Upon successful completion of all four years in our program, the completers may be eligible to receive up to 42 college credits. Program completers can earn college credits at EXT through Prior Learning Assessment (PLA.). Upon successfully completing the RWU Electrical Apprenticeship Program, a participant is eligible to have the coursework transcribed for 42 college credits. A successful participant must apply, be accepted to EXT as a matriculating student, and complete one semester before the credit is transcribed. 

Program outcomes

• Fulfill the state requirements to qualify for the electrical journeypersons test.
• Graduate from a National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) accredited program.
• Receive college credits for life and work experience.
• Better preparation for work in the electrical field.

Program modality and structure

This is an in-person training that meets twice a week in the evening for 25 weeks, from October-April. The expectation is that the student participates in the apprenticeship during the day and attends our program at night. Classes meet on Mondays and Wednesday from 6:00pm-9:00pm and with this schedule the student completes 150 hours of related training instruction (RTI).

Student engagement and participation

This program is designed to be rigorous, emphasizing the importance of consistent attendance and active participation. In addition to attending classes, students are expected to engage with the Brightspace Learning Management System (LMS) for supplementary learning materials. Program requirements include completing chapter tests and maintaining a minimum yearly average of 70%. To support academic success, students should allocate sufficient time for textbook readings and practice quizzes available on the LMS. Upon successful completion of each academic year, students will receive a letter of completion. Graduates who complete all four years of the program will be awarded a certificate of completion at the graduation ceremony.

Application & Enrollment process

Prospective students may apply to this program year-round; however, acceptance letters will be issued starting May 1. To apply, complete this application. 

Once you receive your admission letter, you can secure your spot in the program by enrolling through this payment link: Enroll in the electrical program.

*To become licensed in the State of Rhode Island, students must concurrently participate in a registered apprenticeship with an approved employer (Rhode Island General Law 5-6-24).