Electrical Apprenticeship Program
The Electrical Apprenticeship Program (EAP) provides a structured pathway for individuals to become skilled electricians through a combination of on-the-job training and classroom instruction. This program is designed to provide the theoretical knowledge and develop the technical skills, and safety awareness necessary for a successful career in the electrical trade.
Format
In-person
Schedule
October 2, 2024 to April 28, 2025
Mondays & Wednesdays from 6-9 PM
Time Commitment
150 hours over 25 weeks
Cost
Cost: $1,670 per year
Ways to Save
Parking is provided.
About the Program
Our program has been approved by the 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. 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 a nationally recognized in the construction industry as the training, assessment and certification standard. 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— Our curriculum was crafted by NCCER and 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 is replete with multimedia resources and 24/7 online tutoring support that aids in student learning. LinkedIn Learning is an additional online learning platform that contains over 5,000 video courses led by experts across business, technology and creative fields that is provided at no cost with your Roger Williams university email address.
- College credits may be available—Upon successful completion of all 4 years in our program, the completers may be eligible to receive up to 42 college credits. Program completers can earn college credits at University College through Prior Learning Assessment (PLA.). Upon successful completion of the RWU Electrical Apprenticeship Program, a participant is eligible to have the coursework transcribed for 42 college credits. A successful participant must apply and be accepted to University College | RWU as a matriculating student and successfully complete one semester prior to the credit being 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,
More About This Program
Classes are in-person and held on Mondays & Wednesdays at the Extension School, 1 Empire Street, Providence, RI.
Free parking validation for students at: Civic Center Parking Garage, 165 Washington St., Providence, RI.
The instructors advise that students purchase printed books, not e-books. You may purchase the books for your class level directly from the publisher or vendor by clicking on the links below:
Level 1 (11th edition) ISBN-13: 9780137934867
Level 2 (11th edition) ISBN-13: 9780138231675
Level 3 (11th edition) ISBN-13: 9780138174880
Level 4 (11th edition) ISBN-13: 9780138176211
NFPA 70, National Electrical Code (NFC), 2023 Edition (Hardcover) ISBN-13 : 978-1455929078
An individual must demonstrate successful completion of one hundred forty-four (144) hours of related instruction per year in a program approved by the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training to qualify for the journeyperson “B” electrician examination. Additionally, an individual is required to show evidence of a minimum of 8,000 apprenticeship hours.
Please visit the Rhode Island Department of Training (DLT) for more information on the examination.
If you have previously completed studies at another school or institution you must provide a letter/certificate stating the time spent at the other program (s). The letter or certificate must be signed by a representative from the previous school/institution.
Please note that our program is approved by the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training and provides the necessary related instruction to qualify for the Journeyperson electrician examination in the state of Rhode Island only.
An individual must demonstrate successful completion of one hundred forty-four (144) hours of related instruction per year in a program approved by the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training to qualify for the journeyperson “B” electrician examination. Please be sure that your apprenticeship site registers you as an apprentice with the Apprenticeship Office. You must also demonstrate completion of 8000 apprenticeship hours before qualifying for the exam.
Learn more about becoming an electrician by clicking on this education pathway handout.
View the Occupational Outlook Handbook from the US Bureau of Labor & Statistics to learn more about becoming an electrician and prevailing wages.
You may also view Labor Market Information (LMI) from the Rhode Island Department of Labor & Training.
Although not affiliated with Roger Williams University, the Bring Back the Trades organization awards scholarships during the year to students attending post-secondary education in the trades. For more information or an application, please go to: Bring Back the Trades Scholarship
Jack Grenga, Level 1 Instructor
Rick Besser, Level 2 Instructor and Program Coordinator
David Payne, Level 3 Instructor
Kai Warneke, Level 4 Instructor
Benefits of studying the trades
Typically, trade occupations offer sustainable, and reliable employment. Trade careers provide practical and valuable skills, incur less student loan debt, and allow individuals to earn as they learn. The high wage-earning potential of this trade and the low financial investment upfront provide the perfect roadmap for the economic development and self-sufficiency for program graduates. Other benefits include:
- Competitive salaries: Skilled trades often offer competitive wages, with many tradespeople earning salaries comparable to or exceeding those of jobs requiring a four-year degree. Trades frequently have opportunities for overtime pay, and many positions come with strong benefits, including healthcare and retirement plans.
- High demand for skilled workers: Tradespeople, such as electricians, plumbers, welders, and HVAC technicians, are in high demand due to skilled labor shortages. This often leads to better job stability compared to some other fields. Many industries rely heavily on the trades, ensuring a steady need for workers in construction, manufacturing, and maintenance areas.
- Hands-on, practical work: People who enjoy working with their hands and solving real-world problems often find trades more fulfilling than other jobs. Each project or job site can present unique challenges, keeping the work interesting and dynamic.
- Opportunities for entrepreneurship: Many tradespeople choose to start their own businesses, which offers them the chance to set their own schedules, build a client base, and increase their income potential. Being self-employed in the trades can offer more control over work-life balance.
Register for the EAP program
After you receive confirmation, register for Year 1 (If you are new to the system, you must create a new account below).
Request Information
Do you have questions about this program? Please fill out our request information form, and a member of our enrollment team will contact you.
Test Prep Classes are available for our EAP Program completers.
Electrical Code Update Classes- Coming soon!