Electrical Apprentice, CTS

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Completion of this program satisfies the Montana Department of Labor and Industry requirement for the educational component of the electrical apprenticeship program, and it is intended only for currently registered electrical apprentices. Please note that this program is not eligible for federal financial aid. The program is scheduled for a succession of eight semesters, fall and spring. In conjunction with the required work experience, this program provides students the training necessary to work in the field of electrical wiring in residential, commercial, and industrial applications.

Program Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, students will be able to

Read simple wiring diagrams;
Read, interpret, and produce solutions to application problems at the introductory technical mathematics level;
Recognize and act using the skills needed in a situation requiring first aid and/or CPR;
Relate, in detail, the NEC to residential wiring methods;
Effectively use ammeters, voltmeters, ohmmeters, and phase detectors in testing and troubleshooting DC and AC motors;
Describe the construction of a single-phase transformer, including parts and relationships;
Describe safety practices that relate to all types of rigging;
Prepare a cost estimate for a residential, commercial, or industrial application;
Employ appropriate procedures to safely and correctly install various electrical circuits and raceways; and
Determine the proper wire and cable installations required by the NEC for various residential, commercial, and industrial applications.

First Year

Fall Semester

ELCT 100 - Introduction to Electricity Credit(s): 3
ELCT 137 - Electrical Drafting Credit(s): 2

First Semester Total: 5

Spring Semester

ELCT 116 - Math for Electricians Credit(s): 2
ELCT 139 - Electric Code Study - Residential Credit(s): 3 *

Second Semester Total: 5

Second Year

Fall Semester

ELCT 130 - Electric Motors and Generators Credit(s): 2
ELCT 133 - Basic Wiring Credit(s): 3 *

First Semester Total: 5

Spring Semester

ELCT 239 - Grounding and Bonding Fundamentals Credit(s): 2

Second Semester Total: 2

Third Year

Fall Semester

ELCT 225 - Transformers Credit(s): 2

First Semester Total: 2

Spring Semester

ELCT 233 - Commercial Wiring Lab Credit(s): 2 *

Second Semester Total: 2

Fourth Year

Fall Semester

ELCT 204 - Electrical Planning and Estimating Credit(s): 3 *

First Semester Total: 3

Spring Semester

ELCT 236 - Conduit, Raceways, and Code Calculations Lab Credit(s): 2 *
ELCT 255 - Journeyman Electrician’s Exam Preparation Credit(s): 1

Second Semester Total: 3

Total Credits: 27

*Indicates prerequisite and/or corequisite needed. Check course description.

Program Information

Because the students in this program are working apprentices, normal course prerequisites are waived.
This program is approved by the Montana Department of Labor and Industry.
It is strongly suggested that students earn a CPR/First Aid and/or OSHA 10 certification before finishing this program. Trainings are offered to students for free several times a year.

Admission Guidelines

This program differs from the Electrical Technology program in that only persons who are already working as electrical apprentices may register for the courses in this program, unless the courses are a combined Technology/Apprenticeship class. There is no other admission requirement.

Additional Costs

Most of the courses in this program have a lab fee. Check the FVCC course schedule for current course lab fees.

Advising Information:

For more information about this program, contact the advisor.

Academic Advisor
Gabe Dillon
OT 131
(406) 756-3893
gdillon@fvcc.edu