Electricians: MN median wage $33.19/hour—well above statewide $21.49/hour
The Electrical Construction & Maintenance Technology (ECMT) program at Dakota County Technical College gives you the hands-on experience you need to obtain an entry-level position in electrical construction, installation, operation and maintenance occupations.
The ECMT program delivers technical courses in electrical/electronics theory plus the installation, maintenance, wiring, and testing of electrical/electronic apparatus and control devices through the application of the National Electrical Code.
As a student in the ECMT program, you have the option of earning the 81-credit Electrical Construction & Maintenance Technology A.A.S. degree or the 75-credit Electrical Construction & Maintenance Technology diploma.
Working indoors and outdoors, electricians must be safety conscious at all times. They find work with electrical contractors, technology system contractors and manufacturers of electrical equipment as well as registered employers that only perform electrical work in facilities they own or lease. Electricians can also succeed as small business owners.
Employment in this field typically requires successful completion of the Minnesota Electrical Licensing Exam.
Electricians*
Skills & Knowledge
Most Important Skills for Electricians
Troubleshooting
Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Installing equipment or programs
Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.
Repairing
Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
Thinking critically
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Controlling quality
Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Coordinating with others
Adjusting actions in relation to others’ actions.
Monitoring performance
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Understanding how people learn
Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Maintaining equipment
Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
Learning new things
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Electrical Construction & Maintenance Technology A.A.S. Degree
Electricians*
Interests
Different careers may be a good fit for your personality or interests. This career is:
Realistic
Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
Conventional
Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.
Learn more about your interests: Take the MnCareers Interest Assessment.
Electricians
Install and repair electrical wiring in homes and businesses.
WAGE
Well above the statewide median of $21.49/hour
Minnesota
Median: $33.19/hour
High: $42.21/hourSeven-county Twin Cities metro
Median: $36.88/hour
High: $45.35/hourOUTLOOK
This career is currently in very high demand and is seeing high growth compared to other careers. Growth rate in the U.S. is 10.4.
There will be a need for about 13,361 new Electricians to meet market demand between 2016–2026. This includes the demand due to replacement (workers leaving the occupation or retiring) as well as growth.
Student Clubs and Organizations
DCTC features active, industry-relevant clubs for Electrical Construction & Maintenance Technology students right on campus. Getting involved in these clubs allows you to make the most of your college experience and gives you an edge when seeking employment in the electrical construction field.
SkillsUSA
Champions at Work®
SkillsUSA is a national nonprofit organization for students in trade, industrial, technical and healthcare occupation programs at community and technical colleges. The SkillsUSA mission is to empower its members to become world-class workers, leaders and responsible American citizens.
More than 50 competitions through SkillsUSA relate to programs of study at DCTC or leadership development. DCTC students compete against other colleges in Minnesota; students placing first in the state advance to the National Leadership and Skills Conference (NLSC) and compete against the best students in the nation in their chosen field.
Learn more about competing in SkillsUSA by checking out:
General Regulations
Career Clusters
Contest Descriptions
Useful links:
In 2017, ECMT Student Anthony Hanto won a silver medal in the Electrical Construction Wiring competition at the 53rd annual National Leadership and Skills Conference (NLSC).
Learn more by reading “DCTC Students Compete in SkillsUSA Nationals” on DCTC News.
(standing left to right) Austin Dahling, Anthony Hanto (ECMT student), Austin Younger (ECMT student), Jared Horton, Christopher Fischbeck (sitting left to right) Elizabeth Sartor, Mitchell Kochenash (ECMT student), Branwen Jorenby
Learn more about Electrical Construction & Maintenance Technology at DCTC by contacting:
Ron Gruenes
Electrical Construction & Maintenance Technology Faculty
651-423-8563
Natalie Shrestha
Academic and Financial Aid Advisor
651-423-8537
* Courtesy of Minnesota State CAREERwise Education
