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Electrical Wiring

Engineering, Construction and Trades Academy

  • Trades & Transportation Pathway

Program Description

The Electrical Wiring program is designed to integrate project-based and off-site learning experiences, including the school-sponsored house construction project.

Students will master wiring methods used in commercial, industrial and residential wiring, blueprint reading, current electrical code, and operating principles of motors, transformers, photovoltaic systems and controlling circuits.

In a field that will grow with the economy and population, electricians install, test, and maintain electrical systems and equipment.

Electrical Wiring is a licensed discipline that requires not only highly technical knowledge and skill, but also a thorough understanding of the Massachusetts and national electrical codes. Students gain up to 1,500 of the 8,000 hours of practical experience needed doing electrical projects in shop, repairs for the school, and working on off-campus construction projects; along with 300 of the 600 electrical theory and code hours needed.

Talents and aptitudes needed for success in the electrical trades include math and English skills, initiative, self-discipline and the ability to work under pressure.

Video: Hear From A Student

Alice Dalton of Arlington, a senior (Class of 2023) in the Electrical Wiring career major, said her experience at Minuteman has inspired her to pursue a long-term career in a trade traditionally dominated by men. Alice is also a star player on the Girls’ Soccer Team and works at Cummings Properties every other week through Minuteman’s Cooperative Education Program (Co-Op.)

Course Content

  • Electrical Safety Practices
  • Hand/Power Tools Usage
  • Construction Math
  • Blueprint Reading
  • Electrical Safety
  • Switch Control of Lighting
  • Boxes and Fittings
  • Hand Bending
  • Anchors and Fasteners
  • Electrical Code
  • Conductors
  • Residential, Commercial, and Industrial Wiring
  • Outlet Boxes
  • Construction Site Safety
  • Electrical Material and Pricing
  • Branch Circuit Calculations
  • Residential Service Calculations
  • Instruments and Meters
  • Transformer Selection, Application and Connections
  • Fundamentals of AC Motors
  • Motor Branch Circuit Design and Protection
  • Motor Control Wiring
  • Hazardous Locations
  • Fire Alarm Systems
  • Large Box and Cable Applications
  • Sustainability & Green Technologies

Career Tree: Electrical

First page of the PDF file: ElectricalCareerTree2019

Electrical Instructors

Andrew Boisvert

Instructor-Electrical Wiring

Albert St. George

Instructor-Electrical, Trades & Transportation Pathway Lead, Off-Site Building Project Lead, Assistant Coach-Golf
Certification Header

Industry Certifications

  • OSHA 10-Hour General Industry Safety
  • Up to 1,500 Hours of Electrical Field Experience
  • Up to 300 Hours of Electrical Theory

Possible Career Pathways

  • Alarm Installation and Repair
  • Apprentice/Helper
  • Burglar/Fire Alarm Technician
  • Business Owner
  • Cable Employee
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Electrical Maintenance
  • Electrical Sales Representative
  • Journeyman Electrician
  • Master Electrician
  • Utility Company Trainee
  • Utility Line Construction
Projected Salary

Salary

Massachusetts averages:

  • Electrician (Apprentice): $22.44/hour; $78,726 annually (less than 1 year experience); $89,688 (1-3 years experience)
     
  • Electrician (Journeyperson): $40.38/hour or $80,756/year
     
  • Electrician (Master): $44.09/hour or $102,899/year 

National average:

  • Electrician (all categories): $28.87/hour or $60,040/year
Sources: Indeed.comU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
(Updated 1/1/23)

College Partners

  • Central Maine Community College
  • New England Institute of Technology
  • Wentworth Institute of Technology

Advisory Committee Partners

  • Bizier Electric
  • East Coast Electrical Contractors, Inc.
  • Fredrick Bodge
  • Gallant Electric
  • Giacchetto Electric
  • IBEW Local 103
  • James Kennedy
  • Mercer Electric
  • New England Power Group
  • Precision Electric
  • Standard Electric
  • Town of Arlington

Employers Hiring Minuteman Graduates

  • Carron Electric
  • East Coast Electrical Contractors, Inc.
  • Florence Electric
  • Gallant Electric
  • Griffin Electric
  • Precision Electric
  • Preferred Electric
  • Wheaton Electric
  • William F. Fitzmaurice Electric