What Does a Student Learn During an NCCER Certified Program?
Electrical diploma program students are offered a well-round education in the electrical trade. Topics include safety, National Electrical Codes (NEC), electrical metallic tubing bending techniques, reading electrical blueprints and using electrical testing equipment. Students learn about AC and DC current, troubleshooting circuit breakers, calculating branch circuits, video cabling systems, conductor calculation, analysis of hazardous locations, calculating electrical systems, and the fundamentals of emergency and renewable energy systems. All of these topics prepare students for entry-level positions in the electrical trade. It also allows graduates to show their NCCER certification and electrical proficiency to employers.
What is the NCCER?
The National Center for Construction Education & Research (NCCER) is a non-profit organization developed to support industry professionals in an effort to create a safe and productive workplace. The NCCER created a standardized training and certification program to allow construction workers to show proficiency in their trade and prove they are highly trained, knowledgeable and qualified for their certified electrician position.
What is an NCCER Electrical Certification?
The NCCER’s assessment certifies the knowledge of an electrician’s helper in their trade and provides a schedule for continuing education. It starts with certification in basic electrical proficiency and moves on to theory, technique, skills assessment, and electrical system management. The NCCER certification allows an employer the ability to verify an electrician’s credentials.
What Level of NCCER Certification is the FTC Electrical Diploma Program?
The Florida Technical College electrical diploma program certifies students in NCCER certification core curriculum and NCCER Electrical Level 1, 2, & 3. The NCCER core curriculum is a prerequisite to Level 1 electrical craft certification curriculum that focuses on basic safety, math, tools, rigging, communication, and an introduction to construction drawings. Level 1 introduces students to the electrical industry, safety for electricians, an introduction to electrical circuits, electrical theory, National Electrical Code (NEC), and other electrician techniques to install, troubleshoot and repair electrical systems and their components. Level 2 focuses on AC current theory, application and the fundamental concepts of control systems. Level 3 focuses on load calculations, practical applications of lighting, and other electrical system implementation. All three levels and the core curriculum are needed for students to receive NCCER certification.
NCCER Certification Skill Set
During an electrical diploma program, students build a set of skills that prepares them for entry-level employment in the electrical trade. Some of these skills include communication, critical thinking, problem solving, math proficiency, and attention to detail.
Skill #1: Communication
An electrician’s helper works with many different clients, vendors, and supervisors. They need to be proficient in both verbal and written communication. Not only are they tasked with educating clients about electrical systems and proper maintenance, but they must also report to their supervisors the progress of an installation or repair project. Part of this communication involves written reports that summarize maintenance and repairs completed for documentation and future assessment. Communication is an important skill for any electrician and the NCCER certification teaches proficiency in this skill.
Skill #2: Critical Thinking
An electrician is constantly analyzing and evaluating their work on electrical systems and the deployment of different elements like circuit breakers, wiring and the analysis of electrical blueprints. The electrician learns how to be observant, to analyze the situation, and think about the issue before beginning to act on recommendations. Critical thinking is an important skill that is gained during a NCCER certified diploma program.
Skill #3: Problem Solving
All electrician’s helper will run into problem while troubleshooting, implementing or repairing electrical systems. During the NCCER certified diploma program, students learn how to properly troubleshoot and find the solution to electrical system problems. The students learn a methodical process in solving electrical system problems.
Skill #4: Math Proficiency
A large part of the NCCER certification involves math proficiency. Students learn about load calculations, conductor calculations, calculating branch circuits and electrical systems. A student must be proficient in basic addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of whole numbers. Electrician’s helper learn how to use rulers, measuring tape and blueprint calculations. They should be proficient in fractions, decimals, percentages, the metric system, use of metric units, and the ability to apply basic geometry. Math is an important skill for any electrician and the NCCER certification confirms an electrician’s proficiency in construction math.
Skill #5: Attention to Detail
Attention to detail may be the most important skill that an electrician will learn during an NCCER certified diploma program. Even a millimeter of difference in a measurement can throw off any electrical system installation. The skill to identify the minute details of a blueprint, to implement exact measurements and manage every aspect of a project in an organized manner is crucial to the success of any electrical system repair or installation.
Final Thoughts
Do you have the skill set to become an electrician’s helper? Ready to learn a career trade in a growing industry?
Now is the time to attend an NCCER certified diploma program and start a rewarding career that will keep you learning new techniques and new skills for years to come.
Electrical Diploma Program
Ready to start working toward your electrical diploma? The Electrical Diploma Program prepares you with technical skills and practical knowledge to perform installation tasks, services, and repairs in the electrical trade. Graduates from this program will be able to fill positions as an electrician helper for services and construction firms in residential, commercial and industrial businesses associated with the electrical trade industry.
Ready to move from the classroom to a career? Florida Technical College is here to help. Contact us to learn more about completing the electrical diploma program at Florida Technical College.
These examples are intended to serve only as a general guide of possible employment opportunities. There are many factors that determine the job an individual may obtain and NUC University – Florida Technical College (NUC-FTC) cannot guarantee its graduate any particular job. Some positions may require license or other certifications. We encourage you to research the requirements for the particular position you desire.*
