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Industrial Electrician Apprenticeship
Program Number: 504131
Your Degree: Apprenticeship
Estimated Time to Complete: 30 Credits | Finish paid training and class time in 4 years
Delivery Method: Some Online/Some In Person
Area of Study: Construction, Manufacturing and Maintenance
Estimated Program Cost: $5,762.85
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Program Overview
Industrial/maintenance electricians maintain and repair many different types of electrical equipment. They may also modify or install electrical equipment, such as motors, transformers, generators, machine controls and lighting systems in industrial, commercial and public establishments. The electrician is responsible for the periodic inspection of equipment to locate and repair defects before breakdowns occur.
Working Conditions
Electricians must be able to stand for long periods of time and work in cramped or uncomfortable positions. They are employed in manufacturing plants and use protective equipment, such as safety belts, protective glasses and hard hats, to avoid common hazards.
Training
- 4-year training program
- 7,600 hours of on-the-job training
- 720 hours of paid related instruction
- Transition-to-Trainer Course in the final year of the apprenticeship
The apprentice is taught theory and knowledge related to safety procedures while working with electrical components. Instruction also consists of local, state and national electrical codes pertaining to the industrial application.
Learn more from the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development.
Program Details
Industrial Electrician Apprenticeship courses are be offered at the Madison College Commercial Avenue campus.
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Program Courses
Here's a sample course sequence that shows how classes for full-time students are typically organized by semester.
Once you're admitted, your full curriculum and sequence—including any pre-requisites—is defined in your Degree Progress Report.
First Semester10-462-321DCAC 1 DC Theory
Introduces the practical DC concepts including electrical quantities and components and measurement instruments for DC circuits used in commercial, industrial, and sustainable energy fields. Students measure voltage, current, resistance and power for single and three phase DC sources. Also covers fundamentals of magnetism in electrical components, calculations of electrical components.1 credit10-462-323Controls 1
Studies basic principles related to electro-mechanical systems as well as DC Controls. Introduce various electro-mechanical devices used in Industrial Control applications including Relay controls2 credits10-462-329DCAC 2 AC Theory
Introduces the practical AC concepts including electrical quantities and components and measurement instruments for AC circuits used in commercial, industrial, and sustainable energy fields. Students measure voltage, current, resistance and power for single and three phase AC sources. Also covers fundamentals of magnetism in electrical components, calculations of electrical components.1 creditSecond Semester10-462-325Controls 2
Studies principles related to electro-mechanical systems as well as motors, transformers, frequency drives and various electro-mechanical devices to enhance AC power distribution and control systems. Introduces programmable logic controllers in the on/off mode.2 credits10-462-331DCAC 3 Theory
Introduces the practical DC/AC concepts including electrical quantities and components and measurement instruments for AC and DC circuits used in commercial, industrial, and sustainable energy fields. Students measure voltage, current, resistance and power for single and three phase AC and DC sources. Also covers fundamentals of magnetism in electrical components, calculations of electrical components. Motor and Transformer Theory.1 credit10-620-100Introduction to PLCs
Introductory study of PLC Programming overview (parts, principles of operation, size and applications), PLC components (I/O modules, specifications, CPU, memory, programming options), Number systems and codes (binary, decimal, hexadecimal, BCD, ASCII, binary arithmetic), Fundamentals of Logic (binary concept, AND, OR, NOT functions, Boolean algebra, logic gates, word level instructions), Basics of programming in RSLogix500 (memory organization, program scan, programming languages, instruction addressing, XIC, XIO, OTE instructions, creating ladder logic), PLC installation practices, editing, and troubleshooting (enclosures, electrical noise, grounding, voltages, program editing, program monitoring, preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, connecting to your PLC to your PC)1 creditThird Semester10-413-752Codes for Industrial Electricians 1: Introduction to the NEC
This course introduces the apprentice to the layout and purpose of the National Electric Code. It also strives to teach the apprentice proper methodology to research a code question and correctly interpret what they are reading. Various examples in the textbook and activity sheets help guide the apprentice through this process. Apprentices will research the structure of the National Electric Code and define the requirements of the code that are common to all electrical installations. In addition, apprentices will examine the installation requirements for fire pumps, emergency systems and fire alarms. This is the first course module of 8 dealing with electrical codes applicable to the trade.1 credit10-413-753Codes for Industrial Electricians 2: OCPD and Electrical Device Installations
In this module of Codes for Industrial Electricians, apprentices will learn how to plan for the installation of overcurrent protection devices and how to select the proper boxes, cabinets and conduits for industrial electrical installations as called for in the NEC and other electrical codes. This is the second of 8 course modules on the NEC.1 credit10-462-108Green Awareness for Maintenance
Green Awareness for Maintenance orients technicians in the maintenance disciplines to the environmental impacts of their work. The course examines the economic incentives and barriers to lessening the environmental impacts of a range of industries through the adoption of green technologies. It examines the significant role that the efficient sourcing, use, and conservation of energy plays in meeting the environmental impact objectives of the maintenance disciplines. The expanding role of electronic, software, and cloud-based control of industrial systems to minimize environmental impacts is reviewed in detail. Finally, strategies to investigate failures of systems to achieve environmental best practices are explored pursuant to continuous improvement in the performance of engineered systems.1 credit10-606-201Interpreting Engineering Drawings Part A
Basic principles of engineering drawings and manufacturing procedures. Through interpretation and sketching, students learn to visualize the part, section or assembly. Uses drawings pertinent to the trades with examples in Welding, Facilities, Piping and Instrumentation (P & ID’s), Sheet Metal, Equipment Manuals (technical documents, installation/repair manuals), Electrical Symbols, and Fluid Power Symbols.1 credit32-413-770Intermediate PLCs for Industrial Electricians
This is the second of 3 courses for industrial electrician apprentices.1 creditFourth Semester10-413-754Codes for Industrial Electricians 3: Article 250 Part A
Course three of 8 examines the application of grounding to industrial electrical situations as required by the NEC and other electrical codes.1 credit10-413-755Codes for Industrial Electricians 4: Article 250 Part B
Course 4 of 8 on the NEC continues to examine Article 250 and grounding applications for industrial electrical installations. Apprentices will complete their review of this portion of the NEC and examine additional related electrical codes in effect across Wisconsin.1 credit10-449-100Safety for Industry
This course reviews basic safety standards as outlined by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Designed for workers going into industrial occupations, it focuses on the hazard recognition and control process. Those who successfully complete the requirements set forth by OSHA will receive an OSHA 10-Hour General Industry completion card. Students may still pass the class without earning an OSHA card.1 credit10-462-104Fluid Power 1 for Industry
Provides students with the fundamentals of fluid power (hydraulic and pneumatic) and a considerable literacy in the principles of pneumatics and hydraulics. Students will attain an understanding of basic pneumatics principles and practical circuits applying the recently learned principles. The course is intended to gain a general understanding of components and terminology as well as principles and functions. This course has a heavy emphasis on recognizing fluid power components, component symbols, units, equations, and terminology.1 credit32-413-771Advanced PLCs for Industrial Electricians
The third course of 3 for industrial electrician apprentices. PLC applications and assessment projects are planned.1 creditFifth Semester10-413-756Codes for Industrial Electricians 5: Article 300, Cords/Cables, Hazardous Installations
Course five of 8 examines article 300 of the NEC and wiring methods for industrial electrical applications. In addition, apprentices will determine sizing requirements for cords and cables for installations common to industrial facilities. Finally, the course will identify code requirements for equipment installations in hazardous locations.1 credit10-413-758Codes for Industrial Electricians 7: Motors and Generators
Course seven of 8 reviews the code requirements for the selection of electrical components for typical industrial electrical motor installations. Course module includes sizing of controls, conductors, switches, branches, and more.1 credit32-413-761Industrial Electrician Motors & Generators
This is the first course of 3 courses for industrial electrician apprentices to explore motor controls. This course introduces concepts, terminology, and safety. In addition, this is designed to give the Industrial Electrician Apprentice the knowledge required by industry to maintain electric motors and generators. This course material will cover DC motors and generators, single-phase and three-phase motors, as well as alternators.1 creditSixth Semester10-413-757Codes for Industrial Electricians 6: Conductors, Raceways, Data/Communication Cables
Course six of 8 covers the selection of proper conductors and raceways for industrial electrical installations as required by the NEC and other electrical codes. In addition, course competencies will include examining the installation requirements for data and communication cables.1 credit10-413-759Codes for Industrial Electricians 8: Transformers
Course eight of 8 reviews the electrical code requirements which provide for the protection of various industrial transformer installations. Course competencies include developing plans, sizing equipment and components, safety, and references to applicable sections of the NEC.1 credit32-413-760Industrial Electrician Transformers
Designed to introduce the Industrial Electrician Apprentice to the basic concepts of single and three-phase transformers. The course will cover transformer theory, turns, current and voltage ratios as well as proper connections and use of various transformers.1 creditSeventh Semester10-413-768Industrial Electrician Solid State Electronics
This course provides the apprentice with the skills and knowledge for troubleshooting basic solid-state devices and circuits. The construction, identification, and operating characteristics of solid-state devices is investigated. The apprentice builds test circuits, gathers and analyzes data, and follows safety procedures. Methods for locating defective components are applied. The replacement of printed circuit board components is performed. Also examined is the effect of temperature on the operation of solid-state devices.3 creditsEighth Semester10-413-765Power Systems & Variable Speed Drives for Industrial Electricians
This course provides the opportunity for students to learn about power systems and variable speed drives (VSD's). Topics include electricity, electronics, power transmissions, motor operations, AC and DC motor drives, servo and stepper drives, peripherals and communication. Apprentices will also explore closed loop control, feedback devices, and drive maintenance and the troubleshooting of VSD's. Course includes lab/shop and classroom lecture-lab hours.3 credits -
How to Apply
1. Secure an Apprenticeship Position
To get started, you'll need to secure an apprenticeship position with a sponsoring employer. Think of it like applying for a job. You'll apply directly with employers who are hiring apprentices.
2. Apply to Madison College
After you secure an apprenticeship position, apply to the apprenticeship program at Madison College.
Application Dates
- Fall 2027 Application Open
- The application deadline is August 15, 2027
3. Complete the Apprenticeship Contract
Your sponsoring employer will work with the Department of Workforce Development (DWD) to complete the apprenticeship registration process.
4. Get Ready to Start Classes
Once Madison College receives your apprenticeship contract, you'll be admitted into the program and contacted with next steps.
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Career Outcomes
Madison College Apprenticeship graduates are prepared to:
- Maintain safe working practices through the use of safety guidelines.
- Select, maintain and properly use tools and equipment.
- Install and maintain power distribution and lighting systems.
- Install and maintain industrial machinery and equipment, including panel building.
- Install and maintain material handling equipment, welding equipment and robotics.
- Install and maintain general plant equipment.
- Install and maintain communication systems.
- Install and maintain high voltage equipment, including substations.
- Read, interpret and revise drawings and specifications.
- Select, install and maintain motor drives and controls.
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Graduate Summary
Graduate Report Summary Overview
2023 2024 2025 Number of Program Graduates 2 2 1 Number of Surveys Sent Number of Surveys Returned Percent of Surveys Returned Available for Employment 0 0 0 Percent Available for Employment Not in Labor Market Percent Not in Labor Market Available for Employment
2023 2024 2025 Graduates Employed 0 0 0 Percent of Graduates Employed Employed in Related Occupation 0 0 0 Percent Employed in Related Occupation Employed in Unrelated Occupation 0 0 0 Percent Employed in Unrelated Occupation Employed - No Response 0 0 0 Percent Employed - No Response Seeking Employment 0 0 0 Percent Seeking Employment Reaction To Training at Madison College
2023 2024 2025 Student satisfaction Mean (Out of 4) 0 0 0 Number of Satisfaction Responses 0 0 0 Very Satisfied (4) 0 0 0 Percent Very Satisfied Satisfied (3) 0 0 0 Percent Satisfied Unsatisfied (2) 0 0 0 Percent Unsatisfied Very Unsatisfied (1) Percent Very Unsatisfied Primary Reason for Attending Madison College
2023 2024 2025 Number of Primary Reason Responses 0 0 0 Preparation for Getting a Job 0 0 0 Percent Preparation for Getting a Job Career Change 0 0 0 Percent Career Change Improvement of Existing Skills 0 0 0 Percent Improvement of Existing Skills Preparation for Further Education 0 0 0 Percent Preparation for Further Education Personal Interest 0 0 0 Percent Personal Interest Other 0 0 0 Percent Other When Employment was Obtained
2023 2024 2025 Number of When Employment Obtained Responses 0 0 0 Before Enrollment 0 0 0 Percent Before Enrollment While Attending the College 0 0 0 Percent While Attending the College After Training at the College 0 0 0 Percent After Training at the College Location of Employment (related and unrelated)
2023 2024 2025 Number of Employment Location Responses 0 0 0 In College District 0 0 0 Percent In College District In Wisconsin, Not in District 0 0 0 Percent of In Wisconsin Outside of Wisconsin 0 0 0 Percent Outside Wisconsin Employer Location Unknown 0 0 0 Percent Location Unknown Salary Trend 2023 2024 2025 Full Time Employment (Related Job) Full Time Salary Count Average Monthly Wage Average Hourly Wage Average Work Hours per Week Part Time Employment (Related Job) Part Time Salary Count Average Hourly Wage Average Work Hours per Week