Gadsden State Community College
Trade Schools and Apprenticeships in Alabama / Gadsden State Community College
Gadsden State Community College – Gadsden & Anniston, AL
Programs Offered
- Electrical Technology (Short-Term Certificate, Certificate, Associate of Applied Science)
Program Overview
Gadsden State’s Electrical Technology program trains students for careers in residential, commercial and industrial electrical occupations. The program covers wiring methods, electrical system installation and maintenance, control systems, troubleshooting, safety practices and teamwork. Courses are offered at both the Ayers (Anniston) and East Broad (Gadsden) campuses and day and evening classes are available.
Hands-On Training
Students complete lab and field-based projects, working with residential wiring methods, commercial/industrial conduit and panel systems, motor controls, and programmable logic controllers (PLCs). These practical sessions simulate real jobsite conditions and help students build technical experience and confidence.
Certification & Licensing Prep
- Curriculum aligns with the National Electrical Code (NEC) and industry standards for wiring, controls and safety.
- Short-term certificates allow entry into apprenticeship tracks; the full A.A.S. supports advancement toward journeyman and multi-craft technologist roles.
Career Paths & Salary Outlook
- Electrician Apprentice or Helper – install and maintain wiring systems in homes and businesses.
- Industrial Electrician / Control Technician – work on panel systems, motor controls and automation in manufacturing environments.
- Journeyman or Licensed Electrician – with experience and additional credentials, move into independent, higher-pay roles.
Program Length
- Short-Term Certificate: typically 26 credit hours (~1 year)
- Certificate in Electrical Technology: ~1 year full time
- Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.): ~2 years full time (minimum 76 credit hours)
Admission Requirements
- High School Diploma or GED
- Basic math and technical reasoning skills
- Acceptance into the Electrical Technology program; no prior work experience required for entry.
Cost & Financial Aid
As a public Alabama community college, Gadsden State offers competitively priced tuition and financial aid options. Eligible students can apply for federal student aid, state grants, and scholarship programs including short-term certificate reimbursement programs. The electrical technology program is also available to dual-enrollment high school students through scholarship support.
Location
Gadsden State serves Alabama’s northeastern region with campuses in Gadsden (East Broad Campus) and Anniston (Ayers Campus). The Electrical Technology program is located on the Ayers and East Broad campuses, offering flexible scheduling for working students. The college is situated in an area with growing demand for skilled trades professionals.
Cost & Career Outlook
Based on publicly reported data for Gadsden State Community College (Gadsden, AL) — U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Program Type: Trade or Technical Training
In-State Tuition
Out-of-State Tuition
Median Earnings (10 yrs)
Time to Earn It Back
ROI Grade
About this data: Tuition and earnings are averages from federal College Scorecard data for comparable programs at Gadsden State Community College. Actual costs may vary by program length, residency, and supplies. Earnings reflect median salaries ten years after entering the institution. This helps estimate how quickly your training can pay off in real-world wages.