Jefferson State Community College
Trade Schools and Apprenticeships in Alabama / Jefferson State Community College
Jefferson State Community College – Birmingham/Clanton, AL
Programs Offered
- Electrical Technology (Certificate & Associate of Applied Science)
Program Overview
Jefferson State Community College’s Electrical Technology program is designed for students ready to enter the electrical trade with solid hands-on skills. The curriculum covers electrical safety practices, circuit theory, wiring methods for residential and commercial settings, conduit and raceway installation, use of test equipment, and introduction to national electrical standards. Students gain laboratory experience through wiring projects and build familiarity with key job-site materials and systems.
Hands-On Training
The program integrates lab work where students bend conduit, install device boxes, wire circuits, and troubleshoot live systems. Field visits or simulated job-site installations expose students to standard industry scenarios. One highlighted course provides study in DC and AC circuit analysis, device installation, and NEC code application.
Certification & Licensing Prep
- Prepares students to enter electrical apprenticeships by teaching conduit bending, raceway installation, hand-tool proficiency, and wiring fundamentals.
- Introduces concepts aligned with wiring and electrical system standards used in the National Electrical Code (NEC).
Career Paths & Salary Outlook
- Electrical Apprentice – Work under licensed electricians installing wiring, panels, and circuits in residential or commercial environments.
- Maintenance Electrician Assistant – Perform routine inspection, wiring repairs, and control-system troubleshooting in large facilities or manufacturing plants.
- License-Track Electrician – The certificate/associate path lays the foundation for journeyman licensing and independent electrical work, opening higher-pay roles over time.
Program Length
- Certificate in Electrical Technology: Typically about 1 year of full-time study.
- Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.): Typically about 2 years of full-time study.
Admission Requirements
- High School Diploma or GED required.
- Basic proficiency in math and reading to support technical instruction.
- Ability to perform hands-on tasks in workshop and field environments.
Cost & Financial Aid
As a public community college, Jefferson State offers competitive tuition rates, making it an affordable route into the electrical trades. Students may apply for federal financial aid, state workforce grants, and scholarship opportunities. The program’s lab-based training and job-linked skills provide strong value for career entry.
Location
Jefferson State Community College serves the greater Birmingham region with campuses in Jefferson, Shelby-Hoover, St. Clair/Pell City, and Chilton/Clanton. The Electrical Technology program is offered through the college’s workforce-training division and serves students seeking immediate entry into electrical trades in residential, commercial, and industrial settings.
Cost & Career Outlook
Based on publicly reported data for Jefferson State Community College (Birmingham, AL) — U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Program Type: Primarily Certificate or Associate Programs
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 Jefferson 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.