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electrical 1

+ Core: Intro to the construction trades

Electrical 1 introduces foundational knowledge and hands-on skills needed for entry-level work in the electrical trade.

Students build confidence using industry standards and safe work practices while preparing for further technical training. This course is the first level in a four-level program.

This course is intended for individuals that want to enroll in the Electrical program and are not currently employed by an electrical company nor currently in a registered apprenticeship program.

 

Prerequisite: None

WMCI's introductory Electrical 1 training course - available to students not currently employed in the trades or in a registered apprencticeship program.

Course Details

New students can begin in either the Fall or Spring semester and still finish at the same time, earn the same certifications, for the same cost. The only difference is the weekly course schedule and completion timeline.

Fall Semester Entry

Accelerated Spring Semester Entry:

Students who enroll in the Spring semester take Electrical 1 concurrently with Core: Introduction to the Construction Trades. This accelerated schedule allows students to complete the full-year program in one semester.

"Our instructor was the best. It was so helpful to learn from someone who actually comes from the industry and has so much experience."
Concrete I Graduate
Fall Semester '22

Concrete Instructor

Headshot for Trevor Gates - WMCI Concrete Instructor

what you'll learn

Core: introduction to the construction trades

Construction Safety

Work at construction and industrial job sites can be hazardous. Most job-site incidents are caused by at-risk behavior, poor planning, lack of training, or failure to recognize the hazards. To help prevent incidents, every company must have a proactive safety program. Safety must be incorporated into all phases of the job and involve employees at every level, including management.

Introduction to Construction Math

Craft professionals rely on math to do their jobs accurately and efficiently. Plumbers calculate pipe lengths, plan drain slopes, and interpret dimensioned plans. Carpenters meet code requirements by using math to frame walls and ceilings properly. HVAC professionals develop ductwork and calculate airflow with practical geometry. Whichever craft lies in your future, math will play a role in it. This module reviews the math that you will need and sharpens the skills that you will be using in the exciting modules ahead.

Introduction to Hand Tools

Every profession has its tools. A surgeon uses a scalpel, an instructor uses a whiteboard, and an accountant uses a calculator. The construction crafts require a broad array of hand tools. Even if you are familiar with some of the tools, all craftworkers need to learn how to select, maintain, and use them safely. A quality hand tool may cost more up front, but if it is properly used and maintained, it will last for years. A true craft professional invests wisely in hand tools, and uses, maintains, and stores them with the same wisdom.

Introduction to Power Tools

Power tools play an important role in the construction industry. Thousands of construction workers across the world use power tools every day to make holes, cut different types of materials, smooth rough surfaces, and shape a variety of products. Regardless of their specialization, all construction workers eventually use power tools on their job. This module provides an overview of the common types of power tools and how they function. It also describes the proper techniques required to ensure their safe and efficient operation.

Introduction to Construction Drawings

Various types of construction drawings are used to represent actual components of a building project. The drawings provide specific information about the locations of the parts of a structure, the types of materials to be used, and the correct layout of the building. Knowing the purposes of the different types of drawings and interpreting the drawings correctly are important skills for anyone who works in the construction trades. This module introduces common types of construction drawings, their basic components, standard drawing elements, and measurement tools that are typically used when working with construction drawings.

Communication Skills

The construction professional communicates constantly. The ability to communicate skillfully will help to make you a better worker and a more effective leader. This module provides guidance in listening to understand, and speaking with clarity. It explains how to use and understand written materials, and it also provides techniques and guidelines that will help you to improve your writing skills.

Employability Skills

Becoming gainfully employed in the construction industry takes more preparation than simply filling out a job application. It is essential to understand how the construction industry and potential employers operate. Your trade skills are extremely important, but all employers are also looking for those who are eager to advance and demonstrate positive personal characteristics. This module discusses the skills needed to pursue employment successfully.

Introduction to Materials Handling

Lifting, stacking, transporting, and unloading materials such as brick, pipe, and various supplies are routine tasks on a job site. Whether performing these tasks manually or with the aid of specialized equipment, workers must follow basic safety guidelines to keep themselves and their co-workers safe. This module provides guidelines for using the appropriate PPE for the material being handled and using proper procedures and techniques to carry out the job.

Electrical 1

Occupational Overview: The Electrical Industry

Provides an overview of the electrical craft and discusses the career paths available to electricians, including apprenticeship requirements. 

Safety For Electricians

Discusses hazards and describes the various types of personal protective equipment (PPE) used to reduce injuries. Covers the standards related to electrical safety and the OSHA-mandated lockout/tagout rule. 

Introduction to Electrical Circuits

Discusses basic atomic and electrical theory and electrical units of measurement. Explains how Ohm’s law and the power equation can be used to determine unknown values, and introduces electrical schematic diagrams. 

Electrical Theory

Introduces basic circuits, as well as the methods for calculating the electrical energy within them.  Covers resistive circuits, Kirchhoff’s voltage and current laws, and circuit analysis. 

Introduction to the National Electrical Code®

Introduces the NEC® and explains how to use it to find the installation requirements. Provides an overview of the National Electrical Manufacturers Association and Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratories. 

Outlet, Device, Pull, and Junction Boxes

Describes the various types of boxes and explains how to calculate the NEC®  fill requirements for outlet adjunction boxes under 100 cubic inches (1,650 cubic centimeters). 

Hand Bending

Covers methods for hand bending conduit, including 90-degree bends, back-to-back bends, offsets, and saddle bends. Describes how to cut, ream, and thread conduit.

Wireways, Raceways, and Fittings

Introduces various types of raceway systems, along with their installation and NEC® requirements. Describes the use of various conduit bodies. 

Conductors and Cables

Discusses conductor types, cable markings, color codes, and ampacity derating. Describes how to install conductors using fish tape and power conduit fishing systems. 

Basic Electrical Construction Documents

Describes how to interpret electrical drawings, including the use of architect’s and engineer’s scales. 

Residential Wiring

Covers basic load calculations and NEC® requirements for residential electrical systems. Describes how to lay out branch circuits, install wiring, size outlet boxes, and install wiring devices. 

Electrical Test Equipment

Covers the applications of various types of electrical test equipment. Describes meter safety precautions and category ratings. 

Electrical 1 Registration

Registration is currently only open to WMCI Corporate Partners who selected early course registration access as a benefit. Registration will open to all others on May 11th. 

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