Electrician Trade Schools in Colorado

For those considering a career in the electrical industry, the current shortage means unparalleled job security, competitive wages, and the chance to contribute to Colorado’s clean energy future.

With electrician employment in the state expected to grow by 21.5% over the next decade, entering the field now could be a transformative career decision.

Top Electrician Training Schools in Colorado

Below is a list of accredited schools that provide classroom or online courses.

What Will You Study?

An electrician training program in Colorado provides students with the knowledge and hands-on skills needed to safely install, maintain, and troubleshoot electrical systems in residential, commercial, and industrial settings.

Courses cover topics such as the following:

Residential and Commercial Wiring: Learn to install and troubleshoot electrical systems in residential and commercial settings using National Electrical Code (NEC) standards.

Electrical Code Fundamentals: Study the National Electrical Code, focusing on safety, compliance, and regulations for various building types and conditions.

Electrical Circuit Fundamentals: Explore DC and AC circuit principles, including Ohm’s and Kirchhoff’s laws, voltage, current, power, and circuit analysis techniques.

Electrical Blueprint Reading: Gain skills to interpret and work from electrical blueprints for system installations and project planning.

Electrical Maintenance and Repairs: Develop hands-on skills to maintain and repair electrical components, such as receptacles, circuit breakers, and light fixtures.

Energy Conservation Codes: Learn about energy-efficient design and the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) for residential and commercial buildings.

Electrical Planning and Construction: Understand how to plan installations from blueprints, prepare material lists, and manage project timelines effectively.

How to Become an Electrician in Colorado

The Colorado State Electrical Board, an office of the Department of Regulatory Agencies’ Division of Professions and Occupations, regulates electrical licensing and establishes requirements for all electricians in the state.

Candidates must be at least 18 and possess a high school diploma or GED before beginning their electrical career.

Electrician Apprenticeship Programs

Before acquiring licensing, you must register as an apprentice electrician with the state board, allowing you to work under licensed electricians while fulfilling work experience requirements. The apprenticeship program combines on-the-job training with classroom instruction.

You must complete 8,000 hours of supervised field experience alongside 288 hours of classroom training.

Apprentices must renew their registration every 3 years and maintain continuous employment under licensed electricians.

Colorado License Types and Requirements

Residential Wireman

To qualify as a residential wireman, you need 4,000 hours of documented residential electrical experience and pass the residential wireman examination. This license limits you to working on single-family homes and multi-family units up to four stories.

Journeyman Electrician

The journeyman license requires 8,000 hours (approximately 4 years) of documented electrical experience and a passing score on the journeyman examination. This license allows you to perform electrical work on all electrical installations, but you must work under a master electrician’s supervision.

Master Electrician

After completing 2,000 hours of experience as a licensed journeyman (approximately one year), you can apply for the master electrician examination. Upon passing, you can supervise all types of electrical work. This license is required for contractor licensing.

License Maintenance

All electrical licenses require renewal every three years and completion of 24 hours of continuing education per renewal period. License holders must maintain contact information with the State Board and comply with all state electrical codes and regulations.

Colorado License Exam

All license examinations include questions on the National Electrical Code (NEC), Colorado state electrical regulations, electrical theory and calculations, and safety requirements.

The exam format consists of both multiple-choice questions and practical calculations, with a required passing score of 70%.

Electrical Contractor Registration

To operate an electrical contracting business, you must employ or be a licensed master electrician. Additional requirements include securing liability insurance and a surety bond, registering with the Colorado Secretary of State, and acquiring necessary local business licenses.

License Reciprocity

Colorado has limited reciprocity agreements with other states. Candidates must verify their existing license and experience with the State Electrical Board to determine eligibility.

What Employers in Colorado Are Seeking in Electricians

Employers across Colorado are seeking electricians with a broad range of skills, technical knowledge, and a strong work ethic to meet the growing demand for electrical services. From large commercial contractors to smaller, family-owned companies, employers prioritize both technical competencies and soft skills such as reliability, communication, and adaptability. Companies like Winterhawk Electric and Encore Electric illustrate the industry’s key expectations and the career paths available for electricians in the state.

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Technical Skills and Experience

Colorado employers emphasize the importance of hands-on electrical skills and mechanical aptitude. Electricians are expected to:

• Install and maintain electrical systems: This includes assembling and installing electrical parts, raceways, conduits, and wiring systems, as well as performing trim work, such as finishing outlets and recessed lighting.
• Understand electrical codes and safety regulations: Companies expect apprentices and experienced electricians to be familiar with the National Electrical Code (NEC) and adhere to strict safety standards. This includes using personal protective equipment (PPE) such as boots, hard hats, safety glasses, and gloves.
• Operate and work with specialized tools: Employees must bring their own basic hand tools and demonstrate proficiency with industry-standard equipment, such as conduit benders, multimeters, and testing devices.

At Winterhawk Electric, apprentices are required to wear tools at all times while working in varying conditions, including muddy, wet, cold, and windy environments. Similarly, Encore Electric expects its apprentices to climb ladders, work on elevated platforms, and handle strenuous physical labor, including digging, lifting, and trimming.

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Soft Skills and Professional Attributes

In addition to technical abilities, employers value certain behavioral and interpersonal skills, including:

• Reliability and punctuality: Companies like Winterhawk Electric and Encore Electric highlight the importance of arriving on time and being prepared for the day’s tasks.
• Professionalism and communication: Electricians are expected to communicate effectively with project managers, colleagues, customers, and vendors. Clear communication is critical for safety and efficiency on the job site.
• Adaptability and willingness to learn: Since the electrical industry frequently evolves with new technologies and regulations, employers seek candidates who are committed to continuous learning through apprenticeship programs, certification courses, and ongoing training.

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Compensation and Benefits

Employers in Colorado offer competitive wages and comprehensive benefits packages to attract and retain skilled electricians.

• Pay Range: Apprentice electricians typically earn between $18.50 and $28.00 per hour, depending on experience and certifications. For example:
  • Winterhawk Electric offers $18.50 – $28.00 per hour for apprentices, with pay differentials for night work and occasional out-of-area travel.
  • Encore Electric offers $20.00 – $28.00 per hour, based on experience.
• Schedules and Work Hours: Many employers offer 4×10 schedules (four 10-hour shifts), providing a better work-life balance. Occasional overtime is common, with extra pay incentives.
• Benefits Packages: Employers like Encore Electric and Winterhawk Electric provide attractive benefits, including:
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Health, dental, and vision insurance
  • Paid time off (PTO) and paid holidays
  • Life insurance and disability coverage
  • Tuition reimbursement or company-paid electrical school for apprentices

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Crossover into Other Disciplines

Electricians in Colorado frequently collaborate with or transition into other technical fields, including:

• Construction and Mechanical Trades: Electricians working on large-scale projects often collaborate with HVAC technicians, plumbers, and general contractors. Skills such as blueprint reading, problem-solving, and project management are transferable across these disciplines.
• Renewable Energy and Solar Installation: With Colorado’s emphasis on sustainability, many electricians gain specialized training in solar panel installation, energy storage systems, and smart home technology.
• Automation and Control Systems: Electricians with programming and technical troubleshooting skills may cross over into industrial automation, working on programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and building management systems.

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Career Advancement and Training Opportunities

Companies like Encore Electric offer structured apprenticeship programs with paid schooling, providing a clear path toward obtaining a Journeyman Electrician License. The Encore University program offers leadership and technical training, helping electricians advance their skills and prepare for higher-level roles, such as Foreman or Project Manager positions.

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Conclusion

Colorado employers seek electricians who are not only technically skilled but also adaptable, safety-conscious, and eager to grow in their field. Companies like Winterhawk Electric and Encore Electric prioritize candidates who demonstrate a strong work ethic, problem-solving abilities, and a commitment to continuous learning. With competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for career advancement, Colorado’s electrical industry offers a dynamic and rewarding career path, with potential crossover into construction, renewable energy, and automation disciplines.

Why the Shortage?

The shortage is creating an ideal environment for aspiring electricians. Companies are offering higher wages, signing bonuses, and training opportunities to attract workers. For example, electrical contractors in Crested Butte and Denver report a dramatic rise in demand for EV charger installations, with some businesses experiencing months-long backlogs.

Piper Electric in Denver, for instance, has seen EV charger requests triple in the past year and recently raised wages by up to 11.7% to stay competitive.

Learn more about these trends from Denver7’s report here.

Solutions to Meet the Growing Demand

Efforts to address the shortage include expanding apprenticeship programs, reducing training durations, and increasing virtual class capacities. The Joint Electrical Apprenticeship and Training Committee has condensed its curriculum from five years to four and now trains 800 apprentices annually, double its previous capacity.

Recruitment efforts also focus on underrepresented groups, including women, rural residents, and formerly incarcerated individuals, aiming to diversify and expand the workforce.

Learn more about how programs are evolving to meet demand in The Colorado Sun’s in-depth analysis here.