What Is It Known For?
The Electrician Training Academy opened its doors in Knoxville back in 1971 and has been training electricians ever since. What makes this school stand out is its leadership structure. Active electrical professionals serve on both the six-member Board of Trustees and Training Committee, bringing hands-on industry knowledge to the classroom.
The academy keeps its classes small, giving instructors more time with each student. Though they don’t publish their exact enrollment numbers, anyone curious about class sizes can contact the school’s office to learn more about their current student capacity.
Degrees & Certifications
The Electrician Training Academy provides two entry points into the electrical field:
- The Apprenticeship program
- The CW/CE program.
Students who complete their required training hours advance naturally to journeyman status, taking the next big step in their electrical career.
Class Schedules
The Electrician Training Academy combines in-person classroom instruction with real-world electrical training. Students work full 8-hour shifts Monday through Friday, earning a paycheck that grows with each training period. The program requires a total of 8,000 hours of on-the-job training, all conducted in person at training facilities and work sites.
Is It Legit?
While the Electrician Training Academy doesn’t list specific accreditations, its strong industry backing speaks to its credibility. The school operates under the leadership of established electrical contractors and representatives from the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 760, connecting students directly to the professional electrical community.
Acceptance Rate
While the Electrician Training Academy doesn’t publish its acceptance rates, job prospects for graduates look promising. Tennessee’s demand for electricians is projected to grow at nearly triple the national average over the next ten years, suggesting the school may accept many qualified applicants to help meet this growing need.
How Much Does Tuition Cost?
Starting at ETAK requires a $25 non-refundable application fee, followed by a $135 online math course for new apprentices. Students pay an annual tuition of $800, plus $301 for hand tools if purchased through the program.
The school covers all Pellissippi State Community College tuition costs for apprentices, with the total training investment per student exceeding $5,000 annually.
While ETAK doesn’t offer a net price calculator, detailed cost information is available on their website, or prospective students can contact the school directly for current rates.
Programs & Courses
Skilled Trades
- Construction Wireman
- Construction Electrician
Campus Locations
Knoxville 6107 Central Avenue Pike Knoxville, TN 37912
Reviews
Based on Google reviews, the Electrician Training Academy in Knoxville is highly regarded, particularly for its union-affiliated apprenticeship program. It provides a debt-free path to a stable and well-paying career. The program is known for its high-quality, hands-on training and strong industry connections.
Overall Score: 4.8/5 Stars
Common Praises
A Path to a Great Career: Local reviews and online forums consistently highlight the program as an excellent way to secure a “good career with great pay and benefits,” as noted by one reviewer. The training is directly linked to paid, on-the-job experience.
Debt-Free Education: Unlike traditional college, the apprenticeship model allows trainees to earn a paycheck and receive benefits while learning the trade. The program also has a low total cost of around $4,000 for all five years, which is seen as a “pretty good scholarship” given the high earning potential upon completion.
High-Quality, Union-Backed Training: The academy is a joint venture between the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 760 and the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA). This ensures the curriculum meets national standards and is locally implemented. The training includes both classroom instruction and extensive hands-on experience on real job sites.
Strong Industry Connections: The program’s affiliation with IBEW and NECA provides a direct pipeline to jobs with local electrical contractors. This connection is seen as a significant advantage, providing a secure career path after graduation.
Common Criticisms
High Demand and a Competitive Process: While the quality is praised, the program is highly sought after and competitive to get into.
Significant Time Commitment: The apprenticeship requires a long-term commitment, typically spanning five years of combined work and classroom instruction.
Momentum
The reputation of the Electrician Training Academy remains strong and consistent across various online platforms, from Google reviews to industry-specific forums. The positive feedback centers on the value of the apprenticeship model and the high-quality training that leads to a secure career with excellent pay and benefits. The limited criticisms are generally related to the rigorous nature of the program itself rather than its quality or outcomes.