Electrical Technology Program
LCC offers an associate in applied science degree in electrical
technology as well as two certificates of achievement and two
certificates of completion. Students choose to specialize in either construction
or machine control and maintenance.
Newly built instructional space gives students the opportunity for
hands-on learning in fully equipped facilities.
LCC offers classes throughout the year. Many classes are offered
evenings or weekends to fit busy schedules.
Lansing Community College takes pride in its reputation as a
leader in career education. LCC brings to the mid-Michigan
area education that is:
- Convenient
- Close to home
- Fairly priced, and
- Staffed by instructors with real world experience who care
about student success
Career Facts
What is a construction electrician?
Construction electricians install the power system wiring in
homes, stores, offices or industrial facilities. Construction
electricians are licensed by the State. To become licensed, an
electrician must complete an apprenticeship with a licensed
electrical contractor consisting of 8,000 hours of on-the-job
training. Completing LCC’s associate degree in electrical
technology provides 1000 of those hours. After completion of the
on-the-job training, electricians take the State’s licensing exam
to be licensed as journey electricians. After two-years of related
work experience, journey electricians can take the State of
Michigan exam to become a master electrician.
What skills are required?
Construction electricians need mechanical aptitude and logical
thinking skills. Classes in math, electricity, electronics,
mechanical drawing, science and shop are helpful. Construction
electricians should be in good health and have at least average
physical strength. Agility and dexterity are important. Good color
vision is also needed.
Where are they employed?
Electrical control and maintenance specialists work in plants
and factories which use many machines. Maintenance
specialists spend most of their time working on the machinery.
They may work on electrical problems as well. Control
designers who work for equipment manufacturers or
re-manufacturers often travel with the completed equipment to
provide on-site help with installation, commissioning and
customer training. This travel can include both domestic
and overseas trips in some markets.
What degrees and certificates does
LCC offer?
LCC offers an associate degree, a certificate of achievement and a
certificate of competition in electrical technology with
specialization as a construction electrician.
What is the salary range?
Job opportunities for electricians are expected to be good.
Employment is projected to grow faster than the average for all
occupations from 2002-2012. Employment of construction
electricians is sensitive to changes in the economy as
construction activity rises and falls.
In 2004, the latest year for which
figures are available, the median hourly earnings of licensed
electricians were $20.33. The middle 50 percent earned between
$15.43 and $26.90. The highest ten percent earned more than $33.63
hourly.
As with any job, wages vary based on
education, experience and location.
What is a machine control and
maintenance specialist?
Control and maintenance specialists work in plants where they maintain
and troubleshoot the power control circuits that operate plant
machinery. They inspect equipment and locate and correct problems
before breakdowns occur. When needed, they install new equipment.
When breakdowns occur, they make the necessary repairs.
Some of these graduates may become
control designers who spend time in an office but also set up and
maintain machinery on the factory floor. These people often
work for capital equipment manufacturers, contract control house
or machine repair companies for whom they develop, install and
debug new control designs.
