Mountain West Trade School
Program Overview
The Electrical Technician program is a 150-clock-hour, online distance-education course that prepares learners for entry-level positions in residential and light-commercial electrical work. The curriculum addresses the National Electrical Code (NEC) at an awareness level, electrical theory and fundamentals, residential wiring methods, panels and distribution, motors and controls, low-voltage systems, and lighting. Graduates are prepared to sit for the OSHA 10 Construction Industry, NFPA 70E Awareness, and ATC Certified Electrical Apprentice credentialing exams.
Quick Facts
| Program Length | 150 Clock Hours |
| Delivery Format | 100% Online — Asynchronous Distance Education with VR Lab Component |
| Modules | 12 |
| Lessons | 46 |
| VR Labs | 5 |
| Typical Duration | 20–26 weeks self-paced (maximum 52 weeks) |
| CIP Code | 46.0302 — Electrician |
| SOC Codes | 47-2111 (Electricians), 47-3013 (Helpers — Electricians) |
| Target Occupations | Electrician, Electrical Apprentice, Maintenance Electrician, Helpers — Electricians |
| Industry Credentials Targeted | OSHA 10 Construction Industry · NFPA 70E Awareness · ATC Certified Electrical Apprentice |
Lead Instructor — Erik Rodriguez
The Electrical Technician program is led by Erik Rodriguez, a Texas-based Master Electrician and ICC-certified Residential Electrical Inspector. Erik is the named instructor of record for student Q&A, manual review, and the weekly virtual office hours.
Background & Credentials
- Master Electrician (Texas)
- Graduate, Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) — Dallas Chapter apprenticeship program (2008)
- Former bilingual electrical instructor, IEC Dallas
- Former electrical instructor, Collin College
- Current building inspector, City of Athens, Texas
- ICC Certified Residential Electrical Inspector (Certificate No. 10628373, December 8, 2025)
- Bilingual: instruction and Q&A available in English and Spanish
Target Audience & Prerequisites
- Minimum age 18 years
- Reading and math fundamentals (fractions, decimals, basic algebra)
- Computer literacy and email proficiency
- Technology requirements per Program Policies (device, internet, webcam, microphone)
- Physical capability to perform light tool work and field tasks (with or without reasonable accommodation)
Program Learning Outcomes
- Apply OSHA 10 Construction Industry and NFPA 70E Awareness safety practices to electrical work.
- Identify electrical hand tools, power tools, test equipment, and PPE used in residential and light-commercial electrical work.
- Apply Ohm’s Law and basic electrical theory to series, parallel, and combination circuits.
- Read and interpret electrical schematics, ladder diagrams, and residential blueprints.
- Select appropriate wire gauges, conductors, and conduit for code-compliant installations.
- Identify and apply key NEC requirements for residential wiring at an awareness level.
- Install and terminate common residential wiring devices, including receptacles, switches, and lighting fixtures.
- Identify electrical panels, breakers, and distribution components and explain their function.
- Diagnose motor and motor-control faults using a systematic troubleshooting procedure.
- Install and troubleshoot common low-voltage systems including doorbells, thermostats, and security devices.
- Demonstrate workplace readiness including resume writing, customer communication, and jobsite ethics.
Course Schedule & Modules
The program is organized into 12 sequential modules totaling 150 clock hours. Modules are gated — students must pass each module’s assessment before advancing.
Module 1 — Introduction to the Electrical Trade | 6 Hours
- Introduction to the Electrical Trade
- Ethical Work Practices & Customer Service
- Electrical Safety & Hazard Awareness
Module 2 — OSHA 10 Construction Industry | 10 Hours
- Introduction to OSHA
- Fall Hazards
- Avoiding Electrocution Hazards
- Struck-By Hazards
- Caught-In or -Between Hazards
- Personal Protective Equipment
- Health Hazards in Construction
- Excavations
- Materials Handling, Storage, Use, and Disposal
- Scaffolds
- Hand and Power Tools
- Safe Driving Practices
- Emergency Action Plans and Fire Protection
- Cranes
- Welding and Cutting
- Final Assessment
Module 3 — Tools, Meters, & Test Equipment | 12 Hours
- Hand Tools for Electrical Work
- Power Tools & Specialty Equipment
- Meters & Diagnostic Instruments
Module 4 — Electrical Theory and Fundamentals | 20 Hours | VR Lab
- Atoms, Electrons, & Electrical Flow
- Voltage, Current, and Resistance
- VR Lab: Measuring Voltage
- Ohm’s Law & Power Formulas
- Series, Parallel, & Combination Circuits
- AC vs DC: Waveforms, Frequency, & Phase
- VR Lab: Measuring Amperage
- VR Lab: Component Resistance
Module 5 — Wiring Methods & Materials | 14 Hours | VR Lab
- Wire Types, Sizes, & The AWG System
- VR Lab: Selecting Wire Gauges
- Conduit Types & Installation
- Cable Routing, Supports, and Protection
- Boxes, Fittings, and Connectors
Module 6 — Residential Wiring & NEC Essentials | 22 Hours | VR Lab
- NEC Overview & How to Navigate the Codebook
- Branch Circuits & Load Calculations
- VR Lab: Wiring a Circuit
- Receptacle Layout & GFCI/AFCI Protection
- Lighting Circuits & Switch Configurations
- Service Entrance & Grounding/Bonding
Module 7 — Electrical Panels and Power Distribution | 10 Hours
- Panel Components & Circuit Breakers
- Single-Phase vs Three-Phase Power
- Transformers and Power Distribution
Module 8 — Motors, Controls, and Troubleshooting | 14 Hours
- Electric Motor Types and Applications
- Motor Starting & Protection
- Control Circuits & Relay Logic
- Systematic Troubleshooting Methods
Module 9 — Low Voltage & Communication Systems | 8 Hours
- Doorbell, Thermostat, and Security Systems
- Data / Communication Cabling Basics
- Smart Home & Building Automation Awareness
Module 10 — Lighting Systems | 8 Hours
- Lamp Types & Efficiency
- Fixture Installation and Troubleshooting
- Emergency & Exit Lighting
Module 11 — Career Readiness and Job Transition | 6 Hours
- Electrical Career Pathways
- Resume Writing
- Interviewing and First Day Success
Module 12 — ATC Certified Electrical Apprentice Prep | 20 Hours
- Electrical Safety
- NEC General Provisions (Articles 100 & 110)
- Branch Circuits (Article 210)
- Feeders and Services (Articles 215 & 230)
- Conductor Sizing & Overcurrent
- Grounding and Bonding (Article 250)
- Boxes, Raceways, and Wiring Methods
- Conduit Bending & Methods
- Electrical Calculations
- Practice Exam
- Final Assessment
Grading & Assessment
| Component | Pass Standard | Format |
|---|---|---|
| Module quizzes & knowledge checks | Pass each | Online |
| Virtual reality labs & skills simulations | Pass each | Online / VR headset or desktop |
| Mid-program competency assessment | Must pass | Online (proctored) |
| Participation & timely completion | Required | LMS activity tracking |
| Final comprehensive exam | Must pass | Online (proctored) |
Technology & Materials
- Reliable internet connection (minimum 10 Mbps recommended for VR streaming)
- Laptop, desktop, or Chromebook with current Chrome or Edge browser
- Webcam and microphone for proctored assessments
- Access to the online Learning Portal (provisioned at enrollment)
- Digital course workbook, reference materials, and trade-specific code references (provided)
- Virtual reality lab access via Meta Quest 3 / Pico headsets, or desktop equivalent on Windows or macOS
| Component | Windows | macOS |
|---|---|---|
| Operating System | Windows 10 64-bit or later | macOS Monterey (12) or later |
| Processor | Quad-core Intel or AMD, 2.5 GHz or faster | Quad-core Intel, 2.5 GHz or faster |
| Memory | 8 GB RAM | 8 GB RAM |
| Graphics | DirectX 11 or 12 compatible (NVIDIA GeForce GTX 960 2GB / AMD Radeon R7 370 2GB or better) | Metal 1.2 compatible graphics card |
Completion Requirements
- Pass all 12 modules in sequence
- Complete all 5 virtual reality lab tasks with passing scores
- Sit for the OSHA 10 Construction Industry credentialing exam
- Sit for the ATC Certified Electrical Apprentice exam
Student Supports
- Instructor office hours held weekly via video conference and asynchronous messaging
- Technical support for LMS, VR headset configuration, and proctoring software (response within one business day)
- ADA accommodations available — contact Student Services within the first two weeks of enrollment
After the Program
Graduates pursue entry-level positions including Electrical Apprentice, Maintenance Electrician Helper, and Helpers — Electricians (SOC 47-3013). Graduates may pursue state licensure pathways and many enter registered apprenticeship programs through IEC, NECA-IBEW, or municipal utilities.
Academic Integrity & Attendance
Students are expected to log into the learning management system and engage with course material at least three days per week. A student who has not logged in for 14 consecutive days will be contacted by Student Services and may be required to submit a written catch-up plan before continuing. Students must complete all coursework independently. All proctored exams use identity verification and session recording.