Best Electrician Schools in Colorado

If you want to work as an electrician in Colorado, your first step is choosing the right training program. Colorado requires electricians to meet strict training and licensing standards. The program you choose now will have a direct impact on your skills, job prospects, and ability to get licensed.

This guide covers the best electrician schools in Colorado along with the steps for meeting state requirements.

Electrician Licensing in Colorado

Before starting training, it’s important to understand what the state requires. Electricians in Colorado are regulated by the Colorado State Electrical Board.

Colorado State Requirement: You must complete approved education and on-the-job training hours before you can take the state licensing exam.

Most people start as apprentices. You’ll need to log the required hours before applying for a Residential Wireman, Journeyman, or Master Electrician license.

Common licensing steps in Colorado:

1. Enroll in an approved technical or trade school program.
2. Register as an apprentice with the Colorado State Electrical Board.
3. Complete the required classroom hours.
4. Accumulate on-the-job experience under a licensed electrician.
5. Pass the state licensing exam.

Experience hour requirements vary by license type:

For complete details, visit the Colorado State Electrical Board’s official website.

Best Electrician Schools in Colorado

Colorado has a strong network of community colleges, technical schools, and apprenticeship programs that meet state requirements. Below are some of the top training options.

1. Emily Griffith Technical College – Denver

Emily Griffith offers a respected electrical program that includes both classroom instruction and hands-on labs. The school works with local contractors to help students secure apprenticeships after graduation.

Highlights:

• Modern training labs
• Flexible scheduling options
• Located in downtown Denver

2. Red Rocks Community College – Lakewood & Arvada

Red Rocks offers an Electrical Apprentice Program in partnership with the Independent Electrical Contractors Rocky Mountain Chapter. Students get paid work experience while attending classes part time.

Highlights:

• Industry partnerships for job placement
• Night and weekend classes
• State-approved curriculum

3. Independent Electrical Contractors Rocky Mountain (IECRM) – Northglenn

IECRM is a trade association offering a four-year apprenticeship program. Students work full time in the field and attend class one night per week.

Highlights:

• Earn while you learn
• NCCER-accredited program
• Strong ties to Colorado’s electrical industry

4. Pueblo Community College – Pueblo

PCC offers an Electrical Maintenance Technician program and pathway to apprenticeship registration. Training includes reading blueprints, electrical theory, and safety practices.

Highlights:

• Affordable tuition
• Small class sizes
• Pathway to multiple career types

5. Pike Peak State College – Colorado Springs

Pike Peak offers pre-apprenticeship training for students planning to enter electrician apprenticeships. Courses cover the National Electrical Code and hands-on wiring projects.

Highlights:

• Good entry-level option for beginners
• Strong safety training
• Career services office support

How to Choose the Right Program

When selecting a school, consider:

• State approval – Make sure the program meets Colorado licensing standards.
• Apprenticeship connections – Programs with contractor partnerships lead to quicker job placement.
• Scheduling – Options for full-time, part-time, evenings, or weekends.
• Cost and financial aid – Community colleges may be more affordable.
• Hands-on training – Access to labs and real-world projects.

Apprenticeships vs. Classroom Training

Some electricians go directly into apprenticeship with a contractor, while others attend school first. In many cases, combining both is the best choice.

Apprenticeship benefits:

• Paid on-the-job training
• Industry networking
• Experience toward license hours

School benefits:

• Structured, formal education
• Strong foundation in electrical theory
• Preparation for licensing exams

Safety and Compliance

Electric work requires strict attention to safety.

Safety Reminder: Always follow OSHA safety standards and the National Electrical Code during training and on the job.

Schools with strong safety programs will help prepare you for both safe work practices and compliance with state and federal regulations.

Steps to Get Started

1. Review Colorado’s electrician licensing rules.
2. Decide whether to start with an apprenticeship, school, or both.
3. Research approved electrician programs in your area.
4. Contact schools for enrollment requirements and schedules.
5. Apply and register with the Colorado State Electrical Board if beginning an apprenticeship.

Summary and Next Steps

Becoming an electrician in Colorado starts with choosing a school or program that meets state licensing requirements. Look for programs with strong safety training, industry connections, and a state-approved curriculum. Combining classroom learning with on-the-job training is the fastest route to a license.

Here’s what to do next: pick a program from the list above, confirm its approval with the Colorado State Electrical Board, then start your training toward a rewarding career.

Sources:

1. Colorado State Electrical Board – Licensing Information
2. Occupational Outlook Handbook – Electricians
3. National Center for Construction Education and Research

Would you like me to also create internal GravCMS links for each school listed so readers can click into a dedicated page for program details? That could make this guide even more useful.

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