Best Electrician Schools in Delaware

If you want to become an electrician in Delaware, the best first move is getting the right training. Employers, unions, and the State of Delaware all expect electricians to have solid technical skills backed by formal education and hands-on experience.

Here’s what you need to know about training options, licensing requirements, and the best schools to help you start your career.

Delaware Electrician Licensing Basics

In Delaware, electrician licensing is managed by the Delaware Board of Electrical Examiners. You cannot legally perform electrical work for hire without a state license.

According to the Board’s rules:

All applicants for an electrician license must show proof of relevant training hours and supervised experience before taking the state exam.

There are several license types in Delaware, including:

• Master Electrician
• Limited Electrician
• Journeyperson Electrician
• Apprentice Electrician

Most people start with an apprentice license, train for several years, and then apply for the journeyperson exam.

Steps to Become a Licensed Electrician in Delaware

1. Meet education requirements
   – Complete a technical training program OR enroll in an apprenticeship recognized by the state.

2. Register as an apprentice
   – Submit your application through the Delaware Division of Professional Regulation.

3. Work under a licensed electrician
   – Accumulate required on-the-job training hours.

4. Pass the journeyperson exam
   – Covers wiring methods, safety codes, and electrical theory.

5. Maintain your license
   – Complete continuing education as required by the state.

Important: Delaware usually requires 8,000 hours of supervised work plus classroom instruction for a journeyperson license¹.

How to Choose the Best Electrician School in Delaware

When comparing programs, focus on:

• State approval — Must meet Delaware Board training standards.
• Program length — Trade programs often run 9–24 months.
• Hands-on labs — Look for real equipment, not just simulators.
• Job placement support — Some schools help connect you to apprenticeships.
• Accreditation — Signals quality and transferability of credits.

Top Electrician Training Programs in Delaware

Here are some of the strongest options for electrician education in the state.

1. Delaware Skills Center – Electrician Program (Wilmington)

• Program type: Full-time electrical training
• Length: About 10 months
• Focus: Residential, commercial, and industrial wiring
• Notes: Emphasizes National Electrical Code (NEC) compliance and hands-on labs.

2. Polytech Adult Education – Electrical Program (Woodside)

• Program type: Adult career training
• Length: Varies by course path
• Focus: Pre-apprenticeship and journeyperson readiness
• Notes: Evening classes available for working students.

3. Delaware Technical Community College – Electrical and HVAC Technologies

• Program type: Associate degree or diploma
• Length: 2 years for associate degree
• Focus: Electrical theory, NEC, renewable energy basics
• Notes: Offers transferable credits for further education.

4. IEC Chesapeake – Apprenticeship Program (Delaware Locations)

• Program type: 4-year apprenticeship
• Focus: Paid on-the-job training with classroom study
• Notes: Industry-recognized, linked to the Independent Electrical Contractors Association.

5. NCCER-Accredited Training via Local Contractors

• Program type: Work-based learning
• Length: Varies
• Focus: National Center for Construction Education and Research electrical curriculum
• Notes: Recognized across the U.S. for construction trades.

Training Program Comparison Table

Delaware Electrician Apprenticeships

Many electricians in Delaware start through an apprenticeship instead of a traditional classroom-only program. Apprenticeships give you:

• A paycheck while you learn
• Supervised field experience
• Classroom hours toward licensing requirements

You can find apprenticeships through:

• Delaware Department of Labor Apprenticeship Program
• Local electrical contractors
• Unions such as the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW)

Classroom vs. Apprenticeship Training

Both approaches can lead to licensure, but there are differences:

• Classroom-first programs let you gain skills before entering the job market.
• Apprenticeships allow you to earn while you learn, but may require more effort to get accepted.

Continuing Education for Electricians in Delaware

Once licensed, you must keep up with NEC updates and safety standards. The state requires licensed electricians to complete continuing education hours during each renewal cycle. Training can come from:

• Local colleges
• Trade schools
• Approved industry associations

Final Tips on Starting Your Electrician Career in Delaware

If you’re serious about becoming an electrician in Delaware, your path is clear:

1. Pick a state-approved training program or apprenticeship.
2. Register as an apprentice with the Delaware Division of Professional Regulation.
3. Log your work and classroom hours for journeyperson eligibility.
4. Pass the licensing exam when you meet the requirements.

Your next step is to contact at least two programs from the list above and ask about enrollment dates, costs, and apprenticeship placement. The sooner you start, the sooner you can get licensed and working in the trade.

Explore Related Topics:

• Best Trade Schools in Delaware (2025)