Best Electrician Schools in Indiana

If you want to become an electrician in Indiana, the first step is getting the right training. A good trade school or apprenticeship program will teach you the skills, safety knowledge, and hands-on experience you need to work in the field. In Indiana, there are several reputable electrician programs that prepare you for state licensing and a long-term career.

How to Become an Electrician in Indiana

Before you choose a school, you need to understand how the licensing process works.

1. Meet basic requirements – You must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or GED.
2. Complete classroom and hands-on training – This can be through a registered apprenticeship or a trade school program.
3. Accumulate work experience – In most cases, at least 4 years (8,000 hours) of on-the-job training is required to become a journeyman.
4. Pass an exam – Electrician licensing exams in Indiana are typically managed on a city or county level.
5. Apply for a license – Once you complete training and pass the test, you can apply to the local licensing board.

Indiana does not issue a statewide electrician license. Most cities, such as Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, and Evansville, have their own licensing boards and requirements. Always confirm with your local jurisdiction.

Types of Electrician Training Programs

There are two common routes to getting trained:

• Apprenticeship Programs – Offer a combination of classroom instruction and paid on-the-job learning.
• Technical or Trade Schools – Focus more heavily on formal classroom training, often paired with internships.

Typical Training Lengths

Best Electrician Schools in Indiana

Here are some of the top programs in the state for electrical training. Always verify enrollment requirements, tuition costs, and schedules directly with the school.

1. Ivy Tech Community College

Ivy Tech has multiple campuses across Indiana offering Electrical Technology programs.
Highlights:

• Offers technical certificates and Associate of Applied Science degrees.
• Covers residential, commercial, and industrial wiring.
• Partners with local employers for internship opportunities.

Website: https://www.ivytech.edu/

2. JATC (Joint Apprenticeship & Training Committee) Programs

Indiana has local JATC chapters affiliated with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW).
Highlights:

• Four- to five-year apprenticeships with paid work.
• Structured classroom training.
• Focused on safety, NEC code knowledge, and advanced electrical skills.

Find local programs at: https://www.ieci.org/ and https://www.ibew.org/

3. Porter County Career & Technical Center

Located in Valparaiso, this program prepares high school students and adults for careers as electricians.
Highlights:

• Offers dual credit and certification opportunities.
• Strong local employer connections.
• Covers both theory and hands-on practice.

Website: https://pctc.k12.in.us/

4. Indianapolis Electrical Training Institute

Also known as IBEW Local 481 JATC, this program serves the Indianapolis area.
Highlights:

• Combines paid employment with classroom learning.
• Students work under licensed journey-level electricians.
• Strong reputation in Central Indiana.

Website: http://www.indyelectricaltraining.org/

5. Area Career Centers and Vocational High Schools

Many Indiana high schools offer electrical programs through Area Career Centers.
Highlights:

• Ideal for students who want to start training before graduation.
• Can lead to advanced standing in apprenticeship programs.
• Often free or low-cost for in-district residents.

Check with your local school district for details.

Choosing the Right Program

When comparing electrician schools in Indiana, look for:

• Accreditation – Ensures your training meets industry and employer standards.
• Licensed instructors – Teachers should have real-world trade experience.
• Job placement rates – Strong employer connections help you find work after graduation.
• Facilities and equipment – Training labs should match what you’ll see on job sites.
• Flexible schedules – If you’re working, night or weekend classes may be essential.

Licensing Requirements by City

Since electrician licensing in Indiana is local, here are a few examples:

Always contact your city or county office before enrolling to make sure the program you choose aligns with their licensing requirements.

Safety and Continuing Education

Electricians need to stay up to date on safety codes and new technology. Many Indiana cities require continuing education hours for license renewal. Training may cover:

• Updates to the National Electrical Code (NEC)
• OSHA safety requirements
• Emerging technologies like solar and smart home wiring

Working without a license can result in fines or loss of future licensing eligibility. Always maintain current credentials.

Next Steps

Here’s what to do now if you want to become an electrician in Indiana:

1. Contact your local licensing office to confirm requirements.
2. Compare schools or apprenticeship programs near you.
3. Apply to a program and gather your documents (ID, transcripts, etc.).
4. Start training and complete your classroom and hands-on hours.
5. Take your licensing exam and apply for your license.

The sooner you start your training, the sooner you can begin working in the field. Whether you choose a community college, a union apprenticeship, or a local career center, make sure your program prepares you for your city’s licensing process and real job site conditions.

Explore Related Topics:

• Best Trade Schools in Indiana (2025)