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Electricity

ELECTRICITY

INSTRUCTOR: TOMMY FARRER

A man in a hard hat works on electrical wiring, using a screwdriver.

Mr. Farrer grew up in Charlottesville, graduating from Charlottesville High School. He attended CATEC as an Electricity I and II student. He was motivated to study electricity because he had family members who worked in the industry. Mr. Farrer credits his CATEC instructor for being a big influence on his career choices. As an employee of UVA, he returned to CATEC as an adult Apprenticeship student. He worked for UVA Facilities Management for more than 20 years. Today, he teaches for both the High School and Adult Education and Apprenticeship programs.

A young person wearing safety glasses and a hard hat works on electrical wiring.CATEC's Electricity program provides students opportunities to explore all areas of the industry, developing skills to install, operate, maintain, and repair residential, commercial, and industrial electrical systems. Students study electrical theory and complex mathematical and physics problems related to industry. They navigate the National Electrical Code (NEC) Book, select and install conductors, examine lighting, communication, and power systems, and work with conduit and raceways, panel boards, switchboards, and generators. Students can earn one year of related technical instruction (RTI) towards an apprenticeship program. 

Electricity Video

CREDIT, CERTIFICATIONS, COURSE INFORMATION, AND PATHWAYS

  • Students receive up to 3 high school elective credits each year for successful completion of the program. Passage of the certification exam will award the student 2 student-verified elective credits, one of which can be substituted for a verified credit in either science or history. 

  • National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER core) Level 1 Electricity 

    Occupational Safety and Health Administrations, 10 hour (OSHA-10)

    Virginia Workplace Readiness Skills Assessment

     Class: Electrical I

    State Code: 8533

    Duration: 1 year

    Credential(s): NCCER, OSHA10

    Class: Electrical II

    State Code: 8534

    Duration: 1 year

    Credential(s): NCCER, OSHA10

  • Germanna Community College

    • Technical Studies Industrial Maintenance, A.I.T.

    Piedmont Virginia Community College

    • Manufacturing Technology (Career Studies Certificate)

    James Madison University

    • Industrial Design, B.S.

    Old Dominion University

    • General Engineering, B.S.

    University of Virginia

    • Architectural Design, B.S.

    • Multi-Disciplinary Architectural Studies, B.S.

    • Urban & Environmental Planning, B.A.E.P.

    Virginia Tech

    • Landscape Architecture, Bachelor

    • Construction Science, Bachelor

    • Building Construction B.S.

    • Industrial Design, B.S.

    • Landscape Architecture, L.A.R.

    • Industrial & Systems Engineering, I.S.E.

    • Materials Science & Engineering, M.S.E.

    • Career Opportunity: Electrician

    • Install, maintain, and repair electrical wiring, equipment, and fixtures. Ensure that work is in accordance with relevant codes. May install or service street lights, intercom systems, or electrical control systems.

    • National Wage Average: $57,000

    • Virginia Wage Average: $52,000

    • Projected Job Growth in Virginia: 6%

    • Nationally, 85,000 jobs increase each year for next 10 years

     

    • Career Opportunity: Construction Worker

    • Work on framing, carpentry, electrical, and plumbing jobs.

    • National Wage Average: $47,000

    • Virginia Wage Average: $55,000

       

    • Projected Job Growth in Virginia: 21.2%

    • Nationally, 168,000 jobs increase each year for next 10 years

     

    • Career Opportunity: Architectural Designer & Drafter

    • Prepare detailed drawings of architectural & structural features of buildings & topographical relief maps used in civil engineering projects such as highway, bridges, & public works. They use knowledge of building materials, engineering practice & mathematics to complete drawings.

    • National Wage Average: $53,470.00

    • Virginia Wage Average: $50,950.00

    • Projected Job Growth in Virginia: 7%