Electrical Apprenticeship Program (EXT)
About the Electrical Apprenticeship Program
The Electrical Apprenticeship Program (EAP) at RWU Extension School (EXT) provides a structured pathway for individuals to become skilled electricians through classroom instruction for students who are concurrently participating in a registered apprenticeship with an approved employer through the RI Department of Labor and Training for RI Journeyman B Licensure*. This program is designed to provide the theoretical knowledge and develop the technical skills and safety awareness necessary for a successful career in the electrical trade.
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Electrical Apprenticeship Program Facts
Format
In-person
Schedule
October 1, 2025 to April 22, 2026
Mondays & Wednesdays from 6-9 PM
Time Commitment
150 hours over 25 weeks
Cost
Cost: $1,975 per year
Ways to Save
Parking is provided.
Apply By
September 1, 2025
Upcoming Events
Trade Programs info virtual meeting:
Click this calendar link to schedule a 15-minute one-on- one meeting with us to learn more about this program.
Electrical Apprenticeship Program Overview
Our program has been approved by the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training and meets the related training instruction (RTI) component of the apprenticeship standards. The State of RI requires a student to attend 144 hours of related instruction per level of studies, for a total of 576 hours at the end of 4 years while concurrently participating in an apprenticeship that is registered with the RI Department of Labor and Training for licensure in Rhode Island (RI General Law 5-6-24). We impart 150 hours of related instruction for a total of 600 hours at the end of 4 years. We are the only higher education institution in the state with full National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) accreditation. NCCER is nationally recognized as the training, assessment, and certification standard in the construction industry. Our key program differentiators include:
- Continuous testing—Our program requires students to complete chapter tests and maintain a minimum 70% average each year, reinforcing their test-taking skills in preparation for the journeyperson exam.
- Employability skills—Students complete embedded modules on career skills, including financial literacy, job readiness, soft skills, and time management.
- Small class sizes— This model promotes personalized attention from the instructors.
- Updated national curriculum— NCCER crafted our curriculum, which contains current and updated information on the electrical trade.
- Quality instructors—Our instructors are amongst the best educators and practitioners in the field. They hold A, B (RI) license or A, E (MA) licenses.
- Top-of-the-line Learning Management System (LMS) and free access to LinkedIn Learning—our LMS platform is intuitive and easy to use. The course has multimedia resources and 24/7 online tutoring support that aids student learning. LinkedIn Learning is an additional online learning platform with over 5,000 video courses led by experts across business, technology, and creative fields that are provided at no cost with your Roger Williams University email address.
- College credits may be available—Upon successful completion of all four years in our program, the completers may be eligible to receive up to 42 college credits. Program completers can earn college credits at EXT through Prior Learning Assessment (PLA.). Upon successfully completing the RWU Electrical Apprenticeship Program, a participant is eligible to have the coursework transcribed for 42 college credits. A successful participant must apply, be accepted to EXT as a matriculating student, and complete one semester before the credit is transcribed.
Electrical Apprenticeship Program Structure
This is an in-person training that meets twice a week in the evening for 25 weeks, from October to April. The student is expected to participate in the apprenticeship during the day and attend our program at night. Classes meet on Mondays and Wednesdays from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., and with this schedule, the student completes 150 hours of related training instruction (RTI).
Program Dates and Class Schedule
This program runs from October 1, 2025 to April 22, 2026. Classes are in-person and held on Mondays & Wednesdays at the Extension School, 1 Empire Street, Providence, RI.
Free parking validation for students at: Civic Center Parking Garage, 165 Washington St., Providence, RI.
Electrical Apprenticeship Program Outcomes
- Fulfill the state requirements to qualify for the electrical journeypersons test.
- Graduate from a National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) accredited program.
- Receive college credits for life and work experience.
- Better preparation for work in the electrical field.
Hands-On Training and Practice
This program is designed to be rigorous, emphasizing the importance of consistent attendance and active participation. In addition to attending classes, students are expected to engage with the Brightspace Learning Management System (LMS) for supplementary learning materials. Program requirements include completing chapter tests and maintaining a minimum yearly average of 70%. To support academic success, students should allocate sufficient time for textbook readings and practice quizzes available on the LMS. Students will receive a letter of completion upon completing each academic year. Graduates who complete all four years of the program will be awarded a certificate of completion at the graduation ceremony.
Application & Enrollment Process for New Students
Prospective students may apply to this program year-round; however, acceptance letters will be issued starting May 1.
To apply, complete this application.
Once you receive your admission letter, you can secure your spot in the program through this payment link:
Registration Links for Returning Students
*To become licensed in the State of Rhode Island, students must concurrently participate in a registered apprenticeship with an approved employer (Rhode Island General Law 5-6-24).
Career Opportunities in the Skilled Trades
Typically, trade occupations offer sustainable, and reliable employment. Trade careers provide practical and valuable skills, incur less student loan debt, and allow individuals to earn as they learn. The high wage-earning potential of this trade and the low financial investment upfront provide the perfect roadmap for economic development and self-sufficiency for program graduates. Other benefits include:
- Competitive salaries: Skilled trades often offer competitive wages, with many tradespeople earning salaries comparable to or exceeding those of jobs requiring a four-year degree. Trades frequently have opportunities for overtime pay, and many positions come with substantial benefits, including healthcare and retirement plans.
- High demand for skilled workers: Tradespeople, such as electricians, plumbers, welders, and HVAC technicians, are in high demand due to skilled labor shortages. This often leads to better job stability compared to some other fields. Many industries rely heavily on the trades, ensuring a steady need for construction, manufacturing, and maintenance workers.
- Hands-on, practical work: People who enjoy working with their hands and solving real-world problems often find trades more fulfilling than other jobs. Each project or job site can present unique challenges, keeping the work interesting and dynamic.
- Opportunities for entrepreneurship: Many tradespeople choose to start their own businesses, which offers them the chance to set their own schedules, build a client base, and increase their income potential. Being self-employed in the trades can offer more control over work-life balance.
Request Information
If you have general questions about this program, fill out the request info form, and a member of our enrollment team will contact you: Request Info
If you want to attend a meeting to discuss this or other trade programs, click on the link below to attend a virtual meeting:
Electrical Code Update Classes- Coming soon!