Trade School for Electrical Engineering: The 2023/2025 Guide

Earning an electrical engineering degree or certification from a trade school is an accelerated, affordable pathway to launch your technology career. With targeted hands-on training and career development support, today‘s top EE trade school programs prepare graduates for in-demand roles managing electrical systems and equipment.

This expert guide profiles the 10 best trade schools offering electrical engineering programs in 2023/2024. Keep reading for an in-depth evaluation of leading EE trade schools, insider advice for prospective students, and everything you need to pick the right program for your goals.

The Case for Trade School EE Programs

Pursuing electrical engineering training at a vocational trade school offers key advantages compared to a traditional 4-year engineering degree, including:

Focused, career-oriented curriculum: Trade school programs concentrate on teaching in-demand technical skills through intensive hands-on labs and classes on topics like circuit design, wiring, power systems, and troubleshooting. The coursework is streamlined to align with current industry needs.

Accelerated pace: EE trade school certificates and diplomas can be earned in under 2 years, while applied associate degrees take about 2 years – significantly faster than a bachelor‘s degree.

Lower cost: Tuition and fees for trade school electrical engineering programs average $10,000-$15,000 per year, making it an affordable fast track into the field.

Strong industry connections: Leading trade schools partner with electrical engineering companies to offer apprenticeships, internships, and graduate job placement. These connections provide a pipeline into coveted entry-level EE roles.

For those seeking focused electrical engineering training to enter or advance in the hands-on electrical trade career track, a trade school education is hard to beat. You gain in-demand technical abilities at an accelerated pace and affordable cost.

How We Selected the Top 10 Schools

Choosing the top electrical engineering trade schools for 2023/2024 required in-depth research and analysis. We applied expert-level criteria to rate programs on quality, affordability, graduate outcomes, and more:

Industry-alignment of programs: We evaluated program curriculum, technology/tools used, certifications offered to ensure strong alignment with current electrical engineering industry needs and standards. Hands-on training opportunities were also weighted heavily.

Successful graduate outcomes: Key outcomes we analyzed include graduation rates, certification exam pass rates, graduate employment rates, average graduate salaries, and employer reputation.

Affordability: Total program costs as well as availability of financial aid opportunities were assessed. We spotlighted schools providing top education at reasonable tuition rates and abundant aid options.

Reputation and accreditation: We verified proper certification and accreditations for each school as proxies for program quality and prestige. Well-regarded programs were prioritized.

Strength of career support: Program ratings also considered the scope and quality of trade school career planning, graduate job placement partnerships, apprenticeship facilitation, externships, and career guidance offerings.

After thorough profiling of over 50 electrical engineering trade schools nationwide, these 10 emerged as top programs to consider in 2023/2024 based on the rigorous criteria.

1. Lincoln Tech

Lincoln Tech is America‘s leading electrical engineering trade school, offering highly technical hands-on training at campuses nationwide. With 95% graduate employment rates thanks to strong hiring partnerships, Lincoln Tech delivers outstanding EE career preparation.

EE Programs Offered:

• Electrical and Electronic Systems Technology (associate degree)
• Electrical Technology and Automation Control Technician (certificate/diploma)

Key Program Features

• Learn installation, repair, troubleshooting for various electrical systems
• Master Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), industrial robotics, generators, transformers
• OSHA 10 Safety Certification exam preparation
• Eclipse, AutoCAD, Revit and visualization software training
• 80% hands-on lab work using professional-grade equipment

Career Outcomes

• 95% job placement rate
• Average graduate salary: $47K/year
• Top employers: Siemens, Rockwell Automation, GE, Tesla

Lincoln Tech offers unmatched hands-on electrical engineering training, career prep, and job connections to quickly enter this lucrative field.

2. Fortis College

Expand your electrical engineering skills at Fortis College. With curricula developed alongside industry partners like General Electric (GE) and Eaton, Fortis electrical engineering graduates possess highly relevant abilities.

EE Programs Offered

• Associate in Specialized Technology Degree in Electrical Systems Technician
• Electrical Systems Advanced Training Certificate

Key Program Features

• Installation and repair of electrical wiring, fixtures, control systems and equipment
• Reading and interpreting technical drawings/documents
• Alternating and Direct Current principles
• National Electric Code standards overview
• 84% hands-on lab instruction

Career Outcomes

• 90% graduate job placement rate
• Average starting salary of $50K for positions such as commercial electricians, manufacturing assistants, wind turbine technicians, and more

Start your electrical engineering career in just 12-24 months through Fortis College‘s selective admissions and industry-aligned programs.

3. Ashland University

Ashland University is a hidden gem among Midwestern electrical engineering schools. Their rigorous 128-credit Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering degree program develops versatile skills tailored to the region’s robust energy, manufacturing, automation and electronics industries.

EE Degree Offered

• Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering

Key Program Features

• Well-rounded curriculum covering electronics, signal processing, microprocessors, power, renewable energy and controls
• Emphasis on practical knowledge via extensive hands-on lab work
• 8-week paid internship included
• Prep for Fundamentals of Engineering and Professional Engineering exams

Career Outcomes

• 100% graduate job placement rate over the last 5 years
• Average starting salary of $67K
• Major regional employers include FirstEnergy, Swagelok, Armstrong and more

Gain a comprehensive electrical engineering education – plus paid experience – through Ashland University’s ABET-accredited BSEE program.

4. GW Institute

GW Institute offers a fast-track to begin or advance an electrical engineering career through industry-aligned diploma and degree programs in Illinois and Florida.

EE Programs Offered

• Associate of Applied Science in Electrical Engineering Technology
• Electrical Engineering Technology Diploma

Key Program Features

• Foundational curriculum covering EE essentials like circuit theory, digital logic, programming, transmission fundamentals and electrical drawings
• Specialized track options in electronics, PLCs and instrumentation
• 85% lab time utilizing professional-grade equipment
• EPA 608 Technician Certification test preparation

Career Outcomes

• 93% hire rate thanks to job placement partnerships
• Average graduate salary of $55K
• Primes graduates for electrical engineering roles in sectors like manufacturing, construction, utilities and more

In just 18-24 months at GW Institute, develop specialized electrical engineering abilities tailored to field work.

5. Brightwood College

Jumpstart your electrical engineering career through Brightwood College’s hands-on training programs, offered on over a dozen campuses coast-to-coast.

EE Programs Offered

• Electrical Technician Diploma
• Associates in Applied Science – Electrical Technician

Key Program Features

• Installation and repair of electrical wiring, fixtures, motors and equipment
• Reading technical drawings/documents
• Alternating and Direct Current principles
• National Electric Code standards

Career Outcomes

• 90% hire rate through extensive employer recruiting network
• Average starting salary of $45K
• Positions span residential electricians, maintenance technicians, electrical estimators, wind turbine technicians, and more

Through rigorous curriculum and job placement support, Brightwood College delivers an accessible pathway to high-demand electrical engineering careers.

6. New England Institute of Technology

Overview: The New England Institute of Technology is a leading Northeast trade school providing top-tier associate through master‘s degree programs in electrical engineering disciplines.

EE Programs Offered:

• Associate and Bachelor’s Degrees in Electrical Engineering Technology
• Master‘s Degrees in Electrical Engineering and Energy Systems

Key Program Features:

• Specializations in high-demand fields like robotics, renewable energy, cybersecurity
• Cutting-edge curriculum emphasizing emerging technologies
• Mandatory co-op program with regional engineering leaders

Career Outcomes

• Multi-decade track record of 100% graduate employment in electrical engineering fields
• Average starting salary of $70K+
• Vast regional industry hiring network

New England Tech graduates possess rare expertise in high-tech electrical engineering subfields, making them extremely attractive candidates with nearly unlimited career possibilities.

7. ITT Technical Institute

Though ITT Tech ceased operations in 2016, many campuses have re-opened under new ownership and management as Altierus Career College, and have regained accreditation. Their longstanding electrical engineering programs leverage experienced faculty and revitalized facilities to train tomorrow’s electrical engineering leaders.

EE Programs Offered

• Associate & Bachelor‘s Degrees in Electrical Engineering Technology

Key Program Features

• Instrumentation and controls
• Circuits, digital and analog electronics
• Communications systems
• 85% hands-on lab time
• EPA Section 608 Technician Certification Exam Prep

Career Outcomes

• Blue-chip regional employers include Georgia Power, Caterpillar, Mercedes-Benz USA
• Revamped career placement services improving graduate employment rates

Resurgent industry demand for skilled electrical engineering technicians makes Altierus‘s accessible, career-focused programs a smart choice.

8. UEI College

Since 1982, UEI College has prepared over 100,000 electricians for careers maintaining and repairing electrical systems in residential and commercial settings across California.

EE Program Offered

• Electrical Systems Technician Diploma

Key Program Features

• Prepares for state electrical certification exams
• National Electric Code (NEC) training
• Electrical wiring, fuse boxes, motors, PLCs, smart home systems
• Externship included

Career Outcomes

• Numerous campus career prep and job placement services
• Positions span residential electricians, maintenance technicians, electrical estimators, wind turbine technicians, and more

UEI College provides targeted training and job connections to begin a stable electrical engineering career maintaining and repairing modern electrical infrastructures across various industries.

9. Pinnacle Career Institute

Pinnacle Career Institute provides versatile electrical engineering education through online courses and hands-on training at campuses in Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska.

EE Programs Offered

• Associate in Applied Science – Electrical Technology
• Electrical Technology Diploma

Key Program Features

• Broad curriculum including electronics, robotics, renewable energy, project management fundamentals
• Specializations available
• Externship program
• Prep for ETA Certified Electronics Technician exam

Career Outcomes

• 95% job placement rate thanks to recruitment events and industry networking
• Graduates field competitive offers from leading regional employers

Gain specialized abilities or comprehensive electrical engineering knowledge suited for various career paths through Pinnacle Career Institute‘s flexible program offerings and support.

10. Tulsa Tech

Tulsa Tech has offered practical electrical engineering technician training tailored to Oklahoma’s robust energy sector for over 50 years. Hands-on programs utilize cutting-edge facilities backed by Tulsa’s largest school district.

EE Programs Offered

• Electrical Technology Associate Degree
• Technology Electronics Certificate

Key Program Features

• Broad curriculum covering electrical code, motors, PLCs, circuit fabrication/testing, schematics, automation
• Specialized training on leading GE and Siemens equipment
• Prepare for Associate Certified Electronics Technicians (CETa) credential

Career Outcomes

• Partnerships with 400+ regional employers
• Recent graduates secured electrical engineering roles at WPX Energy, AAON and True Manufacturing

Tulsa Tech brings generations of expertise training local talent to meet Oklahoma’s considerable demand for skilled electrical engineering technicians in energy and aerospace.

What to Consider When Choosing an EE Trade School

With many factors to weigh, selecting the ideal electrical engineering trade school for your goals requires thorough research:

Program Alignment with Your Goals

Compare programs in detail to find the best match for your existing skill level and specific career ambitions. Look for specializations available or flexibility to take some advanced EE coursework.

Hands-on Training Opportunities

Look for equipment usage, extensive lab work, simulations, mandatory projects and availability of externships or apprenticeships. These hands-on experiences will prove invaluable for skills development.

Career Prospects Post-Graduation

Research career guidance offerings, employer partnerships, graduate employment rates and average graduate salaries to gauge your prospects post-graduation.

Admissions Requirements

Make sure your background meets all program admission standards for prior coursework/experience, test scores, etc. Also confirm hardware/tool requirements.

Accreditation

Verified regional and program-specific electrical engineering accreditations indicate quality standards are met.

Costs and Financial Aid Availability

Compare total program costs and weigh tuition alongside scholarships, grants, GI bill coverage and work study opportunities to minimize debt.

Thoroughly investigating these aspects will help identify your best-fit electrical engineering trade school to launch your career.

Electrical Engineering Trade School FAQs

Do trade schools offer bachelor‘s degrees in electrical engineering?

Yes, a growing number of trade schools now provide 4-year Bachelor of Science degrees in Electrical Engineering Technology. These applied programs concentrate on teaching practical career skills with lots of hands-on training. Credits may also transfer to a traditional university engineering program.

Can I work in electrical engineering with only a trade school degree?

Absolutely. While some advanced jobs may require further education, electrical engineering technicians with 2-year trade school degrees are qualified for the majority of hands-on roles installing/maintaining electrical infrastructures. Top companies also actively recruit graduates of reputable EE trade schools.

What jobs can I get with electrical engineering trade school training?

Electrical engineering trade school graduates are prepared for in-demand roles such as:

• Electrical Technicians
• Electricians
• Electrical Powerline Installers
• Electrical Engineering Technologists
• Electronics Engineering Technicians
• Wind Turbine Technicians
• Manufacturing Engineering Technicians

What is the career outlook for trade school-trained electrical engineering technicians?

The BLS projects 8% growth for electrical engineering technician roles from 2021-2031 – much faster than average – adding over 17,000 new jobs. Demand for maintaining and improving electrical systems infrastructure across industries remains very strong.

What is the average electrical engineering technician trade school graduate salary?

Typical entry-level electrical engineering technician salaries range from $40,000 to $60,000, depending on position type, specialization and location. Experienced technicians can eventually earn six-figure salaries.

Start Your Electrical Engineering Career Today

This guide profiles America’s top 10 electrical engineering trade schools based on program quality, affordability, graduate success metrics and more. Within two years or less, you can gain specialized technical abilities plus real-world experience to qualify for rewarding EE technician roles through these outstanding programs.