We have reached a point where skilled trades are no longer a backup plan. People are planning to go on these paths, and they are more and more sought after. An electrician is a practical career choice, and for good reasons. With the way new constructions appear everywhere and people turning to renewable energy, we need trained electricians more than ever. For those at the very beginning of the journey, choosing the right electrical courses for beginners in Colorado means everything. You may finish quicker or slower, but with more confidence. It all depends on what you want your progress to be like.
Electrical work is not something people do without training. It requires years of course learning, supervised practice, and passing a license exam. And enrolling in a good electrician course in Colorado is often the best first step for your future career.
What Beginner Electrical Courses Cover
Training should teach what employers expect of their workers. For students, it makes it easier to move from learning to actually working in apprenticeships or even entry-level roles. The best programs emphasize complying with the National Electrical Code (NEC).
Programs differ in duration, anywhere from 6 months to 5 years. The goal for everyone is the same one: beginners have to build knowledge that prepares them for hands-on work under supervision. Course material generally includes electrical theory, tool usage and safety procedures, basic circuitry, grounding systems, and introductory code concepts. Students also learn blueprint reading here, an essential skill on job sites.
Beginner programs are not designed to create fully independent electricians. They prepare students for apprenticeships, the next step of the path towards being a full, skilled electrician. For info on different courses check out our other articles, such as the Best Electrical Courses in Arkansas.
Types of Electrical Courses Available in Colorado
There are three main program paths that beginners in Colorado can take. First, you have trade schools and technical colleges that offer the most structured electrician courses Colorado students can enroll in. The programs last from several months to two years and include lab instruction, assessments, and instructor feedback from people who know the industry.
The third option, if you prefer something more flexible, is adult education and workforce development programs. This is perfect if you are changing careers or you are a working adult. It lasts less, but you learn the essential electrical fundamentals and safety practices.
To find out the best options near you, check out Colorado’s Department of Labor and Employment’s guide.
IBEW Local 68 (Denver) and IBEW Local 111 (Colorado Springs) Apprenticeships
If you ask around job sites, these programs come up quickly. The IBEW apprenticeships are viewed as the best route for those serious about long-term careers.
IBEW apprenticeships are administered through Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committees (JATCs). Apply through IBEW Local 68 in the Denver area or IBEW Local 111 in Colorado Springs and surrounding regions. Each local has its own application period, which you can find on their official websites.
To apply, you need to be at least 18, have a high school diploma or GED, and basic algebra skills.
In these programs, you learn the theory in classes, but also do full-time work for which you get paid. As an apprentice, you go to active job sites, then to instruction that covers theory and safety practices.
Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) Rocky Mountain
If you don’t want the union route, the next best option is IEC Rocky Mountain. Their apprenticeship model combines education with employment through participating contractors.
Apprentices work for licensed electrical contractors during the day and complete coursework through IEC. It’s aligned with what employers expect from beginner electricians. To get licensed, you need to gain a number of hours of supervised work, and this lets you earn a wage while doing it.
Emily Griffith Technical College in Denver
Emily Griffith is one of the best colleges in the area if you are planning to take electrical courses. It has electrical programs made for students with little or no experience.
Unlike an apprenticeship, it focuses more on learning the electrical theory and safety protocols, but also delves a little into hands-on work with labs. Students don’t become journeymen overnight, but function competently as apprentices, and for many beginners, it adds confidence for apprenticeships.
Pickens Technical College in Aurora
Another great college option is Picken Technical College in Aurora. It offers electrical-related training, but compared to other similar programs, it’s aimed at the workforce rather than academic theory. Programs focus on getting the skills, on safety, and understanding of electrical work on real job sites, and pride themselves on being affordable.
This option is for beginners who want to step into the electrical world but find it harder to commit to a multi-year program. It doesn’t replace an apprenticeship, but it can strengthen applications and help students decide if this life fits their expectations.
Final Thoughts
Electrical work isn’t for everyone. It asks for patience on days when progress feels slow, physical effort, and constant attention when the day feels too long. But for the right person, the work has a quiet appeal. If you enjoy figuring things out and working with your hands, the work is satisfying. For people in Colorado, it also has the promise of steady work in the future, and a great career.
