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CAREERS
Industrial Maintenance & Electrical Systems

Foundations of Electrical Systems

Build essential skills for entry-level industrial maintenance technicians to interpret electrical schematics, take measurements, and troubleshoot motors, controls, and circuits.

8 Weeks

Typical Time to Complete

11 Credits

MAY VARY BY INSTITUTION

Stackable

TOWARD DEGREES & CREDENTIALS
ABOUT THIS PATHWAY

What You Learn

The Foundations of Electrical Systems micro-pathway helps you build the skills needed to start a career in industrial maintenance or as an entry-level electrician. You will learn how to read electrical schematics, take measurements, and install and troubleshoot basic motors, controls, and circuits, all while following OSHA standards and safe work practices.

This pathway also sets you up to advance into more specialized maintenance or automation roles and can count toward associate degree programs like Industrial Systems Technology or Mechatronics Engineering Technology at your local community college.

ENROLL LOCALLY

Get Started Near You

This pathway is offered at AdvanceNC member colleges across North Carolina. Each college runs its own version of the program, so schedules, costs, and start dates vary by location. Find a college and reach out through its page to ask about training options near you.

Scholarships and funding are available. Ask about your options when you connect with a college.

Request Information

Alamance Community College

Graham, North Carolina • Alamance County

Central Carolina Community College

Sanford, North Carolina • Lee County

Durham Technical Community College

Durham, North Carolina • Durham County

Guilford Technical Community College

Jamestown, North Carolina • Guilford County

Randolph Community College

Asheboro, North Carolina • Randolph County

Vance-Granville Community College

Henderson, North Carolina • Vance County

Wake Technical Community College

Raleigh, North Carolina • Wake County

Aligned OCCUPATIONS

Jobs You Qualify For

Industrial Machinery Mechanic

Repair and maintain factory equipment, production machinery, and material handling systems.

Industrial Electrician

Install, maintain, and repair electrical systems in industrial settings.

EMBEDDED CREDENTIALS

Credentials You Earn

OSHA-10

INCLUDED

SACA Level 1 Certification

SACA Level 1 Certification

SACA — Smart Automation Certification Alliance

PROGRAM SKILLS

Core Competencies You Learn

  • Electrical Systems

Electrical Schematic Interpretation & Measurement

Focuses on interpreting electrical schematics and using electrical measurements to verify system functionality and understand component and circuit operation.

  • Measure voltage, current, and resistance in electrical circuits to verify system operation and power levels
  • Interpret electrical control and power schematics to understand component and system operation

Electrical Component Installation & Repair

Focuses on installing, testing, troubleshooting, and repairing electrical components and systems to ensure the safe, reliable operation of industrial equipment.
  • Monitor, troubleshoot, and replace electrical components
  • Adjust limit switches and electronic sensors
  • Install and test DC electric motors in manual control circuits
  • Install and test AC electric motors in manual control circuits
  • Test and repair machine electrical grounds
  • Replace electrical control wiring using terminal attachment
  • Install, examine, and replace transformers

Electrical Circuit Troubleshooting

Focuses on diagnosing and resolving issues in electrical motor, solenoid-operated, fluid power, and relay control circuits to maintain reliable system performance.
  • Troubleshoot electrical motor relay control circuits
  • Understand solenoid-operated fluid power relay control circuits
  • Safety & Compliance

Workplace Safety and Regulatory Compliance

Ensures learners can work safely in industrial environments by complying with OSHA regulations and applying appropriate safety protocols, including PPE, fire safety, and hydraulic, mechanical, and electrical system procedures.
  • Operate in the workplace in a safe and effective manner
  • Adhere to general safety, health, and environmental rules and regulations (e.g., LOTO, confined space)
  • Understand and follow safety rules for mechanical power transmission systems
  • Comply with fluid power systems safety rules (hydraulic / pneumatic)
  • Follow safety rules for electronic power and control systems
  • Apply safety protocols appropriate to specific manufacturing environments, such as welding, piping, and electrical systems
  • Critical Thinking

Critical Thinking in the Workplace

The ability to reason logically and rigorously by gathering and evaluating relevant information, identifying patterns across data and situations, questioning assumptions, and using evidence-based reasoning to draw sound conclusions, judgments, and recommendations.
  • Gather and assess relevant information: ground problem-solving in facts rather than assertions
  • Identify patterns: make sense of data, recognize commonalities among seemingly unrelated situations, and frame novel problems in familiar terms
  • Draw conclusions: use logic and reasoning to evaluate arguments, form judgments, and make recommendations

Interested in This Pathway?

Fill out the form below and we'll help connect you with a member institution to learn more.