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Western Dakota Technical College Learn. Do. Now.

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Electrical Trades

In this program, you will practice technical skills under the guidance of instructors who are true experts. The result? You graduate with abilities and knowledge that set you apart. If you are ready to prepare for an interesting and challenging career in a growing field, we are ready to help you acquire the skills and experience you need.

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Degree Description

Electrical Trades is a four-semester Associate of Applied Science degree program. Our program is hands-on. There is some classroom time, but you will spend most of your day learning by doing. During your first year, you will earn a solid foundation in electronics and electrical technology. In your second year, you will focus your studies on learning advanced electrical trades skills.

Electrical Trades is designed to do more than just train you for a career as an electrician. This is an industry where traditional electrician skills interface with the high-tech world of solid-state controls, programmable controls, and computerized networking. You will graduate with skills in all these areas.

Recent program graduates work for Al Sutton Electric, American Electric, Cherne Contracting, Clarke Electric, Conrad’s Big C Electric, Freeman Electric, Kennecott Energy Company, Muth Electric, Inc., and many others.

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Application Process

1. Complete Western Dakota Technical College Admissions Application
2. Complete the ACCUPLACER test ($15 fee)
3. Schedule your Admissions Advising Session
4. Provide an official copy of a High School transcript or GED scores. If you graduated from an international high school, you must submit your transcript to Educational Credential Evaluators to determine U.S. equivalence. Additionally, an official transcript must be submitted if you have attended other post-secondary institutions or universities.
5. Submit Immunization Records verifying two doses of MMR vaccinations
6. Once you receive your acceptance letter, schedule a time to register for classes

The ACCUPLACER test will be waived if you have an ACT sub-score of 18 or better in English, Math, and Reading.  To waive the ACCUPLACER with SAT scores a student will need a 500 on the MATH subsection of ACT and a composite of 970 to waive Writing and Reading. To place into MATH 114 a student will need a 520 on the MATH subsection.  

Please call 605-718-2565 to make an appointment.

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Career Description

Students will study and learn to interpret and apply the requirements of the National Electrical Code. A solid background in the theory and technology of the electrical field will give the knowledge and ability to install, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair electrical circuits and equipment. The training gives students the flexibility to pursue different areas of employment as entry-level electricians. Most of our lab experience mimics outside work-sites and allows students to have first-hand experience in a controlled environment. The Electrical Trades program prepares students for employment as an apprentice electrician in the construction, mining, and industrial manufacturing sectors of the Trades and Construction Industry.
The South Dakota Electrical Commission requires successful completion of First Aid/CPR training in order to graduate from an electrical trades program.

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Virtual Tour Electrical Trades Lab

Take the Virtual Tour Now Next, schedule an on-campus tour and receive a FREE WDTC T-Shirt when you arrive.


General Education EMT

After Earning Your Degree

Electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical power, communications, lighting, and control systems in homes, businesses, and factories. Electricians work indoors and outdoors in nearly every type of facility. Almost all electricians work full time, which may include evenings and weekends. Although the work is not as dangerous as other construction occupations, potential injuries include electrical shocks and burns, cuts, and falls. Employment of electricians is projected to grow 14 percent from 2014 to 2024, much faster than the average for all occupations. As homes and businesses require more wiring, electricians will be needed to install the necessary components. The job prospects for electricians should be very good, as many employers report difficulty finding qualified applicants. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in May 2023, the average wage in western South Dakota was $54,770.

Meet Your Faculty

Western Dakota Technical College has a low student-to-faculty ratio, meaning more one-on-one learning. Individual attention from your professor can make your college experience more fulfilling.


  • Bryan Mitchell

  • Daniel McRae

Financial Aid

Continuing your education is crucial and Western Dakota Technical College wants to make sure that any student who wants to attend school, has the opportunity to do so. For this reason, WDTC is dedicated to administering the U.S. Department of Education’s Title IV Financial Assistance Program fair and consistently to anyone who needs it.

Build Dakota Scholarships

The Build Dakota Scholarship at Western Dakota Technical College will pay all your tuition and fees and prepare you for a career that is in-demand and growing in South Dakota. Build Dakota Scholarships will be awarded to students entering high-need workforce programs at South Dakota’s technical institutes to fill the state’s technical careers with skilled professionals.


Student Housing

Finding affordable housing during school can be a challenge for students. Western Dakota Technical College currently does not have on-campus housing, but partners with a Rapid City VRBO to offer a limited number of apartments for full-time students in the fall and spring semesters.


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Child Care

Finding child care during school is a challenge for many students. Western Dakota Technical College currently does not offer on-campus child care, but here are some resources that may help you in your search.

Youth & Family Services is an organization dedicated to helping children in Western South Dakota. They offer a variety of services, including child care at multiple locations.

The Y of Rapid City offers child care and other services.

Disclaimer: Western Dakota Technical College provides these links to you only as a convenience, and the inclusion of any link does not imply affiliation, endorsement or adoption by Western Dakota Technical College of any site or any information contained therein. When you leave wdt.edu, you should be aware that our terms and policies no longer govern. Western Dakota Technical College makes no claim or representation regarding, and accepts no responsibility for, the quality, content, nature or reliability of third-party websites or vendors.

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