Are Online Electrician Courses Worth It? (Are They Practical?)
Online courses are a good option for showing the fundamentals of being an electrician in this modern world we find ourselves in. It can provide technical tutorials, advice on how to start and progress your career, and tips and tricks to be the best electrician you can be.
However, online courses cannot supplement real-life experiences, working with customers, and teaching you how to troubleshoot in real-life scenarios.
Related:
Related: The Best Online Electrician Schools of 2023
You should definitely go for online courses to give you the broad strokes education you need, especially at the start of your career. Still, nothing will replace real-life jobs and customer interactions, so that should be your focus when learning and progressing throughout your electrician career.
In the evolution of digital learning, a surge in online courses has occurred, allowing learners to acquire new skills and knowledge from the comfort of their homes. Among the myriad of online offerings, electrician courses have gained particular attention.
But what about our post title? Are online electrician courses worth it?
Are they practical enough to prepare individuals for a career in this skilled trade?
Let’s check out the answer below:
The Pros of Online Electrician Courses
1. Flexibility and Convenience
Are Online Electrician Courses Worth It? (Are They Practical?)
One of the primary advantages of online electrician courses is the flexibility they offer over standard in-person classes or apprenticeships. Traditional classes require participants to stick to strict schedules, often clashing with work or personal commitments. Online courses, on the other hand, provide the flexibility to learn at your own pace and on your own schedule, which in the hybrid world is a must nowadays.
2. Cost-Effectiveness
Are Online Electrician Courses Worth It? (Are They Practical?)
Online electrician courses are often more affordable than their traditional counterparts. Traditional education comes with additional costs such as commuting, textbooks, and accommodation. Online courses eliminate these expenses, making quality education more accessible to a broader range of individuals.
Depending on where you are taking your courses, rental costs for educational institutions can be prohibitive. The costs alone could make it more viable to run electrician courses online.
3. Diverse Learning Resources
Are Online Electrician Courses Worth It? (Are They Practical?)
Online courses typically offer a variety of learning resources, including videos, interactive modules, quizzes, and assignments, as well as additional resources such as takeaways, help documents, guides, and pretty much anything for learners to refer back to after the course has been completed. These diverse materials cater to different preferences of learning that you would-be electricians may have, allowing you to absorb information in a way that suits you best. Some learners might benefit from instructional videos, while others prefer written content or hands-on simulations. The good online curriculums out there will provide a wide array of options to keep you engaged and dedicated to becoming the next generation of electricians.
4. Self-Paced Learning
Are Online Electrician Courses Worth It? (Are They Practical?)
Online electrician courses allow you to learn at your own pace, which is super important. How often when you were at school did those long teacher-led lectures, and thought, wow, this is boring. Self-paced learning is advantageous because it accommodates both faster and more detail-orientated learners.
If you’re grasping concepts quickly, you can proceed faster. Conversely, if you need more time to understand a particular topic, you’re able to handle the pace of the class.
When done self-paced, the other part of the equation of online courses is that you can ask the tutor questions long after the course material has been released. There can be a constant “ask the expert” function available which can be useful, especially if you like to take your online courses in small bursts over a more extended period of time.
The Cons of Online Electrician Courses
1. Practical Hands-On Experience
Are Online Electrician Courses Worth It? (Are They Practical?)
Electrician work is inherently practical and hands-on. Online courses might provide theoretical knowledge, but they often need to offer the hands-on experience required for mastering skills like wiring, troubleshooting, and repairs. Physical interaction with tools and equipment is crucial for becoming a proficient electrician.
2. Lack of Personal Interaction
Are Online Electrician Courses Worth It? (Are They Practical?)
Related: Isolation: A Pitfall of Online Learning
Traditional classroom settings facilitate immediate interactions with instructors and peers. This interaction fosters quick clarification of doubts and an opportunity for in-depth discussions. In contrast, online courses rely heavily on asynchronous communication methods, which might need to be more effective in addressing queries promptly.
3. Limited Networking Opportunities
Are Online Electrician Courses Worth It? (Are They Practical?)
Networking is a vital aspect of any career, including electricians. Traditional classes offer opportunities for students to connect with peers who might become colleagues or valuable contacts in the future. While providing discussion forums, online courses lack the in-person interaction that can foster lasting professional relationships.
4. Need for Self-Discipline
Are Online Electrician Courses Worth It? (Are They Practical?)
Online learning demands a high degree of self-discipline. With a set schedule and a physical classroom environment, some learners may be able to stay motivated and focused. Saying, “I’ll do it at some point,” can become a significant hurdle to overcome, hindering the successful completion of any course.
Review
So, Are Online Electrician Courses Worth It?
Are Online Electrician Courses Worth It? (Are They Practical?)
The answer depends on your individual circumstances and learning preferences. If you’re seeking flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and a variety of learning resources, online electrician courses might be a suitable option, especially for acquiring foundational knowledge.
However, traditional in-person electrician programs align more with your goals if you value hands-on experience, immediate interaction with instructors, and the opportunity to build strong professional networks.
Related: Online Training vs. Traditional Training for Electricians
When you have decided to be an electrician, we recommend starting with an (introduction to being an Electrician) course to give you a broad insight into what the job will be like. Then you should enroll in an in-depth, traditional instructor-led course to acquire the key skills you need to do the job in the real world.
Using these learning approaches, you should meet your desired result of becoming a competent and successful electrician and gaining success in the field.
Finding the Middle Ground: Hybrid Learning
Are Online Electrician Courses Worth It? (Are They Practical?)
The best of both worlds could lie in hybrid learning models. Some institutions offer a blend of online coursework and in-person practical sessions. This approach capitalizes on the benefits of both online and traditional learning, providing theoretical knowledge through online modules while ensuring practical skills are honed in real-world settings.
Final Thoughts
In the rapidly evolving education landscape, online electrician courses offer undeniable benefits in flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and diverse learning resources. However, they might need to provide more practical hands-on experience and immediate interactions vital to becoming a proficient electrician. Pursuing an online electrician course ultimately depends on your goals, preferences, and circumstances.
For those who value practical skills and real-world experience, hybrid models that combine online learning with in-person practical sessions offer the best of both worlds. As the education industry continues to innovate, weighing the pros and cons carefully and choosing a learning path that aligns with your aspirations of becoming a skilled and competent electrician is essential.
Hey, I’m Kris Taylor. I’m a Learning and Development professional currently in the healthcare field, with over 8 years of experience in the area of corporate education. I have created numerous instructional content for various corporate projects including eLearning, in-person facilitation, and virtual training across a wide variety of learning interventions and sectors. On Taughtup, I discuss topics ranging from how to succeed through K-12 to college all the way to instructional design tips for L&D designers.
