EIMT Program FAQs

  1. When do the classes start?
  2. How long do I have to wait to get into the program?
  3. Is there a wait list to get into the program?
  4. Will you accept credits from other campuses?
  5. Will completing the program at HCC help me get into the Electrical Union?
  6. How many Electrical Unions are there on Oahu?
  7. What kind of electrical work will the program prepare me for?
  8. What is the difference between a construction electrician and a maintenance electrician?
  9. Is there an advantage to completing the electrical program at HCC instead of directly entering the Electrical Union?
  10. Are there any evening classes?
  11. What kind of degree can I get after I complete the program?
  12. What is the difference between a Certificate and an Associate degree?
  13. How long will it take for me to earn an Associate degree?
  14. Will I be able to finish the Certificate in a shorter time since I will be taking less credits?
  15. Can I get me Certificate of Achievement and then later come back to get my Associate in Applied Science degree?
  16. Do my credits expire after a specified number of years?
  17. What kind of tools will I need to buy for the program?

1. When do the classes start?

Classes for new students begin only in the Fall semester. If you start in the Spring semester, you will be taking your support classes such as Math, English and other general education requirements.

2. How long will I have to wait to get into the program?

Because there is such a high demand for this training, students typically end up waiting 2-3 years before they can actually start the electrical classes.

3. Can I be placed on a waitlist to get into the program?

There is no waitlist. Entry is based on the number of credit hours you have completed at HCC in addition to credits that have been accepted as transfer credits to HCC. The total of these credit hours determine when you will register, so the higher this total, the earlier you will register.

4. Will you accept credits from other campuses?

We will accept credits from other campuses but only credits that are applicable for the program. If you would like to transfer credits to HCC, you will need to submit a Transfer Evaluation Request Form and have your official transcripts sent to our Records Office. If you would like to transfer credits from a college within the University of Hawaii system, you will only need to submit a Transfer Evaluation Request Form because your transcript can be viewed online by the evaluator.

5. Will completing the program at HCC help me get into the Electrical Union?

No. However, once you are accepted into the Union, your degree at HCC will be counted as classroom hours in the apprenticeship program as you work towards your journey workers license.

6. How many Electrical Unions are there on Oahu?

There are two electrical unions on Oahu. The IBEW Local 1186 works primarily with residential and commercial buildings. The HEW is a in the Division of Laborer's International and works primarily with highway and street lighting.

7. What kind of electrical work will the program prepare me for?

After completing the program, you can choose a career as a construction electrician or a maintenance electrician.

8. What is the difference between a construction electrician and a maintenance electrician?

A construction electrician installs systems for residential or public works projects. A maintenance electrician keeps electrical systems and equipment in good working order-they work in schools, hospitals or industries.

9. Is there an advantage to completing the electrical program at HCC instead of directly entering the Electrical Union?

The advantage is that oftentimes the unions, private or government employers may recruit for apprentices through HCC because students already have the basic knowledge and skills needed to perform entry level work.

10. Are there any evening classes?

No. All electrical classes are offered only during the day.

11. What kind of degree can I get after I complete the program?

You can earn either a Certificate of Achievement or an Associate of Applied Science degree.

12. What is the difference between a Certificate and an Associate degree?

The difference is the number of credits required for each. The Associate degree requires an additional Math class, English class and three general education classes for a total of 16 additional credits.

13. How long will it take for me to earn an Associate degree?

It will take two years once you start the electrical classes.

14. Will I be able to finish the Certificate in a shorter time since I will be taking less credits?

No. It will still take two years. Electrical classes cannot be combined. They must be taken in the order it is offered because the classes are progressive and build on the prior semester classes.

15. Can I get a Certificate of Achievement and then later come back to get my Associate in Applied Science degree?

Yes. Many students get their Certificate, go to work for a few years and then return to complete the additional credits to earn their Associate degree.

16. Do my credits expire after a specified number of years?

No. Your credits never expire but the program requirements may change over the years.

17. What kind of tools will I need to buy for the program?

Your instructor will give you a tool list when you start. The approximate cost which includes books is approximately $650.