At BCIT (Burlington County Institute of Technology) Adult Education, the difference between these two pathways is best understood as "getting the job" (Trades I/II) vs. "keeping/licensing the job" (Apprenticeship).

The key distinction is that the Trades I/II (10-month) program is a career starter that provides the hands-on practice you don't have yet.

The Apprenticeship program is strictly the classroom theory required by law for people who are already working with tools all day.

Here is the detailed breakdown of the differences for both Electrical and Plumbing.

Course Names: Electrical Trades I & II / Plumbing Trades I & II

Who this is for: People with no experience who want to get hired.

• Goal: To give you the skills needed to land your first job as a helper or entry-level technician.

• Hands-On vs. Theory: High Hands-On. Because you aren't working in the field yet, the school provides the "job site" in the classroom. You will actively wire panels, bend conduit, solder pipes, and install fixtures in the school's shops.

• Employment Status: You do not need a job in the field to take this.

• Curriculum Focus

  • Practical Skills: How to use the tools, how to actually install the work, and safety basics.

  • Electrical: Residential wiring (outlets, switches), basic commercial wiring, and troubleshooting.

  • Plumbing: Soldering copper, cutting/gluing PVC, installing sinks/toilets, and basic pipefitting.

• Duration: Typically 10 months (Two semesters).

• Outcome: You leave with a certificate of completion and the practical ability to pass a "bench test" during a job interview.

Course Names: Electrical Apprenticeship (Level 1-4) / Plumbing Apprenticeship (Level 1-4)

Who this is for: People who already have a job in the field.

• Goal: To satisfy the state-mandated educational hours (RTI - Related Technical Instruction) required to sit for the Journeyman or Contractor license exams.

• Hands-On vs. Theory: Theory Only. The school assumes you are getting your hands-on training 40 hours a week at your job. They will not waste time teaching you how to use a screwdriver.

• Employment Status: You generally must be employed (or seeking immediate employment) as an apprentice. Your employer often sponsors this or verifies your hours.

• Curriculum Focus:

  • The "Why" and the "Code": Deep dives into the National Electrical Code (NEC) or National Standard Plumbing Code.

  • Math & Science: Ohm’s law, voltage drop calculations, venting physics, and blueprint reading.

• Duration: 4 Years (taken part-time in the evenings while you work during the day).

• Outcome: Completion of the educational hours required by the NJ Board of Examiners (Electrical or Plumbing) to eventually take your licensure exam.

• If you do not have a job in the field yet, take Electrical/Plumbing Trades I & II. It will give you the confidence and resume skills to get hired.

• If you already have a boss who is signing off on your hours, take the Apprenticeship courses to start the clock on your license.