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What experience do I need to be a successful electrician?

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Mary’s Answer

Great question! I'm going to outline below what you can do at the start of electrical career to obtain the basics, but to be successful in any career the advice is the same: Never stop learning, always be open to feedback from others, ask questions about things you don't understand. We've all been at the beginning of our careers at some point, not knowing what to do. The advantage you have is the availability/accessibility of information.

If you have the opportunity to attend trade school while still in High School, focus on those classes for electrical. Two years of those classes should equal first year of apprenticeship training, which usually covers tools and safety for the job and basic Electrical principles.

If going during school hours is not an option, see what night classes are available to you. I took all my 4 years of classroom training for plumbing apprenticeship at night classes at the local technical school while working full time. The classroom training will give you the knowledge of the trade and help you understand the "why" of a lot of the work. Usually, the final year covers Code and you'll have to obtain the current NEC book. Having a thorough understanding of the code AND how your local Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) interprets it, is essential.

If you're in a Union area, the Local will put you through apprenticeship classroom and On the job training (OJT.). If in non-Union, you'll have to find a company to work for. Some offer apprenticeship training, others only OJT.

Once you've got some experience, you'll be able to hone in on what type of electrical work you enjoy our are better at. Then you can pursue careers in those fields specifically, as there are a multitude of specializations.

Mary recommends the following next steps:

Investigate training opportunities in your area, classroom or apprenticeship
Buy NEC book and get familiar with all the terms and definitions of the trade.
Do you know someone that does this work? Ask them for a contact in their office that you can call and see if they'd let you come into office. They can talk to you about the business and opportunities. Most will not let you on job site due to insurance restrictions unless your employed or over 18.
Research different salaries and occupations related to your chosen field. The US Dept of Labor, Bureau of Statistics has rates based on geographical area and trade
Thank you comment icon GOOD ADVICE! Donald Rebstock
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Ted’s Answer

Typically you must start as an apprentice electrician in an electrical service company. You would work part time and get code training part time. You would need to learn and understand the National Electrical Code (NEC). This is the book that explains everything required for proper and safe installations of electrical installations. It is a bot difficult to learn, so I would suggest getting the NEC Handbook which has plain English and illustrations that can explain the installations and services better. After four years as an apprentice, you would be eligible to test for your Journeyman's license, which allows you to run an= crew of apprentices and helpers. After a couple of more yours you could test for your Master's license. A minimum of one Master electrician is required for each electrical service company. You could even start your one company after you acquired your Master's license. Each state has slightly different rules, laws and regulations as well an insurance and bond requirements
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