3 answers
humberto
Student
Imperial Beach, California
3
Questions
Asked
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what steps should i take on becoming an electrician?
im a high school graduate and working to get a career. #graduate-school #career #tech
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3 answers
Matt Whelan
Software Engineer
20
Answers
Beaverton, Oregon
Updated
Matt’s Answer
Electricians are skilled tradespeople, and demand for all the skilled trades is really high.
The path to learning a trade usually begins with a little bit of theory, which is often available at your local community college, as well as an apprenticeship, where you learn hands-on while getting paid to do the simpler parts of the job. From there, you'll take continuing education classes while working with more seasoned electricians to learn more about the field.
The IBEW is the trade union for electricians. Your local IBEW chapter will have resources for you to get information about the trade and connect you with both learning resources and apprenticeship opportunities.
Be wary of private for-profit "technical schools". They may or may not provide a quality education, but they'll certainly charge you for one. Your community college and the union for your chosen trade have your interests in mind.
Find an apprenticeship training program through your local community college
Connect with your local IBEW chapter and see what resources they recommend
The path to learning a trade usually begins with a little bit of theory, which is often available at your local community college, as well as an apprenticeship, where you learn hands-on while getting paid to do the simpler parts of the job. From there, you'll take continuing education classes while working with more seasoned electricians to learn more about the field.
The IBEW is the trade union for electricians. Your local IBEW chapter will have resources for you to get information about the trade and connect you with both learning resources and apprenticeship opportunities.
Be wary of private for-profit "technical schools". They may or may not provide a quality education, but they'll certainly charge you for one. Your community college and the union for your chosen trade have your interests in mind.
Matt recommends the following next steps:
Nima Ameli
Attorney
3
Answers
Westlake Village, California
Updated
Nima’s Answer
There are multiple ways to become a electrician. However, the path that I suggest will give you hands-on training and allow you to pursue your
C-10 license. There are multiple different types of electrical licenses that you can apply for in California, but the C-10 license is all encompassing. You can do any type of electrical service with a C-10.
The easiest way to become an electrician (without a license) is to find someone hiring a journeyman or someone looking to learn. Under the laws of California, if you are working for someone who has a C-10 license, you do not need to personally have a license. However, I would still suggest that you register as a journeyman on the California State Contractors Licensing Board website as a journeyman so that you can apply the hours that you work towards a contractors license. Also, if you want to get your license, work for a contractor that already has their C-10 as they can sign off of on your application for your license.
If you are just starting to learn about electricity, I would suggest learning the basics of electricity. If you are unable to find educational books, I would highly suggest you find YouTube videos that explain electricity and its properties. Once you have learned about electricity, then I would start understanding the basics of common electrical components (ie. switches, breakers, wiring, conduit, tools, etc.) This will help you tremendously.
I was an electrician for about 3 years and it was a great time. It is a fulfilling career and it allows you to start your own business, be your own boss, and it is a trade that will always be in demand.
Electricity can be intimidating and scary, but once you have a basic understanding of how everything works, it will become a lot easier.
C-10 license. There are multiple different types of electrical licenses that you can apply for in California, but the C-10 license is all encompassing. You can do any type of electrical service with a C-10.
The easiest way to become an electrician (without a license) is to find someone hiring a journeyman or someone looking to learn. Under the laws of California, if you are working for someone who has a C-10 license, you do not need to personally have a license. However, I would still suggest that you register as a journeyman on the California State Contractors Licensing Board website as a journeyman so that you can apply the hours that you work towards a contractors license. Also, if you want to get your license, work for a contractor that already has their C-10 as they can sign off of on your application for your license.
If you are just starting to learn about electricity, I would suggest learning the basics of electricity. If you are unable to find educational books, I would highly suggest you find YouTube videos that explain electricity and its properties. Once you have learned about electricity, then I would start understanding the basics of common electrical components (ie. switches, breakers, wiring, conduit, tools, etc.) This will help you tremendously.
I was an electrician for about 3 years and it was a great time. It is a fulfilling career and it allows you to start your own business, be your own boss, and it is a trade that will always be in demand.
Electricity can be intimidating and scary, but once you have a basic understanding of how everything works, it will become a lot easier.
Rodrigo Maya Padilla
DFS OPS ANALYST
73
Answers
Toluca, State of Mexico, Mexico
Updated
Rodrigo’s Answer
Hi humberto C.
you should study electrical engineering,or even mechatronic, this last combine 3 areas, electronic, mechanic and ITs, and then you can be specialized in electrical matters only, but you will have the 3 developed areas, try to search on the web where yo study this matter and see the study plan, if you like the matters, because in each university it may vary the focus that they give to the electrical part, and try to see if you like the theory or the practical thing.
you should study electrical engineering,or even mechatronic, this last combine 3 areas, electronic, mechanic and ITs, and then you can be specialized in electrical matters only, but you will have the 3 developed areas, try to search on the web where yo study this matter and see the study plan, if you like the matters, because in each university it may vary the focus that they give to the electrical part, and try to see if you like the theory or the practical thing.