4 answers
Ruben
Student
Yorba Linda, California
1
Question
Updated
1075 views
What are some helpful tips or advice you can give to someone that wants to learn the trade of being an electrician?
I’m interested in the electrician occupation but am unsure of what to expect and since I don’t know anyone who has worked or is working as an electrician I figured it would be best to ask here.
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4 answers
Debe Black
sales management consulting
2
Answers
Gilbert, Arizona
Updated
Debe’s Answer
Hi Ruben,
It's wonderful that you're interested in being an electrician! That's an excellent career choice!
Some public high schools offer students the opportunity to learn a trade as part of their curriculum. If your school does not offer such a program, there are many fine trade schools that will help you get financial assistance and will even help you find a job when you graduate. You can also look for an apprentice program with a local Union, or, trade association. Some of the larger electricians and builders in your area may take on apprentices, as well.
Hope that helps!
Debe
It's wonderful that you're interested in being an electrician! That's an excellent career choice!
Some public high schools offer students the opportunity to learn a trade as part of their curriculum. If your school does not offer such a program, there are many fine trade schools that will help you get financial assistance and will even help you find a job when you graduate. You can also look for an apprentice program with a local Union, or, trade association. Some of the larger electricians and builders in your area may take on apprentices, as well.
Hope that helps!
Debe
Sheila Jordan
Lead Network Proj/Prog Manager
712
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Sheila’s Answer
Hi Ruben:
Electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical power, communications, lighting, and control systems in homes, businesses, and factories. They work indoors and outdoors at homes, businesses, factories, and construction sites. Because electricians must travel to different worksites, local or long-distance commuting is often required.
On the job-site, they occasionally work in cramped spaces. The long periods of standing and kneeling can be tiring. Electricians may be exposed to dirt, dust, debris, or fumes. Those working outside may be exposed to hot or cold temperatures and inclement weather. Those who work in factories are often subject to noisy machinery. They may be required to work at great heights, such as when working on construction sites, inside buildings, or on renewable energy projects.
Many electricians work alone, but sometimes they collaborate with others. Electricians employed by large companies are likely to work as part of a crew, directing helpers and apprentices to complete jobs.
HOW TO BECOME AN ELECTRICIAN
Most Electricians learn through an apprenticeship, but some start out by attending a technical school. Most states require electricians to be licensed. For more information, contact your local or state electrical licensing board.
■ EDUCATION ■
A high school diploma or equivalent is required to become an electrician. Some electricians start out by attending a technical school. Many technical schools offer programs related to circuitry, safety practices, and basic electrical information. Graduates of these programs usually receive credit toward their apprenticeship.
■ TRAINING ■
Most electricians learn their trade in a 4- or 5-year apprenticeship program. For each year of the program, apprentices typically receive 2,000 hours of paid on-the-job training as well as some technical instruction.
Workers who gained electrical experience in the military or in the construction industry may qualify for a shortened apprenticeship based on their experience and testing.
I hope this info was helpful to get you started with your research. Best of luck to you!
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/electricians.htm#tab-4
Electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical power, communications, lighting, and control systems in homes, businesses, and factories. They work indoors and outdoors at homes, businesses, factories, and construction sites. Because electricians must travel to different worksites, local or long-distance commuting is often required.
On the job-site, they occasionally work in cramped spaces. The long periods of standing and kneeling can be tiring. Electricians may be exposed to dirt, dust, debris, or fumes. Those working outside may be exposed to hot or cold temperatures and inclement weather. Those who work in factories are often subject to noisy machinery. They may be required to work at great heights, such as when working on construction sites, inside buildings, or on renewable energy projects.
Many electricians work alone, but sometimes they collaborate with others. Electricians employed by large companies are likely to work as part of a crew, directing helpers and apprentices to complete jobs.
HOW TO BECOME AN ELECTRICIAN
Most Electricians learn through an apprenticeship, but some start out by attending a technical school. Most states require electricians to be licensed. For more information, contact your local or state electrical licensing board.
■ EDUCATION ■
A high school diploma or equivalent is required to become an electrician. Some electricians start out by attending a technical school. Many technical schools offer programs related to circuitry, safety practices, and basic electrical information. Graduates of these programs usually receive credit toward their apprenticeship.
■ TRAINING ■
Most electricians learn their trade in a 4- or 5-year apprenticeship program. For each year of the program, apprentices typically receive 2,000 hours of paid on-the-job training as well as some technical instruction.
Workers who gained electrical experience in the military or in the construction industry may qualify for a shortened apprenticeship based on their experience and testing.
I hope this info was helpful to get you started with your research. Best of luck to you!
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/electricians.htm#tab-4
Richard Davis
Manager, claims, underwriting
4
Answers
Oceanside, California
Updated
Richard’s Answer
Jay you ask a valid question about the best way to enter a vocation.
There are two general paths. First is trade school like LA Trade Tech and the other is a direct apprenticeship through union training. In your area, the IBEW can give you more information of you call 323- 726- 0326.
Neither path is a fast track to big paychecks and each require you to put in the time and effort. Trade Tech may help with scholarships but the union will get you out of the classroom quicker and to paid apprenticeships.
Take time to call each and review literature to help make your decision.
I am always available.
Richard
There are two general paths. First is trade school like LA Trade Tech and the other is a direct apprenticeship through union training. In your area, the IBEW can give you more information of you call 323- 726- 0326.
Neither path is a fast track to big paychecks and each require you to put in the time and effort. Trade Tech may help with scholarships but the union will get you out of the classroom quicker and to paid apprenticeships.
Take time to call each and review literature to help make your decision.
I am always available.
Richard
Jay Florian
IT Auditor
2
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
Jay’s Answer
Hi Ruben,
I agree with Ruth that a trade school and apprenticeship would be excellent ways to enter this field. You likely would need to go to a trade school program and it seems those are between 6-12 months. From there you would need to enter into an apprenticeship and do work in the field.
One major benefit of entering into a trade school over college is the cost is significantly less. Additionally, as you work you way up from an apprentice, you can one day start your own business working for yourself and even employing others. This wouldn't; happen until you had mastered your craft, but with hard work and dedication there's no reason that wouldn't be possible!
Hope that adds a little,
Jay
I agree with Ruth that a trade school and apprenticeship would be excellent ways to enter this field. You likely would need to go to a trade school program and it seems those are between 6-12 months. From there you would need to enter into an apprenticeship and do work in the field.
One major benefit of entering into a trade school over college is the cost is significantly less. Additionally, as you work you way up from an apprentice, you can one day start your own business working for yourself and even employing others. This wouldn't; happen until you had mastered your craft, but with hard work and dedication there's no reason that wouldn't be possible!
Hope that adds a little,
Jay