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Electricians
What is the difference of work between an electrician and a master electrician?
What education do you need to own your own electrical business?
Is a master electrician worth the process?
Is it better to work for an electrical business or own a business as an electrician?
Is the process of becoming an electrician hard?
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3 answers
Updated
Rajeev’s Answer
National Electrical Code (NEC) is the most important industrial regulation that governs all journeyman and apprentice electricians in the United States. Everyone starts at the bottom rung of the ladder. As you acquire skills under the guidance of a mentor, you change from apprentice to journeyman. What is the difference? A master electrician CANNOT make wiring mistakes that could result in a loss of life or damage to property under any circumstance. He or she is accountable for safety, quality and adherence to specifications for any job. Is it worth becoming a master electrician or just work as a crew member?
That brings up a broader, philosophical question of : do you want to lead people or are you happy following instructions? Owning an electrical business requires more than technical skills. Sure you know how to wire stuff, know the codes, finish jobs on time, charge modestly. But that is not enough to succeed as a businessman. You will need or learn people skills. And business savvy. You want repeat customers. So keep in touch with your former customers even if it seems meaningless. You fixed their problem, right? But look, word-of-mouth is the most powerful advertisement there is. Forget the internet. You will attract new customers.
The process of becoming an electrician is hard. By the same token, the process of becoming a janitor is also hard. Take your pick.
That brings up a broader, philosophical question of : do you want to lead people or are you happy following instructions? Owning an electrical business requires more than technical skills. Sure you know how to wire stuff, know the codes, finish jobs on time, charge modestly. But that is not enough to succeed as a businessman. You will need or learn people skills. And business savvy. You want repeat customers. So keep in touch with your former customers even if it seems meaningless. You fixed their problem, right? But look, word-of-mouth is the most powerful advertisement there is. Forget the internet. You will attract new customers.
The process of becoming an electrician is hard. By the same token, the process of becoming a janitor is also hard. Take your pick.
Rajeev, you gave this student the best advice available! I hope that he takes into consideration all that you said to him, again, your advice is the best, and I wish this gentleman well.
Evelyn Lebron
Updated
Stuart’s Answer
The difference is experience and knowledge. As a journeyman electrician, you will more than like not work alone. In order to achieve the status of Master Electrician, the main standard for most states is around 4,000 hours of electric work as a Journeyman, followed by a licensing exam to display in-depth knowledge of the National Electrical Code.
I applaud the fact you are looking at the trade skills. There is a huge deficiency in people entering trade skills and these workers are vital. If I could do it all over again, I would have worked toward becoming a Master Carpenter.
I applaud the fact you are looking at the trade skills. There is a huge deficiency in people entering trade skills and these workers are vital. If I could do it all over again, I would have worked toward becoming a Master Carpenter.
It would be nice if you could take this young achiever under your wing and direct him where he should go. As you stated in your comment, "if I could do this again." Maybe you can, through the lens of this fella.
Evelyn Lebron
Updated
Evelyn’s Answer
Joe, I believe that Rajeev and Stuart gave you the best advice possible. Hopefully, one or both men can reach out to you, direct, assist and lead you to your achievements.