2 answers
Levi
Student
1
Question
Updated
172 views
How can I be an electrician ?
I want to be an electrician because I like to fix things like tv’s or little arc cars. I also like to help people out and I think I would love this job.
Login to comment
2 answers
Matthew Trull
Technical Writer
17
Answers
Thonotosassa, Florida
Updated
Matthew’s Answer
Hello Levi,
I'm not an electrician, but I did a little research and fond the following information:
1. Complete High School or Obtain a GED
Why? A high school diploma or GED is typically required to begin an apprenticeship program or enroll in technical training. Courses in algebra, physics, and shop can be particularly helpful.
2. Research Electrician Career Options
* Types of Electricians: Consider what type of electrician you want to become, such as a residential, commercial, industrial, or maintenance electrician. Each has different work environments and focuses.
* Explore Opportunities: Look into whether you want to work in construction, maintenance, or even specialize in areas like renewable energy or electrical systems design.
3. Enroll in a Trade or Technical School (Optional)
Why? While not always required, completing a trade school program in electrical technology can give you a solid foundation in electrical theory, safety practices, and hands-on skills.
* Benefits: Trade school can sometimes shorten the required hours for an apprenticeship and make you a more competitive candidate.
4. Apply for an Apprenticeship Program
What is It? An apprenticeship is a paid, on-the-job training program where you’ll work under the supervision of a licensed electrician while also attending classroom instruction.
* Find Programs: Look for apprenticeship programs through local unions (like the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers - IBEW), non-union organizations, or directly through electrical contracting companies.
* Requirements: You’ll typically need to pass an aptitude test, interview, and sometimes a physical exam or drug test.
5. Complete Your Apprenticeship
* Duration: Apprenticeships usually last 4-5 years, combining around 8,000 hours of on-the-job training with 500-1,000 hours of classroom instruction.
* Skills Learned: You’ll learn how to install, maintain, and repair electrical systems, read blueprints, and adhere to local electrical codes and safety standards.
6. Obtain Necessary Licenses and Certifications
* Journeyman License: After completing your apprenticeship, you’ll need to pass a state or local licensing exam to become a journeyman electrician. The exam typically covers electrical theory, the National Electrical Code (NEC), and local codes.
* Specialized Certifications: Depending on your career goals, you may pursue additional certifications in areas like solar energy, fire alarm systems, or industrial wiring.
7. Gain Experience and Build a Reputation
* Work as a Journeyman: Start working independently or under minimal supervision, honing your skills and building a professional reputation.
* Networking: Build relationships with contractors, builders, and other professionals in the industry. Networking can lead to more job opportunities and career advancement.
8. Continue Education and Specialization
* Stay Current: Electrical codes and technology evolve, so continuing education is essential. Many states require electricians to complete continuing education courses to maintain their license.
* Specialize: Consider specializing in areas like automation, renewable energy systems, or becoming an electrical inspector, which can open up more advanced and higher-paying opportunities.
9. Consider Advancing to a Master Electrician
* Master Electrician: After several years of experience as a journeyman, you may choose to become a master electrician. This typically requires additional licensing exams and allows you to supervise other electricians, pull permits, and start your own business.
* Benefits: Becoming a master electrician can lead to higher earnings, more responsibility, and the ability to own and operate an electrical contracting business.
10. Explore Opportunities for Entrepreneurship
* Start Your Own Business: With experience and a master electrician license, you can start your own electrical contracting company, offering services to residential, commercial, or industrial clients.
* Expand Your Skills: Consider diversifying your services by offering related work, such as home automation, energy efficiency consulting, or solar panel installation.
I hope this is helpful,
Matthew Trull
I'm not an electrician, but I did a little research and fond the following information:
1. Complete High School or Obtain a GED
Why? A high school diploma or GED is typically required to begin an apprenticeship program or enroll in technical training. Courses in algebra, physics, and shop can be particularly helpful.
2. Research Electrician Career Options
* Types of Electricians: Consider what type of electrician you want to become, such as a residential, commercial, industrial, or maintenance electrician. Each has different work environments and focuses.
* Explore Opportunities: Look into whether you want to work in construction, maintenance, or even specialize in areas like renewable energy or electrical systems design.
3. Enroll in a Trade or Technical School (Optional)
Why? While not always required, completing a trade school program in electrical technology can give you a solid foundation in electrical theory, safety practices, and hands-on skills.
* Benefits: Trade school can sometimes shorten the required hours for an apprenticeship and make you a more competitive candidate.
4. Apply for an Apprenticeship Program
What is It? An apprenticeship is a paid, on-the-job training program where you’ll work under the supervision of a licensed electrician while also attending classroom instruction.
* Find Programs: Look for apprenticeship programs through local unions (like the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers - IBEW), non-union organizations, or directly through electrical contracting companies.
* Requirements: You’ll typically need to pass an aptitude test, interview, and sometimes a physical exam or drug test.
5. Complete Your Apprenticeship
* Duration: Apprenticeships usually last 4-5 years, combining around 8,000 hours of on-the-job training with 500-1,000 hours of classroom instruction.
* Skills Learned: You’ll learn how to install, maintain, and repair electrical systems, read blueprints, and adhere to local electrical codes and safety standards.
6. Obtain Necessary Licenses and Certifications
* Journeyman License: After completing your apprenticeship, you’ll need to pass a state or local licensing exam to become a journeyman electrician. The exam typically covers electrical theory, the National Electrical Code (NEC), and local codes.
* Specialized Certifications: Depending on your career goals, you may pursue additional certifications in areas like solar energy, fire alarm systems, or industrial wiring.
7. Gain Experience and Build a Reputation
* Work as a Journeyman: Start working independently or under minimal supervision, honing your skills and building a professional reputation.
* Networking: Build relationships with contractors, builders, and other professionals in the industry. Networking can lead to more job opportunities and career advancement.
8. Continue Education and Specialization
* Stay Current: Electrical codes and technology evolve, so continuing education is essential. Many states require electricians to complete continuing education courses to maintain their license.
* Specialize: Consider specializing in areas like automation, renewable energy systems, or becoming an electrical inspector, which can open up more advanced and higher-paying opportunities.
9. Consider Advancing to a Master Electrician
* Master Electrician: After several years of experience as a journeyman, you may choose to become a master electrician. This typically requires additional licensing exams and allows you to supervise other electricians, pull permits, and start your own business.
* Benefits: Becoming a master electrician can lead to higher earnings, more responsibility, and the ability to own and operate an electrical contracting business.
10. Explore Opportunities for Entrepreneurship
* Start Your Own Business: With experience and a master electrician license, you can start your own electrical contracting company, offering services to residential, commercial, or industrial clients.
* Expand Your Skills: Consider diversifying your services by offering related work, such as home automation, energy efficiency consulting, or solar panel installation.
I hope this is helpful,
Matthew Trull
David Harris
Electrician
8
Answers
Golden Valley, Arizona
Updated
David’s Answer
Well Levi, start off with some good math skills since you will be figuring many things as an electrician. Load, (the amount of electricity you will need on a project, how to figure volts, amps, wattage, wire size …etc). You also need to be good at reading measurements, and knowledge of geometry so you know how to bend conduit with different angles.
Safety is a VERY important part of your knowledge. Electricity is not forgiving. The field of electrical work is a physically demanding profession, but also rewarding.
You can always call your local IBEW Union. (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers). They can advise you on the procedure to get started in the union. Most IBEW unions pay for you to go to class to learn more.
Safety is a VERY important part of your knowledge. Electricity is not forgiving. The field of electrical work is a physically demanding profession, but also rewarding.
You can always call your local IBEW Union. (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers). They can advise you on the procedure to get started in the union. Most IBEW unions pay for you to go to class to learn more.
Your advice was so helpful!
Levi