An electrician is a tradesman specialized in the electrical wiring in equipment, buildings, and machines. Once you're a professional electrician, you'll have the skills and ability to maintain and repair the existing electrical infrastructure as well as install new and complicated electrical components in various settings and locations. The modern world needs you to ensure everything is connected and running smoothly.
Becoming an electrician requires a combination of classroom and hands-on training. It will take several years to complete all of the necessary electrical training. But once you complete your chosen electrician program and an apprenticeship, you will move on to work as an electrician journeyman. In this article, we will give you all the information you need to know about becoming an electrician.
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SOME FACTS FOR YOU
Electricians go through rigorous training. They have to know every aspect of their job, from safety to completion. Because electricity is such a vital part of modern-day society, it is taken for granted. But, when something happens, and the power goes out, a professional is called in to repair it. Here are some interesting and lesser known facts about electricians and why they are such respected professionals.
- Electricians train almost as long and intensely as medical professionals. Master electricians can spend up to 8 years learning and mastering the trade, depending on your state's requirements.
- There are four main areas of expertise for electricians: Residential, Commercial, Industrial, and Outside Lineman. In your training and in your career, you will choose to specialize in of of these areas.
- Electricians need to be in good shape, both physically and mentally. They need to have physical stamina to complete jobs that are in less than suitable conditions. And, they need the thinking skills in order to face the tasks in the best and most efficient ways possible, while remaining safe.
- Since technology is constantly one step ahead and moving at a rapid pace, electricians are perpetual students. To stay in touch with the growth, and to understand how all the new processes work, electricians have to take a lot of continuing education courses.
Electricians power the world. They are necessary parts of our society yet are becoming more underrepresented. Electricians have great careers, and if becoming an electrician is on your radar then there’s never been a better time to pursue this career!
HOW TO BECOME AN ELECTRICIAN
There are a few things to know before entering the electrical field. High school can prepare you for the field by taking courses in math, shop, mechanical drawing, and other technical science classes. After high school, you will need to attend trade school or a community college that offers diplomas or degrees for electricians. Because it’s a hands-on job, electricians have to do an apprenticeship, where they will learn even more than they did in school. Apprentices are also paid, though it less than what an electrician earns. Students will complete 144 hours of classroom education and 2,000 hours of on-the-job apprenticeship training.
Each state has different licensing requirements, so it’s important to find out what is expected of you from your state. In most instances, a comprehensive exam is given which tests the knowledge and skills of the budding electrician.
Coding and technology change rapidly which means electricians need to keep up with the times. So, continuing education is a must for electricians.
BEING AN ELECTRICIAN'S APPRENTICE
An electrician apprentice is someone who is training to be an electrician through on-the-job training. They learn, firsthand, all that is involved with the daily doings of electricians. They’ll learn how to repair, install, and maintain the electrical of residential, manufacturing, and commercial buildings, depending on which aspect of the trade they are entering.
To apply for an apprenticeship program, you must be 18 years old with a high school diploma or GED. You must have had one year of high school algebra and maintained at least a ‘C’ average. And, you must have a valid driver’s license. It’s important to find apprenticeship programs that are sponsored by national organizations because they are the most trusted.
Apprenticeship Programs:
A joint training program between the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) and the National Electrical Contractors Association is one of the most popular and well-known. It is called the Electrical Training Alliance. It’s one of the largest, with over 75,000 active and retired members and sponsors over 300 programs.
The Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) is not affiliated with a union. It has over 50 chapters and provides training to over 10,000 members nationwide, yearly. This is the national trade association for merit shop electrical and systems contractors.
The Associated Builders and Constructors, Inc (Associated Builders and Constructors, Inc (ABC)) is non-union and promotes free enterprise within the construction industry.
BECOMING A JOURNEYMAN AND MASTER ELECTRICIAN
After you’ve completed your apprenticeship, you can apply for your journeyman electrician license. Every state in the country requires electricians to be certified and licensed. Many states expect proof of hours spent working as a both an apprentice and journeyman, so it’s important to save all your pay stubs, tax info, documentation, and school transcripts.
A master electrician is an electrician who is highly knowledgeable and has extensive experience working as an electrician. To become a master electrician, you must work for a minimum of four years as a journeyman electrician. Once you’ve met your state’s experience requirements, you can apply to sit for the master electrician exam. You can also take additional exams which will certify you as a master electrician in specialty areas such as signs, alarms, and telecommunications.
Most master electricians continue their education through community colleges to keep up to date with all the latest, and greatest technology has to offer. It’s also a necessity in order to keep the license active.
Find out more information about journeyman and master electrician careers.
THE DIFFERENT DEGREE PATHS
Diplomas/Certificates: The degree route is perfect for those who want to get on the fast-track by learning the trade and quickly hitting the field as an apprentice. It can take as few as 10 months to earn a diploma and then the student is ready for an apprenticeship. Courses typically taught in a diploma or certificate program are Intro to Electricity, Residential Wiring, Commercial Wiring, and Code. Many seasoned electricians choose to go back for certifications and diplomas, as well. It’s a great alternative for brushing up on their skills or learn new ones. Be sure that the program you choose allows you to apply your academic credits to your apprenticeship.
Associate Degree: Going for the associate degree not only teaches the students about everything to do with electrical work, but the student also must take general education courses. Associate degree programs are a more well-rounded educational path that takes 2-3 years, depending on whether the student is full or part-time. Associate Degree programs will teach students Alternating Current Methods, Accident Prevention, Electrical Drawing and Blueprint Reading, Electrical Systems Analysis, along with other fundamental courses. The benefit to the associate degree is that the student is usually prepared to transition directly to apprentice right after graduation. It also can be applied toward a bachelor’s degree, if that is the direction the student plans on going. Many apprenticeships accept associate degree credits, but the student still has to do an apprenticeship program.
Apprenticeships: Before you can even become an apprentice, you must pass an algebra and functions test, as well as a reading comprehension exam. If at first, you don’t succeed, you must wait six months before you can try again. Most of the training the apprentice will experience is through hands-on with an experienced electrician. There still will be some classroom training, as well.
There are also four different types of specialty apprenticeships: Inside wireman, outside lineman, telecommunications technician, and residential wireman. Each program varies between 3-5 years in length, around 8,000 hours, depending on your state.
The apprentice will have all their previous education reinforced, along with more in-depth training in blueprints, electrical theory, electrical coding, and best safety practices. The apprentice will come out having real-world experience that they can apply to their careers as electricians once they pass the licensing exam. Apprenticeship programs are highly focused on the fundamentals electrical work, and if they decide to go on to a four-year degree, it does not transfer any credits. But, the knowledge and experience will stay with them forever.
For some more good information, read a day in the life of an electrician.
Certificates and associate degrees can cost between $1,000 and $11,000 including tuition and fees. It all depends on what school you attend. Additional costs will include books, tools, PPE, and, in some cases, room and board. There are a variety of scholarships available for students entering school to become electricians.
AREAS OF SPECIALTY
Electricians can choose to specialize in a few different areas. Many electricians decide to concentrate to advance their careers. Most jobs are focused in the construction or maintenance fields, although it is not uncommon for an electrician to be knowledgeable in both. Because there is a wide variety of specializations, it’s a good idea to have a basic understanding of what is out there so you can focus your studies on the area you would like to concentrate on. Here are a few areas electricians can specialize in:
Inside Wireman: Inside wiremen are electricians who specialize in the interior wirings of buildings, such as lights, electronics, appliances, and alarms.
Outside Lineman: Electricians who are outside linemen handle higher voltages of electricity. They are the ones to deliver electricity to industrial or manufacturing facilities and other buildings.
Service Electricians: These electricians are problems solvers and troubleshooters. They are contractors or independent freelancers working to repair electrical problems in residential or commercial buildings.
Construction Electricians: When it comes to construction projects including wiring, a construction electrician is hired. They take care of all the original wiring, electrical blueprints, and connecting the electrical for the building they are working on.
Marine Electrician: Radars, radios, sonars and other necessary equipment on ships is what a marine electrician is in charge of taking care of.
Research Electrician: A research electrician checks all the circuits within industrial and commercial labs. They provide technical assistance and solve problems with machines used for research.
What's the difference between an industrial and commercial electrician?
CAREER OUTLOOK AND SALARY
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that demand for electricians is expected to increase 7 percent by 2031, which is on par with the national average. With the advancement in technology for buildings, knowledgeable electricians will be necessary for the required installations.
Also, older buildings are aging, and so are the electrical components inside of them, so electricians will be employed to repair and maintain them. The more well rounded the electrician, the easier employment opportunities will be found. Also, keep in mind that apprentice electricians earn about 40-50% of a full electrician salary. Exact salaries for apprentices vary depending on the company you are with, and even your union.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that electricians earned an average salary of $65,280 in 2022, with the top 10 percent averaging $102,300.
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