Electricians specialize in the installation, repair, and maintenance of electrical systems. They work in a wide range of environments, from residential homes to commercial buildings and even outdoor spaces. Electricians can also choose to focus their careers on specific types of electrical work, such as wiring for generators or high-voltage circuits.
To start a career as an Electrician, you will need at least a high school diploma or GED certificate. It’s also a good idea to take some extra classes, such as math and shop, to give yourself the best possible foundation for your career. If you’re still in high school, you can start preparing for your future as an electrician by taking elective courses that will help you with the technical aspects of the job, such as blueprint reading, residential wiring, and electric motors.
There are many different ways to become an electrician, but the most common is to attend a vocational school or trade school. These programs offer hands-on training and instruction from experienced teachers. The curriculum at a trade school for electricians will vary depending on the program you choose, but will likely include courses in residential wiring, commercial wiring, and electric motors. Some trade schools also offer an associate degree program that will take about two years to complete.
Another way to get the training you need is through an apprenticeship. Apprenticeships can be found through trade schools, the National Electrical Contractors Association, and independent electrical contractors. They typically last three to four years and provide you with on-the-job experience while you earn a living. Some states will allow you to count your on-the-job training towards the required amount of experience needed for licensure as an electrician.
Once you’ve completed your education and training, you will need to pass a state exam to get licensed as an electrician. The exam will cover the National Electrical Code and local codes that apply to your area. You can find the requirements for your state by using a tool on The National Occupational Licensing Database website. Once you’ve passed your exam, you can choose to work for a general contractor or to operate independently as an electrician.
There are a lot of opportunities to be an electrician, and the demand is growing as people upgrade and remodel their homes and businesses. This is a great field to get into if you enjoy working with your hands and are interested in a challenging, rewarding career. To be successful as an electrician, you will need to commit a lot of time and energy to learning the craft. But if you’re willing to put in the effort, you can have a long and rewarding career as an electrician. Learn more about the occupation by visiting resources that provide information on job duties, education, and wages by state and region, including O*NET. You can also use these resources to compare the pay of electricians with similar occupations. This will help you decide if this is the right career for you.
