Individuals who wish to pursue a career as an electrician may struggle to find resources showing them how to accomplish their goal. Fortunately, many others have traveled this path in the past. They will help individuals looking to move through the process. The following information provides an overview of what is required to become a licensed electrician.
Background Requirements
Any person who wishes to become an electrician will need to obtain their high school diploma first. Many employers also accept a GED in place of a high school diploma. The person must learn what is required for the path they choose to take. With this document in hand, they can research electrician career information.
Individuals who wish to work as electricians need to be able to make decisions quickly. They must have a solid mathematical foundation. In addition, they need good communication skills, as they will be talking with property owners and explaining what is needed for the property’s electrical system.
Trade School
Some individuals choose to attend a trade school as part of their training. Attending an accredited school increases job opportunities for those who successfully graduate. While attending trade school, the student learns what is required to become a certified electrician. They take courses and participate in hands-on training.
This training starts with basic tasks, such as fixing a problem with an electrical fixture. As the student’s skills progress, they take on more complex tasks. This may include wiring a building under construction or replacing an electrical panel. Every student is supervised as they carry out these jobs.
Apprenticeship Programs
The process of becoming a licensed electrician can take up to six years. Many individuals choose to participate in an apprenticeship to gain the skills needed to achieve this goal. Before a person can take the journeyman electrician exam, they must complete up to 1,000 hours of theoretical practice. In addition, they are required to take part in hands-on training and may need up to 10,000 hours of this training before they sit for the exam.
Master Electricians
Upon completion of this portion of the training, a person is considered a licensed electrician. However, they may choose to become a master electrician. Before a person can take the master electrician exam, they must have two years or 4,000 hours of experience as a journeyman. The requirements vary by state, however, so it falls on the journeyman to learn what is required in the state where they plan to work.
Electrician Salary
Individuals who successfully complete the requirements to become licensed electricians make a decent wage. The median wage for individuals working as an electrician in May 2021 was $60,040. Those working for a government agency brought in higher wages, while electricians working for employment services brought in less than the median wage. Apprentices don’t make as much as their licensed peers, but the pay increases as a person makes their way through the process of becoming a licensed electrician.
Job Growth
Job growth is expected to remain positive in this field. The need for electricians continues to grow, thanks to advances in alternative power generation. Individuals who obtain their electrician license should find work easily.
Anyone who is considering a career as an electrician must understand what is required of them. Talk to individuals in the field, and speak with trade schools to gather more information. A person must be fully informed before choosing a career path. These resources are helpful when learning what is required of electricians today and what to expect when working in the field.