If you’re looking for a career that is both challenging and rewarding, becoming an electrician may be the perfect choice for you. Electricians are in high demand due to the ever-growing popularity of technology and the expansion of construction projects.
In this blog post, we’ll tell you everything you need to know to become an electrician, from educational requirements to licensure. We’ll also provide tips on finding an electrical apprenticeship or training program. So if you’re interested in a career in electrical work, keep reading!
Who is an electrician?
Electricians are people who work with electricity. They may install and maintain electrical systems in homes and businesses, or they may work on large projects like power plants. Electricians must have a thorough understanding of how electricity works, and they must be able to safely handle electrical equipment. They may also need to know about other systems, like plumbing, in order to do their job correctly.
Electricians often have years of experience and training before they can call themselves professionals. Some electricians may choose to become certified by the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA), which indicates that they have met certain standards of excellence. Whatever route an electrician takes, it is clear that this is a profession that requires expertise and passion.
Educational qualifications
Becoming an electrician is not as easy as one might think. There are many education requirements that need to be met before one can even begin working in this field. While these requirements vary from country to country, all aspiring electricians must acquire a high school diploma or equivalent.
After getting your high school diploma, you can enroll for an electrician training program at a vocational school or community college. Once you have completed the program, you will then need to take and pass a licensing exam in order to become a licensed electrician.
Apprenticeship programs
In the United States, to become an electrician, one must complete four years of apprenticeship training. An electrician apprenticeship provides the perfect opportunity to learn this in-demand trade while being paid for your work. Although, apprenticeship training programs vary by state, most of them require around 1,000 hours of on-the-job training.
Many electricians choose to supplement their apprenticeship with formal classroom instruction, which can give a leg up on the competition. After completing their apprenticeship, electricians are moved to the journeyman level. Institutions like IBEW, NECA, and IEC offer apprenticeship programs to anyone who has graduated high school.
Licensure
If you want to work as an electrician in the United States, you’ll need to get a license. The requirements for getting an electrical license vary from state to state, but there are some basic things you’ll need to do in order to qualify.
First, you’ll need to complete an accredited electrical training program. This will give you the basic theoretical knowledge and practical skills you need to work as an electrician. Once you’ve completed your training and completed your apprenticeship, you’ll need to pass an electrical licensing exam in order to get your license.
There are a few different ways to prepare for your licensing exam. You can attend a review course offered by a professional trade organization, or study on your own using practice exams and other resources.
Certifications
If you want to become a certified electrician in the US, there is definitely more than one way available for your perusal. Listed below are some of the most commonly known electrical certification councils and trade unions.
NECA
Although there are many different certifications available for electrical studies, most aspiring electricians prefer to get certified by the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA).
First, individuals usually join a local chapter of NECA. Next, they attend various workshops and classes to learn about electrical safety and the NEC code. Finally, they take a certification exam to prove their knowledge and skills.
Becoming certified by the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) can be a great way to advance your career in the electrical industry. By completing the necessary steps, you can show potential employers that you have the skills and knowledge needed to be a safe and qualified electrician.
IBEW
The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) is a labor union that represents electromechanical workers. They work in a variety of industries, including construction, broadcasting, manufacturing, and utilities. The IBEW was founded in 1891 and has over 750,000 members worldwide. IBEW offers a slew of training programs, courses, apprenticeship opportunities, and even formal certifications to distinguish you from the crowd.
How much do electricians make?
Depending on the state you are located in, your income will vary. As per the bureau of labor statistics, the mean hourly wage is $23.01. The average salary of an electrician in the United States is around $59,618 per year. This amount may vary based on your experience and expertise.
Conclusion
Becoming an electrician can be a challenging but rewarding career choice. If you’re looking for a career that is always in demand, consider becoming an electrician. We hope this blog post has been helpful and provided all the information you need to get started on your journey to become an electrician. Do you have any questions? We would love to hear from you in the comments section below!
