Electrician Career Training
Electricians install electricity into a variety of venues. They must also maintain the systems they have installed. Most electricians specialize in either installation or maintenance, yet a few perform both functions. A skilled electrician must always be mindful of local, state and national building codes.
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Education and Training
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Apprenticeship programs offer paid training for aspiring electricians. The typical program lasts four years and includes a minimum of 144 hours in the classroom and 2,000 hours on the job. Topics include blueprint reading, electrical code, safety training, electrical theory and first aid. Tasks include drilling holes, setting anchors, installing conduit, connecting wires, installing outlets and installing switches.
If you wish to start in a classroom as opposed to an apprenticeship, you can enroll in a vocational-tech school. You need to have a high school diploma or GED to enroll in such a program. If you complete training at a tech school, you will jump start your career and begin at a more advanced level than those without the training.
Licensure
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According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, most places require their electricians to be licensed. Generally, these licenses require an exam on electrical theory, National Electric Code and local codes. If you choose to work for the public, a special license will be necessary. To become a master electrician, you must have seven years of experience in addition to a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering.
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Other Qualifications
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Electricians must be 18 years of age or older. Skills necessary include dexterity, coordination, fitness and balance. You also need good color vision to be able to distinguish between different electrical wires. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics employers value military service.
Advancement
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Some electricians can advance to a supervisory role. Those in construction can become superintendants or project managers. Additionally, an electrician with capital and business knowledge can start her own business. Some may choose to be electrical inspectors. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, electricians increasingly need Spanish skills to communicate with construction workers.
Earnings
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According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average electrician made $22.32 per hour in 2008. The middle 50 percent of electricians brought home between $17 and $29.88 per hour. The bottom 10 percent of workers made less than $13.54 hourly, while the top ten percent made in excess of $38.18 hourly.
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