What Education Do You Need to Become an Electrician?
Electricians are skilled tradespeople who set up, repair and upgrade electrical systems in residential or commercial buildings. Without their work, many modern conveniences would be unavailable. Because working with electricity is extremely dangerous, you must get a proper education in order to work in the field. This can take just as long as obtaining college degrees, but may pay off in terms of salary.
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Typical Path
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In the United States, electricians typically enter the field via an apprenticeship program. These programs consist of both hands-on training and in-class work. However, some electricians also get their education through vocational or college programs. Apprenticeships, like the degree programs, last an average of four years, so the decision on what path to take is largely a matter of personal preference.
Hands-On Work
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As described by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, during the first part of your electrician education, your work may be limited non-electrical tasks on the work site, such as bringing in materials. From there you progress to jobs like drilling holes. You then handle basic electrical tasks like measuring conduit and testing wiring. At this point, all of the work is supervised by a licensed electrician. Eventually, once you have observed and assisted the electrician enough, you can handle virtually all of the tasks your supervisor does. If you are in an apprentice program, you must have a minimum of 2,000 hands-on hours.
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In-Class Work
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In-class work for an electrician covers classes on topics such as reading schematics, electrical theory, math, and electrical and building codes. You also may learn about contractor law and safety and first aid. You are expected to complete a minimum of 144 hours of in-class work in apprentice programs.
Testing and Licensure
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In most states, you cannot practice as an electrician legally unless you become licensed. This means you have to take a certification exam given by your state. The exam tests your knowledge of the trade and applicable electrical codes. If you have done well on your in-class and hands-on work, the test should not hinder your career advancement and is merely a technical requirement.
Continuing Education
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Because technology related to electricity and homes changes over time, you must continue to take electrician courses throughout your career. For example, as the United States pushes toward "green" and energy-efficient buildings, you may need to learn about the latest wind or geothermal systems.
High School Diploma
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Although you do not need to go to a college to become an electrician, all electrician apprenticeships require you to have at least a high school diploma or equivalent. If you do not have this, you will have to go back to school or take supplemental courses to earn your diploma or G.E.D.
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References
- Photo Credit electrician image by Greg Pickens from Fotolia.com
