What Do You Need to Enter an Electrician School?
Electricians work with wiring, transformers, fuses and other components as well as electrical equipment and can be employed by many industries including construction, utilities and manufacturing. Four out of five electricians are self employed according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, indicating that the career path is one marked by the independence of being your own boss. Many prospective electricians attend technical schools or colleges to receive training in electrical engineering.
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Decisions
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Before enrolling in school, it is important to decide what type of electrician work is most appealing to the student. Some schools specialize in specific types of electrician jobs, and some even offer business courses to help electricians begin their own businesses after school. It is important to have future goals in mind when selecting a school to ensure that the selected school has the right programs available to meet the student's needs.
Education
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Most technical schools and colleges require a high school diploma or a GED for enrollment.
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Visit
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After browsing the Internet and reading information from selected schools, it is necessary to arrange a visit of the school. The visit gives the opportunity to tour the facilities, meet faculty and staff and complete an interview if it is required for admission.
Tuition
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Like other types of higher education, electrical schools have tuition and fees that need to be paid. If the electrical school is a community college offering an associate's degree, federal and state grants and loans may be available; however, trade school students cannot apply for such loans. Sallie Mae's Career Training Loans are an option as is financial aid through the trade school itself.
Tests
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Some electricial trade schools require placement tests to be taken prior to beginning courses. These tests typically evaluate students' math, reading and study skills and are designed to help them identify weak areas. By getting extra help early on, students have the best chance for success.
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