Becoming an electrician takes dedication, motivation and hard work. However, the rewards are well worth it. Once you have obtained your license and qualifications as an electrician, you can start your own company and continue to move up the career ladder. Electricians made an average of $48,000 per year in 2007 with many electricians making well over $75,000 per year. Furthermore, there are over 50,000 new jobs opening up within the next ten years meaning that obtaining your electrician training now could be the smartest move you make for the future.
To become an electrician, you will first have to complete high school or get your GED equivalent. If you are still in high school and considering getting your electrician training when you graduate, it's a good idea to take courses in math and physics while you are in school. These will help you along your apprenticeship journey. You will also need to be 18 years or older in the United States and be in good physical condition. To become an electrician you need to have clear vision and cannot be colour blind.
Once you have graduated from high school, the real training begins. Most electricians will go through an apprenticeship program. This is a four year program that combines school with work experience. Every year you will attend school for 144 hours or a certain number of weeks, and work at least 2000 hours for a company. You will be paid to work but you can also expect to pay for school and your supplies.
You will need to be sponsored by a company in order to start your electrician training. Many aspiring electricians will attend school for a year before seeking out an employer just to ensure that they are on the right career path. This is entirely up to you. There are employment companies and schools that specialise in connecting apprentices to electrical companies looking for workers. Your school will have more information on apprenticeships opportunities. However, it might also be a good idea to look into the Independent Electrical Contractors Association who also sponsors apprentices.
During your four years in school and on the job you will learn all there is to know about being an electrician. This includes building and local codes, the National Electrical Code and electrical theory. On the job you will install low voltage voice, learn data and video systems, drill holes, set anchors, attach conduit, measure, fabricate, and install conduit and install, connect, and test wiring, outlets, and switches. You will also learn to set up and draw diagrams for entire electrical systems. By the end of your four year training, you will be an expert in all things electrical.
Once you have completed your apprenticeship, you are only one step away from finishing your electrician training. The final step is passing a licensure exam. These will be different in every state but will test your general and specific knowledge on being an electrician. If you study and work hard, then you will be ready for this test and for your journey into the world as a qualified electrician.
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