In today’s world, the role of the electrician is crucial. Electricity is used for everything from streetlights to hospitals, so it stands to reason that electricians would be in high demand. Before applying to apprenticeship programs or other jobs, there are some requirements you must meet to become an electrician.
It’s easier than you might think to enter the field of electrical work. You’ll need a diploma or GED from an accredited high school, certification as an EMT through an examination, and at least two years of study at an accredited technical college. Upon finishing the course work, you will be prepared to take the National Electrical Code Exam administered by your state for certification (NEC).
If you’re interested in a career as an electrician, keep reading for all the details you’ll need to get started.
Contents
How to Become an Electrician?
Let’s speak about the character traits and abilities an electrician needs to succeed:
- You’ll need an interest in mechanics and some familiarity with algebra. The vast majority of candidates need to brush up on their mathematical abilities. Don’t be put off by the math requirements; you can pick up and improve your algebra and math skills along the way.
- To be an electrician requires more physical effort than you may expect. To do some tasks, you may need to go down on your hands and knees to walk through tight locations, use a ladder, or dig a trench. Electricians are on their feet most of the day.
- The requirement to climb ladders as well as other precarious structures mean that you’ll frequently be using your fine motor skills and balancing abilities.
- Effective communication and problem solving will be daily requirements.
Electrician Training
Training is required to begin working as an electrician, and there are many paths to take. Even though you’ll need to finish an apprenticeship in either scenario, you can choose between formal training at a trade school and formal training at a community college, with the latter allowing you to earn college credit for on-the-job training under supervision.
If you’re thinking about furthering your education, what are some benefits of enrolling in a local college or vocational program? To begin with, they’ll make available data on in-demand abilities that companies can’t afford to train their staff to develop on their own (and which wouldn’t exist if the corresponding positions didn’t already exist). Furthermore, class-based education has been demonstrated to aid minority pupils, so providing young people who might not otherwise have an equal chance of success with one.
If you’re thinking about beginning an apprenticeship soon, one of the first things you might do is weigh the pros and cons of being a union vs a non-union apprentice. Union workers typically make more than their non-union counterparts at the beginning of their careers and are required to pay union dues upfront; yet, it may take longer to find a job if you’re a union member.
Future tradespeople should think carefully about these questions to find an apprenticeship program that can help them succeed in their chosen field right away.
Electrician Responsibilities
Electricians keep the lights on. They maintain an unprecedented level of professionalism while performing tasks that are rarely appreciated until it is too late.
Professional electricians are responsible for a wide range of tasks. Primarily, its job is to transport electricity from its generator to a building or individual customer without incident.
Workplace
Conditions of employment for electricians range from somewhat safe to extremely risky. Many electricians will need to exercise caution when dealing with the dangers that exist on construction and renovation sites, even if they focus on other types of work most of the time.
It’s crucial for electricians to take precautions to avoid harming themselves while on the job. Additionally, they carry out their tasks in either the exterior or interior of a structure during construction or restoration by making sure they are aware of any potential threats, such as a damaged region, before beginning a task.
Electrical contractors frequently interact with a diverse range of clients and locations. They can be self-employed or hired by a company, giving them the flexibility to work on their own or as part of a team.
Is Electrical Work Hard?
People always want to know how challenging electrical training is, but they never remember to ask how challenging the actual job is.
That’s an extremely vital query, as the bulk of your time spent in an electrical occupation will be spent on routine activities. The training is over, but you can stay at the job for as long as you like.
The good news is that the labor is not as physically demanding as that of some other trades, though it will still be more so than any office job you would hold. Other challenges include:
- Dangers abound due to the elements. One thing that most people don’t think about is that you might have to work in hot attics in the summer and in cold garages or even outside in the winter. For some, not having to sit behind a desk all day is a huge plus.
- Considering the fact that many people spend their days sitting at a desk, that can be challenging as well. That’s a perk of the position, in our opinion. Studies of people with obesity and diabetes found that prolonged sitting was a contributing factor, but those studies did not include electricians. However, by the time electricians get home from a shift, they are usually exhausted.
- There will always be some challenging customers or clients in any business. It’s common to encounter difficult customers, and sometimes even coworkers may be a pain. But keep in mind that similar things can occur in other workplaces…
- If you’re thinking about going into this field, you’ll be pleased to learn this additional positive feature of the profession. While many Americans find themselves unemployed midway through their careers, electricians rarely have to make such a decision. When you’ve developed your abilities as an electrical contractor on a variety of projects, both big and little, you’ll have no trouble finding work, as most electricians stay in the field for the rest of their lives.
Do Electricians Need Math Skills?
Those who work as electricians are accountable for ensuring that power is being delivered to homes that require it. The ability to work with wires and cables is only one small part of what is needed for this job. Algebra is particularly useful for an aspiring electrician. In order to enter training programs provided by unions across the country, prospective apprentices will need to pass a basic mathematics exam.
Formulas in mathematics are especially difficult to grasp. Don’t worry, though! Those who have difficulty with mathematical concepts such as decimals, fractions, whole numbers, etc., can find a wealth of resources, both online and offline, to help them. Mastering these skills could help you become licensed as an electrician in any state that has a need for your services.
Is It Worth It to Become an Electrician?
Thousands of people choose to become electricians because of the satisfaction they get from helping others and the variety of challenges they face every day. The need for electricians is on the rise, thus, electrician pay should increase as a result. Obtaining an electrician’s license might pay off in the long run, as the field supports a wide variety of positions, from apprentice to master. This is a great opportunity for anyone interested in entering this exciting and expanding industry.
Conclusion
To enter the field of electrical work, you must fulfill certain criteria. A basic understanding of algebra and a passion for mechanics are prerequisites. Everyday tasks will require clear expression and creative problem solving. You can learn the trade of electrician at a technical institute or a local community college. Why not consider the advantages of attending a local college or vocational program if you are considering furthering your education?
Investigating the benefits and drawbacks of becoming a union apprentice versus a non-union one is a good place to start. Both businesses and individuals can benefit from the services of electrical contractors. Work in this field is not as strenuous as in other occupations, but it will still be more strenuous than an office job. Working in hot attics in the summer and cold garages or even outdoors in the winter present additional difficulties. Electricians are liable for making sure that power is supplied to all dwellings that need it.
Apprenticeship applications that do not include a passing score on a test of elementary mathematics skills will be rejected. Increased demand for electricians’ services should lead to higher wages for those in the field.
Content Summary
- In today’s world, the role of the electrician is crucial.
- Before applying to apprenticeship programs or other jobs, there are some requirements you must meet to become an electrician.
- It’s easier than you might think to enter the field of electrical work.
- If you’re interested in a career as an electrician, keep reading for all the details you’ll need to get started.
- You’ll need an interest in mechanics and some familiarity with algebra.
- To be an electrician requires more physical effort than you may expect.
- Training is required to begin working as an electrician, and there are many paths to take.
- If you’re thinking about furthering your education, what are some benefits of enrolling in a local college or vocational program?
- If you’re thinking about beginning an apprenticeship soon, one of the first things you might do is weigh the pros and cons of being a union vs a non-union apprentice.
- Future tradespeople should think carefully about these questions to find an apprenticeship program that can help them succeed in their chosen field right away.
- It’s crucial for electricians to take precautions to avoid harming themselves while on the job.
- That’s an extremely vital query, as the bulk of your time spent in an electrical occupation will be spent on routine activities.
- The training is over, but you can stay at the job for as long as you like.
- One thing that most people don’t think about is that you might have to work in hot attics in the summer and in cold garages or even outside in the winter.
- That’s a perk of the position, in our opinion.
- There will always be some challenging customers or clients in any business.
- When you’ve developed your abilities as an electrical contractor on a variety of projects, both big and little, you’ll have no trouble finding work, as most electricians stay in the field for the rest of their lives.
- Algebra is particularly useful for an aspiring electrician.
- Formulas in mathematics are especially difficult to grasp.
- Mastering these skills could help you become licensed as an electrician in any state that has a need for your services.
- The need for electricians is on the rise, electricians’ pay should increase as a result.
- Obtaining an electrician’s license might pay off in the long run, as the field supports a wide variety of positions, from apprentice to master.
