What is the process for becoming an electrician?

Question

A local adult trade school program opened and I was wondering what would be involved after such training and 'certification' in the process of becoming a professional electrician. If someone could answer with some ideas of apprenticeship periods, pay rates, and job availiability and experiences, I'd be very appreciative.

Answer 1

According to the US Dept of Labor, this is the path you need to take for training and certification:

Most electricians acquire their skills by completing an apprenticeship program lasting 4 to 5 years.

Applicants for apprenticeships usually must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or a G.E.D. They should have good math and English skills, since most instruction manuals are in English. They also may have to pass a test and meet other requirements. Apprenticeship programs usually last 4 years and each year include at least 144 hours of classroom instruction and 2,000 hours of on-the-job training. In the classroom, apprentices learn electrical theory and installing and maintaining electrical systems.

Other than an apprenticeship program, is there another way to get the training?:
Some persons seeking to become electricians choose to obtain their classroom training before seeking a job. Training to become an electrician is offered by a number of public and private vocational-technical schools and training academies in affiliation with local unions and contractor organizations. Employers often hire students who complete these programs and usually start them at a more advanced level than those without the training. A few persons become electricians by first working as helpers, assisting electricians setting up job sites, gathering materials, and doing other nonelectrical work, before entering an apprenticeship program.

What licensing is required?
Most localities require electricians to be licensed. Although licensing requirements vary from area to area, electricians usually must pass an examination that tests their knowledge of electrical theory, the National Electrical Code, and local electric and building codes.

What is the pay rate?
In May 2004, median hourly earnings of electricians were $20.33. The middle 50 percent earned between $15.43 and $26.90.

What are you paid if you're an apprentice?
Apprentices usually start at between 40 and 50 percent of the rate paid to fully trained electricians, depending on experience. As apprentices become more skilled, they receive periodic pay increases throughout the course of their training.

What's the job outlook/availability?
Employment of electricians is expected to increase as fast as average for all occupations through the year 2014. As the population and economy grow, more electricians will be needed to install and maintain electrical devices and wiring in homes, factories, offices, and other structures. New technologies also are expected to continue to stimulate the demand for these workers.

What kinds of electricians are there?
Electricians generally specialize in construction or maintenance work, although a growing number do both. Electricians specializing in construction work primarily install wiring systems into new homes, businesses, and factories, but they also rewire or upgrade existing electrical systems as needed. Electricians specializing in maintenance work primarily maintain and upgrade existing electrical systems and repair electrical equipment.

Good luck!

Answer 2

Becoming An Electrician

Answer 3

Hi, I'm the appropriate contact. Trade school is okay, but it will take you forever to get anywhere in the field, unless you get extremely lucky. I learned the trade, well, the basics, in the US Navy. I also learned micro-electronics and how to aim and shoot a cruise missile, but that was an added bonus. You could also try getting into an apprenticeship with an IBEW local, but those are generally going to veterans now. Oh, if you go the Navy route, go Submarines.. it's better duty, and much better training than the rest of the Navy, or any of the other services.

Answer 4

To be qualified as electrician, you need 1 year apprenticeship in trade school, as journeyman for 4 years and master electrician after your journeyman. The pay is depend on your workmanship and job is easy to find or you can be boss yourself if you are good in business!

Answer 5

Follow the link below and you'll find all the info you need to become an electrician.
Good luck.