When you are thinking about becoming an electrician, you want to look ahead to the required training, job prospects, and your expected income. As of 2018, the Bureau of Labor reports that the job outlook for electricians is growing by 10% as of 2018, and offering an average salary of $55,190 annually.
For education, a high school diploma or equivalent is required, followed by an apprenticeship with on-the-job-training. Read on to explore more details for becoming an electrician in 2019.
Becoming an Electrician Education Basics
Education is the first step to any rewarding career, and becoming an electrician is no different. For this field, you will need to start out with a high school diploma or GED.
You won’t need a college degree, but it may help if you have one in the field of engineering or science.
A lot of blueprints and schematics are used in the field of electricians, so the more you know, the faster your career will grow.
On the Job Basics
After you have completed the basic education requirements to become an electrician, you will need on the job experience. This is generally performed through an apprenticeship, which is a program you will need to enroll in.
You will usually find these through local unions, employers you want to work with, or even some contracting associations. But licensing associations for electricians will also offer them.
An apprenticeship for an electrician generally lasts at least four years but could be longer, depending on how well you do.
In this phase of your career, you will learn by doing. The National Electrical Contractors Association is a good starting point to research apprenticeships for this multi-billion dollar industry.
If you want to become a local electrician in your current state, you should have no trouble finding the right apprenticeship for you here.
Trade School for Electricians
Trade school is a popular choice for those becoming an electrician, as it adds an additional educational component to your career journey. Here you will learn skills and theory, and the educational basics of the job.
Trade school will prepare you for an apprenticeship faster than a high school diploma would. You will also meet more people in the field and have access to more local apprenticeships.
It is not required but can help you move farther in this career at a faster rate.
The License
Every state offers its own licensing requirements, and to practice being an electrician you will need one. You will only be eligible to apply for one after you have completed your apprenticeship.
Some states, however, may not require the apprenticeship but will require what they call a “qualifying alternative” to becoming an electrician. Check with your state requirements to see what you need.
Then you will need to take a series of exams to ensure that you are ready to start your exciting career.
Start Your Training Today
Becoming an electrician is an exciting experience that puts you in the top echelon of contracting and construction jobs. The entire world runs on power, and your field will never phase out or go out of style.
The field of electricians is growing, and electricians today are ranked in the top 10 jobs in the construction field. Start with your high school diploma, learn on the job in an apprenticeship or internship, and you are ready to start an exciting career with an average income of over $50 thousand dollars.
Leave a Reply