As you might already know, there are several types of electricians. Still, having a perfect skill in fixing issues in electrical equipment does not open the gate for someone to become an electrician. Moreover, every person who is willing to become an electrician has to complete some stages in order to become an electrician. The qualifications that are mandatorily required for a person to become an electrician are listed below.
What qualifications does an electrician need?
- Obtain a high school diploma or the equivalent
- Attending a trade or vocational-technical school
- Apply for an apprenticeship
- Complete your apprenticeship
- Get licensed or certified
1. Obtain a high school diploma or the equivalent
The most basic requirement to become an electrician is to get a high school diploma or the equivalent in the field of electrical science. Further, to become a good electrician, you need a ser of specific skills related to the industry. Hence, there are a lot of academic places to follow to get a high school diploma. There are several valuable subjects that students should learn before becoming an electrician. They are mentioned below for your information.
Algebra and trigonometry– Electricians should be able to use mathematical skills to determine some electrician applications such as calculate the force of electrical currents, wiring lengths, and measuring the angle of a circuit.
Physics: To become an electrician you need to understand the basic scientific concepts and theories, hence that the work is effectively completed.
English: Electricians need to understand the technical document by reading them as they are written in the English language.
Shop and mechanical drawing classes: When electricians need to design electrical systems in buildings and other structures this knowledge is essential.
2. Attending a trade or vocational-technical school
By attending a vocational-technical school, student can obtain valuable training. They also provide support to students by giving a valuable certification as well as a job placement. Furthermore, this education will give you comprehensive lab-based and classroom training. Students are provided with introductory tools and introductions to elementary electrical values that will be very useful when applying for apprenticeships. Generally, according to the standards, a year of proper electrical education accounts for 1,000 hours of on-the-job experience. However, some of the vocational-technical schools provide a complete journeyman program which is aligning with the licensing requirements.
3. Apply for an apprenticeship
After getting technical training students need to get experience to become a licensed electrician. Accordingly, an apprenticeship should be followed. An apprenticeship can be found in several ways. The first one is through the training school. They normally offer apprenticeship opportunities to the students. The second way is via a union. Several unions help to find training programs for electricians. When applying for apprenticeship students required to face an aptitude test and based on those marks, they will get the training.
4. Complete your apprenticeship
To become an electrician this training is the core. Every theory and concept learned in the classroom will be assessed during the training period. Mostly, an apprenticeship fulfills the training on topics such as,
- Translating technical diagrams and construction blueprints for electrical plans
- Installing, repairing, maintaining electrical wiring and electricity-distribution equipment
- Ensure all work is done according to national regulations
- Test and inspect electrical systems for issues
5. Get licensed or certified
The final requirement for becoming an electrician is getting the license and. Besides, this is offered after facing a test. In brief, this exam will test knowledge of the safety protocols, National Electric Code, concepts, and building codes. However, the requirements that a particular individual must have in order to get licensed as an electrician are being varied from a country to another as well as from a city to another. Nonetheless, the most common requirement that someone needs to become a licensed electrician is practical training under a licensed contractor. However, this practical training experience must be four years or longer to apply for an exam which opens the gates to be an electrician.
Personality traits and skills of electrician
It looks that the demand that the world market has for electricians is mounting up day by day. Nevertheless, there are thousands of universities that provide electrical education to thousands of students around the world. But becoming an electrician is not as easy as most people think. However, most of the young individuals who are willing to become electricians are very much concerned about two things. Those are the things they should possess to become electricians and how much does it cost for them to become an electrician? Now it is time for us to look at it!
First, let’s refer to the categories of skills and personality you must have to form an electrician.
A mechanical aptitude, similarly as a basic understanding of algebra, is needed. Most applicants have to brush up on math skills. Since the students will learn and build math and algebra skills as you go. However, don’t let the mathematics aspect intimidate you.
Moreover, being an electrician is more physical than you may think. There’ll be times you have got to move through crawl spaces on your knees, climb ladders, or dig trenches. Electricians are on their feet most of the day.
Fine motor skills and right balance are needed since you’ll have to climb up ladders and other high places now and then. Good communication and problem-solving skills are going to be called upon daily.
What does an electrician do on a daily basis?
The roles may vary among different types of electricians. Yet, the primary role is to keep the electrical current successfully flowing in a safe and reliable manner to outlets and electrical equipment. Secondary purposes depend upon the industry he’s employed, the precise job he performs, and his level of experience. Although there’s much in common, there are many differences within the duties electricians handle, and that they depend upon the precise career path chosen.
Types of Electricians Based on Specialization
Electric repairmen are authorized, specific dealers, whose activity is to guarantee the successful running of electrical frameworks. However, there are 23 electricians dependent on specialization and confirmation. The following list has some of the well-known types of electricians.
- New Construction electricians
- Industrial Electricians
- Residential Repair Electricians
- Commercial Electricians
Tasks and responsibilities of different electricians
1. New Construction electricians
Electricians working in new constructions typically work from blueprints that an architect or builder has produced. These blueprints tell the electrician where the outlets, switches, circuit breakers, and lighting got to go. The electrician then determines the right paths to run the wiring needed. Electricians install conduits to carry installation when required, run the wires, and connect them. Electricians who are still serving their apprenticeships cannot fill these roles without direct supervision. Licensed electricians can handle these tasks on their own.
2. Industrial Electricians
Some electricians add industrial settings instead of residential. Counting on the employer, the electrician might fill multiple roles. For instance, on an automatic assembly line, electricians might repair the robotics. At other times, the electrician might repair generators or motors. When new electrical equipment arrives, it’d be the electrician’s responsibility to put in it, including rewiring existing systems. Electricians also might perform routine maintenance on the plant’s equipment.
3. Residential Repair Electricians
Some electricians focus their careers on repairing residential electrical systems. Over time, wiring can become defective or obsolete. Circuit breakers can become too outmoded to handle current demand, or homeowners might need outlets placed in new locations. In older homes that are undergoing renovation, electricians might rewire the whole house. That needs them to coordinate with other construction professionals, like carpenters, plumbers, and air-con technicians.
4. Commercial Electricians
Commercial electricians concentrate on installing and repairing electrical systems in offices and stores. Businesses might get to increase their computer equipment, for instance, and wish new wiring to handle the facility requirements. A store might need a lighted sign or want to relocate the register. Commercial electricians handle such matters for retailers and offices. At times, they need to work closely with other professionals, like elevator installers or alarm technicians.
Main career levels in electrical industry
There are few career levels of electricians we find in the electrical industry. The lowest; level of an electrician is apprentice. After the apprenticeship they become Journeymen and finally they become master electricians with the practical knowledge and experience they gained by working for years.
Three main three career levels of an electricians
- Apprentice
- Journeyman
- Master Electrician
1. Apprentice Electrician
Apprentice electricians are the new trainees who are on their first step toward becoming a licensed and a professional electrician. Further, these newbies assists electricians to complete tasks like maintenance, operations and repairing of electrical systems. Nevertheless, the experiences and the practical knowledge of an apprentice open them the way to becoming journeymen, known as the basic and primary level of an electrician.
2. Journeyman Electrician
In brief, a journeyman electrician is a basic and primary level of the electrician. Further, a journeyman electrician is a fresh electrician who finished an apprenticeship and got the license to become the electrician. A journeyman can work independently although they are not allowed to offer training to apprentices. However, they have to work under a supervisor until they gain their experience. Hence, they can’t be in a lead job role or have the pull permits for electrical work without having an experience.
3. Master Electrician
After getting about two years of experience, a journeyman can apply for a master electrician position. The requirements to become a Master Electrician are varying over time although licensing typically requires passing an exam. Master electricians can offer training to apprentices, lead jobs, and also direct electrical teams.
Best universities and schools to become an electrician.
If you’re seeking a degree in electricity, you will find that there are three different degrees that can be earned. In brief, a major in electrician may be a very popular major and is obtainable at a good sort of colleges and universities,
| University/ school | Location |
| Emily Griffith Technical College | Denver, CO |
| Apex Technical School | Long Island City, NY |
| Michigan State University | East Lansing, MI |
| Porter and Chester Institute of Stratford | Stratford, CT |
How hard is it to become an electrician?
Of course, yes, this is one of the most popular questions that anyone who needs to enter into this filed would have. Here we would like to encourage you that if a specific area seems formidable, it helps to concentrate on taking one step at a time. Still, it’s not as hard as you would possibly think.
Thanks to apprenticeship, learning to become an electrician becomes easier. Apprentices work full-time for an electrical contractor plus take classroom training 2-4 hours every week. Moreover, classroom training sometimes involves labs where you’ll have hands-on practice of specific aspects learned in your lesson.
Apart from that, world electrical events might help you to know more about the latest trends, tools and they would also create you a platform to meet the industry specialists.
Is becoming an electrician ?
Why not? It is! Can you believe that the value of becoming an electrician is exceptionally reasonable? You ought to be ready to become a licensed electrician without incurring much debt if any. Here’s why:
- Electrician apprentices earn while they learn.
- Tuition is nominal compared to a 4-year college degree.
- Employers may buy your school tuition.
- Scholarships are available for a few apprentices.
Many apprentices with IBEW are awarded scholarships or have their tuition purchased by “the Labor/Management relationship between the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and therefore, the National Electrical Contractors Association.”
Finding employers that are willing to pay part or all of your school tuition is doable. They’re out there. All you have to do is to ask around.
The cost of books varies by year. Attempt to find used books online or from prior apprentices.
Tool costs can add up. The great news is that you won’t need every tool all directly. Start small and work gradually to create up your collection. Birthdays and yuletide are an honest opportunity to feature tools to your belt.
How are you able to find an Electrician Apprenticeship?
One of the simplest ways to seek employment as an apprentice electrician is to ask the local coordinators of an educational program near you. This might be ABC, IEC, IBEW, junior college, or trade schools. The staff of those programs has tons of connections and will offer you direction and advice.
I also recommend that you just put together a listing of electrical contractors in your area, then stop in and ask them personally about the likelihood of working as an apprentice for them. Showing initiative and interest will go an extended way in expressing your ambitions and value to a good employee.
Moreover, world electrical events and small scale electrical events in your country might also help you with this.
How Long Does it need Become an Electrician?
In brief, becoming a licensed electrician can take a considerable amount of time. Most apprenticeship programs require four years to finish. That has 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and over 500 hours of classroom instruction. (State and native requirements vary.)
Further, the IBEW apprenticeship takes five years to complete. It’s an exceptional educational program, and you presumably will be earning more cash through your training and beyond.
Whichever apprenticeship path you select, you’ll get to pass a state licensure exam to become a journeyman electrician.
Studying for the exam is extremely important. Following my study, these tips should help you. The exam will be tough because it tests your knowledge of the National Electrical Code (NEC), which may be a thick volume. There are classes and practice tests available that will assist you in preparing. Memorization of the complete code isn’t necessary or possible. Students are being tested to confirm they will find the knowledge they would like within the NEC codebook.
How to become a successful electrician
Becoming an electrician is not an easy task. Thus, a particular individual who is willing to become an electrician needs to spend a considerable amount of money as well as time to complete the qualifications, which makes him an electrician. But to become a successful electrician every electrician must focus the attention on few important things. Those are mentioned below.
- Always work on time
- Good Grooming
- Demonstrate Respect
- Maintain a Positive Attitude
- Own Up to Your Mistakes Never Stop Learning
1. Always work on time
Punctuality is one habit you must adopt if you’re interested in being a successful electrician. Employers rely on their employees showing up on time, and if you’re consistently late or absent, you hurt your company’s ability to be competitive within the marketplace.
Even if you own your own electrical business, don’t fall under the trap of thinking that a lack of punctuality will be overlooked. Customers, colleagues, and even your employees will quickly lose respect for you as an electrician and manager if you aren’t dependable.
2. Good Grooming
Another habit that may catapult you to success as an electrician is excellent grooming. Although you aren’t wearing a suit and tie on a day to day, you may be judged depending on your appearance and individual presentation.
For example, you must wear unwrinkled, clean clothing, and abandon personal habits that are offensive to others. Good grooming isn’t about suppressing your individuality. Instead, it shows you’re courteous and have pride in both yourself and your trade.
3. Demonstrate Respect
Demonstrating respect may be a must-have work habit if you would like to achieve success. Respect is more than saying “yes, sir” or “no, ma’am”; it includes how you handle yourself once you are around others.
Respect includes knowing the way to hear others and valuing others’ thoughts and opinions truly. In short, respect is about placing others before yourself and being willing to sacrifice your own short-term needs for others.
4. Maintain a Positive Attitude
A poor attitude can quickly sap any workplace of its energy and make others miserable. So, remember that a positive attitude is among the foremost importance of all work habits. An uplifting, optimistic mindset is contagious, and are naturally interested in someone positive. You’ll quickly gain respect from employers and associates alike by valuing positivity.
Of course, maintaining a positive attitude in difficult situations doesn’t necessarily come easy. That’s why keeping a positive attitude requires a maximum amount a discipline just like other work habits. Positivity requires a determination to avoid negative thinking and speech. Fortunately, maintaining a positive attitude becomes more comfortable over time after you shape your thoughts and eliminate negativity from your mind.
5. Own Up to Your Mistakes
Another work habit that may assist you go far as an electrician is taking responsibility for mistakes. Once you own up to your mistakes, you demonstrate grace, humility, and a willingness to keep learning and growing.
Taking responsibility for errors is not at all an indication of weakness. Employers and colleagues are much more likely to respect you after you take ownership of undesirable outcomes. This trait sets you apart as a pacesetter who doesn’t seek to point out your finger to others but is willing to share the load and move forward as a team.
6. Never Stop Learning
Finishing your electrical apprenticeship and moving up and onward to your craft’s very best levels are accomplishments worth celebrating. However, don’t be the trap of thinking that your education is over. Instead, embrace learning and attempt to it for a lifetime.
Many careers, including the electrician trade, demand that practitioners never stop acquiring knowledge. Moreover, experience and proper attention help an electrician to succeed in his career. Still, there is something that you should keep in mind. The electrician is a profession that is associated with a risk of its kind. Hence, it is important to be aware of those electrical hazards and to take safety measures to prevent those.
However, an electrician who refuses to attempt to lifelong learning can threaten others’ lives and property by allowing ignorance to require control. You can even know about these things further at the world’s electrical events. So, whatever it is, never give up. Keep achieving your goals and set your targets to reach the highest in the field of electricity.
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