Making the decision to become an electrician can be overwhelming. You know what you want the end goal to be - to become a well-paid professional electrician - but how do you get there? What are the electrician qualifications? What needs to be done before you get your license? When should you start? Its not as complicated as one might think once you get all of the information needed to begin the process.
So when should you start? Right away! If you are still in high school, look for classes geared towards electrical, if there are such options. Some schools have classes specifically for learning electrical systems. However, many smaller schools won’t have these in the curriculum. If this is the case, try to get into hands on classes like a shop class of some sort or an engineering class. And study hard in your match classes. Designing and understanding electrical systems often involves some pretty serious math, so take that part of your education very seriously, regardless of what other classes are available to you.
If you have already graduated high school and are looking at what to do next, college is certainly an option. While this isn’t generally required as part of the qualifications to become an electrician, some electrical companies might like seeing this on the resume. Many community colleges offer an associate’s degree in electrical engineering and technologies which gives you great tools to help you begin your career. This path can also help you determine if this is the career path that is best for you.
However, unlike some industries, the electrical field is not one that requires a college degree to be successful. If you take your work and studies seriously, you can have a very lucrative career without one.
The key to becoming a successful electrican is training and an on-the-job apprenticeship. Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) can help you begin your career. An apprenticeship is paid training that teaches you how to do electrical work in the field. You will get hands on training as you assist electricians in performing electrical work. Most apprenticeships require 8,000 to 10,000 hours of work before you can take your licensing test.
Once you finish your required hours, you can then take the test to become a full registered electrician! In order to prepare you for the test, pay attention to your classroom instruction, take tons of notes, study the electrical codes and learn as much as you can on the job. Be the best apprentice you can possibly be. Get in touch with IEC today to begin the process of making a career in the electrical field.
Electrical Exam Prep Recommended Resources
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Basic Electrical Training - What You Will Learn in Your First Year as an Apprentice
Can You Become an Electrician without an Apprenticeship?
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Necessary Electrical Tools for Apprentices
College for Electricians - Better than a Paid Apprenticeship?
What are you waiting for? Start building a rewarding career in the electrical field today!
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