Electricians are in demand across industries that rely on electricity. This career requires a high school diploma or equivalent, but most electricians train on the job through an apprenticeship that lasts up to five years.
Trade schools are also an option if you want to jump into the industry without waiting for an apprenticeship to become available.
Skills
A keen eye for detail is crucial to be an electrician, as is good manual dexterity. This is because electricians must be able to work with small tools and objects, as well as follow detailed schematics. Practicing activities like woodcarving, drawing or painting, and tying fishing knots can help build this ability.
Excellent communication skills are also necessary for this career, as the ability to explain complex electrical issues in ways that other tradespeople can understand is essential. Whether they are working with customers, supervisors or other crew members, effective communication is key to keeping projects on track and providing safety guidance.
In addition to these technical skills, a strong background in math is important for electricians. This is because they often need to calculate room dimensions, electrical loads and voltage conversions, so having a firm grasp of basic math is helpful. They must also be able to follow blueprints and technical diagrams, as well as assess the condition of existing equipment and wiring.
Education
Whether you’re still in high school or considering making the move from a different job, taking a course at a local trade school or community college is a great way to get an education that will prepare you for this career. Courses on subjects like electrical theory, residential wiring, and lighting will give you the hands-on experience needed to become a licensed electrician.
You can also opt to complete an apprenticeship, which will provide on-the-job training alongside a master electrician and help you meet licensing requirements for your state. Some trade schools and apprenticeship programs will even allow you to count some of your classroom hours toward your apprenticeship hour requirement.
In addition to having the right technical skills, you’ll need good communication skills to work with clients and other team members. You’ll often have to translate complex electrical issues into simpler terms for customers, so being able to do so will help you build your client list. It’s also important to have physical stamina for this role because you’ll be constantly standing, crouching, and climbing, as well as using power tools.
Training
Electricians need extensive training in a variety of areas. Typically they attend an electrician trade school that offers courses and programs in electrical wiring basics, electrical motors, adherence to safety protocols and other fundamental aspects of the job. These schools are often accredited to ensure high standards of education and are also likely to offer financial aid.
In many cases future electricians will then enter an apprenticeship program with a company or work at a construction site as part of their preparation to become fully licensed journeymen. These programs can reduce the time it takes to reach full certification but they are not a substitute for a trade school degree.
As an Electrician, you will need to have excellent verbal and written communication skills to interact with customers about their electrical needs. This will be particularly important when discussing the costs and benefits of various options. You will also need good observational skills to spot potential hazards or issues that may arise during the course of a project.
Experience
Electrical work is high-stakes and time-sensitive, requiring precision to avoid dangerous mistakes. It can also be physically demanding if working on ladders or in cramped spaces. Strong communication skills are vital for communicating with clients, supervisors, and other crew members.
Some electricians earn their credentials through technical schools, earning an associate’s degree in electrical engineering or technology and completing a hands-on apprenticeship program with a master electrician. Others attend a vocational school that offers an electrician’s certification, graduating with 7.5 years of on-the-job experience.
Industrial electricians are tasked with installing, repairing, and maintaining electrical equipment in power plants, processing facilities, factories, and mines. They often work with large machinery and may focus on security and lighting systems, reporting to maintenance supervisors or facility managers. Depending on the industry, some electricians can choose to become unionized. This means they’ll enjoy a variety of benefits like health insurance, pension plans, and vacation days. They’ll also receive additional training to stay up-to-date on safety practices and new technologies in their field.
