As people flock to four-year colleges and universities, the number of available trade jobs are increasing. Trades schools teach vocational skills that have shorter classroom educational periods but offer high returns in regards to wage. One such job is that of an electrician. These highly skilled individuals keep society's lights on.
In this article, you'll discover what is required to take charge of your life with electrician certification.
Stages of Electrician Training
There are three stages on the journey to becoming an electrician. Requirements vary by state and further by city and county but are similar in general. Attending a vocational program is not required by all states however without proof of one, the required time on the job doubles. For example, you'll need to provide proof of 4 years of electrician training courses or 8 years of electrical construction experience depending on your state.
Stages of electrical training:
A Deeper Look at Electrical Trade School and Apprenticeship
The apprenticeship is the longest part of your journey to becoming a licensed electrician. Trade school can last nine or more months while apprenticeships typically take 4 to 5 years to complete. Your trade school education counts toward the time required to complete the apprenticeship. Many trade schools also have courses that lend credits toward a bachelor's degree if you choose that path.
After the first year of learning electrical systems and safety, you work in the field under a licensed electrician. Many schools also offer apprenticeship programs. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and hold a high school diploma or equivalent. Apprentices earn a wage while receiving on-the-job training.
License and Certification
Many states use the terms licensed and certified interchangeably. At times, the term certification refers to a specialization or voluntary training. After your apprenticeship, you pay a fee to take the exam licensing you as a journeyman electrician. The exact requirements vary so as you develop your skill as an apprentice, check with your local governing body for specific requirements. For example, some states require you to have worked specifically within a construction or highway electrical context to qualify as a journeyman.
Once you receive your master electrician license, you can work as a contractor or go on to specialize in a field. Specializations include residential, commercial, hospital, communication electricians, and more.
The path to electrician certification is a long one but it's worth it. After a short schooling period, you get to earn a wage while you gain a skill. Contact services like HVAC Technical Institute to learn more about certification enrollment.
Share30 September 2020
These days, it is harder to find a job doing what you have gone to college for. I went to school for graphic design and thought that I would easily be able to find a job doing what I went to school for. Unfortunately, the field is flooded with graphic design artists, which makes it very hard to get a job. I have since completed a course at a local trade school that has opened up many doors for my career. Find out what a trade school can teach you to build on a previous degree that you have worked so hard to complete.
