Are you interested in becoming an electrician? That could be a wise career choice. A career as an electrician can be challenging, fulfilling, and rewarding. Plus, there's likely to be plenty of demand for your services in both the residential and commercial markets. The good news is that the path to becoming an electrician isn't too difficult. You'll need a little schooling, some on-the-job training, and some licensing. Once you've completed those steps, you'll be a fully licensed electrician who is able to take on a wide range of jobs. Below are details about each of the three steps you'll need to complete:
Electrician trade school. Your path to a career in electrical service and repair starts with trade school. Most community colleges and technical colleges offer a trade program with an electrician program. Most only require a high school diploma or equivalency degree. Also, most programs are only a couple of years in length, so you can start the program, finish quickly, and embark on your career.
When you look at different schools in your area, be sure to ask for alumni references. Those alumni can give you honest answers about how the school prepared them for their career. You also may want to look for a school that has a strong career placement program and ties to the local electrician union.
Apprenticeship. After you finish trade school, you will likely have to embark on your apprenticeship, which may be required by your local union. An apprenticeship is a multi-year period in which you work alongside more experienced electricians and learn on-the-job. At the beginning of the apprenticeship you may be more of an assistant, but you will likely see your responsibilities increase over time.
In most unions, apprenticeships are paid positions with benefits. You will likely be able to work full-time as an apprentice. Upon successful completion of your apprenticeship, your wages will likely increase significantly to journeyman, or veteran, levels.
Certifications. The final step in your training is to get licensed as an electrician in your state and with your union. Licensing varies depending on what state you live in. However, almost all states require at least a basic license before you can take on electrical work. There also may be additional licensing or certifications you can get throughout your career to help you win and complete more complex jobs. For instance, you may get licensed in commercial electrical work or industrial work, which may make you more desirable for potential employers.
Your trade school should be your starting point for all of this. They can help you get started in your program and they can help you transition into your apprenticeship, as well as train you for your licensing tests. Check out sites like http://hvac-tech.com for more information.
