Electricians can be split into two distinct branches – those part of the construction industry and those within maintenance. Journeyman electricians carry out detailed building projects involving electricity, while apprentice electricians operate within the repairs and upkeep sector.
For those wishing to pursue a career in electrical work, the path to becoming an apprentice electrician is not one prescribed by rules. Yet certain steps can aid in taking this journey successfully. Foremost, a keen enthusiasm for all things electro-related is essential. Secondly, garnering as much familiarity with electricity as possible is highly recommended; this could include taking on a paid job part-time, volunteering in a relevant area, or studying subjects related to the field.
With your sights set firmly on a career as an electrical apprentice, the next logical step is to find an apprenticeship. This may present itself in several forms, with the first being to reach out to your local union. In the US, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) holds reign as the dominant electrician union and offers a wide array of apprenticeship opportunities.
If you’re looking for an apprenticeship opportunity, it’s worth reaching out to affiliated local electrical contractors. It’s quite common for these experienced professionals to be keen on taking on an apprentice and granting them the needed training.
With a few specialized learning options available, aspiring apprentices can receive two to four years of comprehensive training from specialized schools. This training is a combination of classroom instruction and firsthand practice, with some of the top-recommend programs coming from schools such as:
After successfully completing your apprenticeship, you can now take the steps to become a journeyman electrician. NECA and IBEW oversee this exam, which is your official pathway into the profession. With a successful score, you can now work as a journeyman electrician anywhere in the United States.
To determine if a career as an electrician is ideal for you, it may help to gain firsthand experience. Connecting with your local union could provide you with the perfect opportunity to get a taste of what the job entails through job shadowing or internships. Doing so is a great way to decide if this career path is something that interests you.
Attending a trade school is another wonderful way to gain exposure to the electrical field. Through classes taught by seasoned professionals, you will acquire the necessary fundamentals of electricity while also connecting with people pursuing similar vocations.
There is no better way to discover what it is like to be an electrician than to become a volunteer at a local electrical contractor. Working with the pros will give you first-hand experience of the field and can help you decide if this career path is something that you are serious about pursuing.
Are you ready to dig deep into electricity and work hard? If so, becoming an electrician might be the perfect job for you. By investing in an apprenticeship, you’ll be ready to work as an authorized electrician all over the country.
Related Product
Post time: 2023-06-22