Skip to main content

If you’ve decided to become an
electrician, congratulations! If you’re still on the fence about whether or not
this is the right career path for you, there are a number of things to
consider, including the following:

  • Your natural or innate talents
  • Your interests
  • The amount of time you are willing and
    able to put into training
  • Your long- and short-term career
    goals
  • The salary range
  • Any concerns or misgivings
  • Other trades or careers that
    interest you and the pros and cons of each

Being an electrician can be
extremely rewarding – but it doesn’t come without a lot of hard work. According
to the Stratford
Career Institute, you should figure on about 2,000
hours of hands-on training for four years to become an electrician.

Still interested? Here are five
things you need to do:

  1. Secure an Apprenticeship

As with most things worth having,
there is no shortcut; you must put in the time and effort to become an
electrician. In this profession, experience is worth its weight in gold and the
best – and most common – way to gain experience is by securing an
apprenticeship with a master electrician. After four years under his or her
tutelage, you’ll be ready to work on your own.

  • Choose an Area of Expertise

Sure, there is a market for
generalists. But specialists tend to be more in demand and often can command a
higher fee. Just as a cardiologist specializes in a different area of medicine
than a neurologist, electricians specialize in many areas. Some types
are domestic electrical installers, installation electricians, and maintenance
electricians.

  • Know the Dangers

Being an electrician can be
dangerous, as there is always a chance of getting shocked or electrocuted when
on the job. It is important to be aware of the kinds of dangers that you might
face so you can prepare yourself properly and take preventive safety measures.
According to SafetyElectricy.org,
you should always check the cords of your power tools before using them.

  • Get a License

You can’t work without a license.  According to ElectricianSchoolEdu.org, there are two types of licenses,
one for special electricians and one for master electricians. In order to apply
for a license, you must be at least twenty-one years old, submit the Background
Investigation Questionnaire, have at least seven and a half years of experience
combined with education, and pass a written and practical exam.

  • Learn Codes

According to HVAC
Technical Institute, “you will likely need to return to
the classroom periodically for a refresher on relevant electrical codes.” Put
the courses on your calendar so you can keep track of which ones you have taken
and when you have to take refresher courses. 
It is also a good idea to study codes on your own time, as they are
constantly changing with new technology.

Ready
to find your next construction job? You can get access to Building Skills NY
construction job and training opportunities by checking out our Job Seekers
page.