How Can I Become an Electrician? 5 Electrifying Steps to Spark Your Career

Deciding to become an electrician is a smart move. The average salary for this profession in North Carolina hits $53,710 as of May 2020. Our guide lays out five clear steps to ignite your career path.

Let’s get started!

The Electrician’s Role

Electricians light up our world. They install and fix the wires in homes and big places like schools or stores, making sure lights turn on and machines work right. They use tools like pliers and voltage testers to do their job.

Gifts for electricians might include these handy tools or books about electrical systems to help them learn more.

Types of Electricians

Electricians play different roles, depending on their skills and training. Some work inside homes while others focus on big outdoor projects. Here’s a closer look at the types:

1. Residential Wireman: They fix and install wires in homes. If your lights flicker, call them. They know all about the safest ways to make your house bright and warm.
2. VDV Installer Technician: These tech-savvy pros handle everything from internet cables to security systems in buildings. Ever streamed a movie without buffering? Thank them for fast connections.
3. Outside Lineman: These electricians are not afraid of heights or bad weather. They climb poles to bring power lines from plants to your street, ensuring electricity reaches you no matter what.
4. Inside Wireman: They’re the ones working behind walls in large buildings, like schools or malls, setting up electrical systems that power lights, heating, and computers.

Each type of electrician brings something special to the table – from making sure your home is safe and cozy, to keeping big places running smoothly. Whether it’s climbing poles or wiring smart homes, they’ve got it covered with skill and precision.

Differences Between Commercial and Residential Work

Moving from the types of electricians, let’s dive into how commercial and residential jobs differ. Commercial electricians face big projects like office buildings, retail spaces, and factories.

They install and fix complex systems — think high-voltage setups and machinery bits. Residential electricians deal with smaller settings: homes. Their tasks include putting in lights, outlets, and wiring.

Commercial work involves large-scale installations; residential focuses on home environments.

How to Become an Electrician

Becoming an electrician means starting with the basics. First, get your apprentice license and then join a training program… It’s all about learning the ropes, from understanding electrical systems to wiring houses.

The goal? To fix problems and keep power running smoothly. Along the journey, you’ll rack up hours of hands-on experience—crucial for taking that big test later on.

After mastering skills under supervision, you’re ready for the next big step: the licensing exam. This test checks your knowledge of safety rules, electrical theories, and how to safely handle wires and other equipment…

Passing this gets you closer to being a journeyman—an important milestone.

But don’t stop there; aim high for master electrician status. This level requires more learning but offers greater rewards like better jobs and pay. Each phase is a mix of classroom lessons and real-world practice—tools in one hand, books in another.

So grab those tools—voltmeters, wire strippers—and hit the books

Apply for an Apprentice License

Getting your apprentice license is the first big step. In states like California, you need a “T-Card” while gathering work hours. It’s simple: fill out an application, pay a fee, and show you have a high school diploma or GED.

This card proves you’re legally allowed to learn on the job. With it in hand, you’re ready to start hands-on training under skilled electricians.

Next up? Joining an apprenticeship program, where your career will really begin to take shape.

Enroll in an Electrician Apprenticeship Program

After getting your apprentice license, the next step is to join an electrician apprenticeship program. This program combines classroom lessons with real work. You get hands-on experience while learning from pros.

Most apprenticeships last between 3 and 5 years. During this time, you will learn how to install electrical systems, read technical drawings, and follow safety rules.

In these programs, you’ll spend hours both in a classroom and on job sites under the guidance of experienced electricians. It’s not just about theory; it’s also about applying what you learn directly to real-world scenarios.

For example, one day you might be studying wiring diagrams in class. The next day, you could be using those diagrams to help wire a new building.

The blend of on-the-job training with structured education ensures that once complete, apprentices are ready for their journeyman electrician license, explains Mike Johnson, a licensed master electrician who began his career through an apprenticeship.

Complete Training Hours Requirement

To become an electrician, you must complete 8,000 hours of work experience. This means spending a lot of time on job sites, learning how to install and fix electrical systems. You also need 576 hours of classroom training.

These classes cover things like safety rules, electrical codes, and how to read wiring diagrams. You’ll study at trade schools or community colleges, where teachers show you the right way to do your job.

Your training prepares you for real work challenges. It teaches you to follow national electrical codes and use tools properly. Learning happens both in school and on jobs with more experienced electricians guiding you.

This mix makes sure you know both the theory and practice of being an electrician before taking your licensing exams.

Pass the Licensing Exam

Passing the licensing exam proves you know how to handle electrical wiring and safety regulations. It’s not easy but necessary. To pass, study the national code for electricians hard.

I spent many nights reading and practicing questions to make sure I was ready. The Michigan test costs $100, so be prepared to pay that fee.

After studying and paying the fee, taking the test is your next step. Feel confident in your skills and knowledge. A passed exam moves you closer to being a licensed electrician who can work on big projects or even run their own business.

Aim for Master Electrician Status

Becoming a master electrician is the top goal. In Michigan, you must work as a journeyman for two years and log 12,000 hours before aiming higher. This step guarantees you’re ready with skills and knowledge.

A master license calls for more experience, but opens doors to bigger jobs and leadership roles.

You’ll manage projects, lead teams, and maybe even run your own business once you reach this level. The process is clear: work hard, gain experience, and prove your expertise through additional exams.

Master electricians are in demand for their deep understanding of electrical systems and leadership abilities.

Master electrician status is not just a title; it’s proof of excellence in the electrical field.

Electrician Licensing: Requirements and Process

To get your electrician license, you first need to meet some key requirements. These include passing tests, finishing classroom and on-the-job training, and sometimes a check of your criminal record.

Basic Licensing Criteria

To start your journey as an electrician, you must meet a few basic requirements. You need to be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or GED. Also, having a valid driver’s license is essential.

Plus, passing a drug test is part of the process. These steps ensure that candidates are ready for the demands of the job.

From my own experience, meeting these criteria was my first victory in becoming an electrician. It proved I had the groundwork in place to take on more challenging tasks ahead, like technical training and hands-on workspaces.

Each requirement checked off felt like moving one step closer to entering a field where precision and safety are top priorities.

Selecting an Electrical License Type

Choosing the right electrical license type is crucial. North Carolina offers three kinds: Limited, Intermediate, Unlimited. Each level allows for different work sizes and types. For example, a limited license might be for small home projects, while an Unlimited one lets you handle large commercial jobs.

You must know what kind of electrician you want to be. This decision shapes your career path from the start.

After picking a license type, focus on meeting its specific requirements. Training hours and exams differ by level. Jump to “Earning a Journeyman Electrician License” next to understand these steps better.

Earning a Journeyman Electrician License

To get a journeyman electrician license, you need to pass a hard exam. In North Carolina, this test covers everything you must know. In Michigan, besides taking the exam, you also need 8,000 hours of work and 576 hours in class.

I worked those long hours and studied hard for my classes before I could take my test. It felt great to pass on the first try.

Getting this license means you can do more jobs alone without someone watching over you all the time. Next up is going for that master electrician level, where even bigger challenges and rewards wait.

Advancing to Master Electrician Level

To move up to a Master Electrician, you need more than just skills. After earning a journeyman license, Michigan rules say you must work for two years and log 12,000 hours. This step is big.

It’s not just about doing the job; it’s mastering it. With this level comes big projects and more responsibility. Being a Master Electrician means leading teams, planning major electrical systems, and solving complex problems.

This hard work pays off with respect in the field and higher pay. Once you reach this point, your career has no limits. You can run your own business or become a top consultant in electrical engineering technology.

Next up: exploring how becoming a certified electrician opens doors.

Advantages of Being a Certified Electrician

Certified electricians earn good money. The median salary is $56,900 a year. This job comes with job security too. Industries always need skilled electricians for maintenance and new projects.

With the right licenses, you can pick from many jobs. You could work in homes, on big construction sites, or with power companies.

This career also offers growth. Start as an apprentice and become a master electrician later. Master electricians make more money and lead big projects. They also teach apprentices, sharing skills and knowledge.

Being certified means you have proven skills employers trust. It opens doors to better jobs and higher wages across states, thanks to reciprocity agreements between them.

Electrician Training Programs and Schools

Electrician training programs and schools are key for those looking to join this profession. Trade schools and community colleges in North Carolina offer detailed programs that last between 2 and 4 years.

It’s vital the Division of Industrial Relations in California approves your chosen trade school or apprenticeship program. These programs vary, lasting from 4 months up to 2 years, fitting different schedules and career goals.

In Michigan alone, there are over 24,240 electricians out of a nationwide total of 762,600. This shows a strong demand for skilled workers in this field. Picking the right educational path is crucial.

Whether it’s a short certificate program or an extended apprenticeship, getting formal education combined with on-the-job experience sets the foundation for a successful career as an electrician.

FAQs About How To Become an Electrician