
Are you looking for a reliable way to earn competitive income and benefits? Do you want a meaningful career path with opportunities for advancement? If so, you may want to become an electrician.
The path to becoming an electrician can take significantly less time and money than other career paths. This means you may be able to begin making a living sooner to live the lifestyle you choose.
Discover the steps needed to become an electrician.
1. Earn Your High School Diploma
The completion of high school typically is required to become an electrician.
- An emphasis on algebra and trigonometry is necessary.
- Math is used to measure wiring lengths, determine the angle of a circuit, and calculate the force of an electrical current.
- A focus on physics, shop, mechanical drawing classes, and English also is important.
- The ability to read technical documents and understand basic scientific concepts is required.
2. Complete an Electrician Program
Completion of an electrician program at a trade school helps you stand out among the competition.
- Gain knowledge of the National Electric Code, workplace safety, electrical theory, and other topics.
- Experience hands-on training for a competitive edge when applying for an apprenticeship.
3. Apply for an Apprenticeship
Begin applying for electrician apprenticeships as soon as you finish your electrician program.
- You may want to find a local apprenticeship through the United States Department of Labor, newspaper classifieds, or online job boards.
- Other sources for electrical apprenticeships include the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA), Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC), and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW).
- A job interview is required to secure an apprenticeship.
4. Look Into State Registration Requirements
Find out whether your state requires you to register as an electrical apprentice to work on job sites.
- Check with your state’s department of licensing, labor, or consumer affairs for the most current information.
- The process requires the completion of a form and may include payment of a small fee.
5. Complete Your Apprenticeship
Your electrical apprenticeship combines on-the-job training with courses online and/or in a classroom.
- Gain mentorship and supervision from a master or journeyperson electrician over 4 to 5 years of paid training.
- Study important concepts and receive practical job site experience related to a typical electrician job description.
- Become capable of performing a full range of construction- and maintenance-related electrical work at the journeyperson level.
6. Fulfill Licensing Requirements
Most states and some cities and towns require licensing to perform electrical work.
- Contact the state and municipality you plan to work in to see what the licensing requirements are.
- You may need a license to work as an employee of an electrical contractor.
- You might have to pass an exam to demonstrate your understanding of the National Electric Code, electrical concepts, safety practices, and local laws and building codes.
Find an Electrician Job
Partner with CCS Construction Staffing to land your first electrician job. Here is a link to our job board.