Electricians are the unseen heroes of our modern world. They’re the ones who ensure that our homes, businesses, and factories stay powered up and running smoothly. Whether it’s installing new electrical systems in newly built homes or making sure the lights stay on in a busy factory, electricians have a unique role in keeping our world in motion. Their work is often taken for granted—until there’s a power outage or a malfunctioning circuit, of course!
The demand for skilled electricians has never been higher, and with the rapid pace of technological change, it’s only expected to rise. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, electricians can expect strong job growth in the coming years, far outpacing the average for other occupations. That translates to job security, competitive wages, and room for advancement, making it an ideal career path for anyone who enjoys working with their hands and solving problems.
But how does one become an electrician? The path might seem daunting at first, but in reality, it’s a well-trodden route that combines education, hands-on experience, and certification. It’s a career that allows you to earn while you learn, avoiding the huge student debt that often comes with a traditional four-year degree. Here are five easy-to-follow steps to help you get started on your path to becoming an electrician.
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Step 1: Obtain Your High School Diploma or GED – The Essential First Step
Before you can start your journey toward becoming an electrician, you’ll need a high school diploma or its equivalent—like a GED. This is the foundation of your future career.
When I was in high school, I didn’t know much about the trade, but I knew I had to take certain classes that would eventually help me with the technical side of being an electrician. Key subjects to focus on include:
Mathematics
Whether it’s algebra for calculating measurements or trigonometry for understanding angles and circuits, math is an essential tool in an electrician’s toolkit. As a first-year apprentice, I used to find myself calculating wire lengths or determining the amount of current running through circuits. It’s a skill that will be used almost every day.
Physics
Electricians deal with electricity and how it behaves. Physics provides a scientific foundation for understanding the flow of electricity and how it powers homes and businesses. If you’re someone who is intrigued by how things work behind the scenes, physics will be your best friend in this field.
English
While you may not think English is important for electrical work, being able to read blueprints, interpret technical documents, and understand electrical codes is critical. I remember the first time I had to interpret a circuit diagram—it felt overwhelming at first, but knowing the terminology from school made it manageable.
Shop Classes and Mechanical Drawing
In these classes, you’ll get the hands-on experience with tools and design techniques that will prepare you for the practical side of the job. If you’re in a school that offers mechanical drawing, it’ll help you visualize how electrical systems are structured and how they interact with the physical space.
Color Vision
A practical skill that is often overlooked is having normal color vision. Electrical wiring is often color-coded, so being able to differentiate between red, green, and black wires is essential. I learned quickly that color blindness can be a barrier to this profession, so many apprentices are required to pass a color vision test before beginning their programs.
Step 2: Consider Technical or Vocational Training – Gain a Competitive Edge
While not every state requires formal education for electricians, attending a technical school or vocational program can give you a significant advantage in landing your first apprenticeship. In fact, I found that a bit of formal education really helped me in my early days as an apprentice.
Why Formal Training is Beneficial
- Electrical Theory & Safety: Understanding electrical theory is essential, but it’s the safety procedures that will save your life on the job. During my vocational training, we spent hours in labs practicing safety procedures. By the time I entered my apprenticeship, I felt more comfortable handling electrical systems safely.
- Blueprint Reading and NEC Understanding: Knowing how to read blueprints and follow the National Electrical Code (NEC) is essential. Many technical schools offer specific classes in these areas. Having this knowledge will make you stand out when applying for apprenticeships, as you’ll already be familiar with the codes and standards electricians must follow.
- Practical Skills: Many trade schools offer hands-on training with actual electrical systems and tools. For example, at my school, we worked on everything from wiring small circuits to installing light fixtures, which made the transition into my apprenticeship easier.
Training Programs: The Options
There are different pathways to formal training. You can opt for a certificate program (typically lasting 6-12 months), or if you’re looking for something more in-depth, an associate’s degree (2 years) might be a good fit. While associate degrees can be more expensive, some institutions, like City Colleges of Chicago, offer programs that allow you to build your education over time, earning certificates as you progress.
For those with busy schedules, online courses are available, giving you the flexibility to complete your training at your own pace. These self-paced courses typically focus on learning codes, electrical theory, and safety. However, hands-on experience is still a must, so keep in mind that practical skills will need to be developed on the job.
Step 3: Complete a Paid Apprenticeship Program – Learn on the Job
This is the step that sets the foundation for everything you’ll do as an electrician. A paid apprenticeship is essential, as it combines hands-on experience with classroom instruction.
The Structure of an Apprenticeship
- Duration: Apprenticeships typically last 4-5 years, encompassing around 8,000 to 10,000 hours of on-the-job training and 576 to 1,000 hours of technical classroom instruction. During this time, you’ll learn by doing, under the supervision of experienced electricians.
- Curriculum: While on the job, apprentices receive structured instruction on everything from electrical theory to blueprint reading and safety protocols. I remember being amazed at how quickly I moved from small residential wiring projects to large-scale commercial jobs, all under the careful supervision of my journeyman.
- Mentorship: Apprenticeship programs are great for mentorship. The journeymen I worked with were always willing to share their knowledge, and I quickly gained confidence in my abilities by learning directly from the pros.
Earning While Learning
One of the best parts of being an apprentice is earning while you learn. My starting wage was about 50% of what a fully licensed journeyman would make, but as I gained experience and skills, my wages grew. By the end of my apprenticeship, I was making almost as much as a journeyman, but without all the added responsibility. Plus, apprenticeships give you the chance to pay your bills while avoiding the debt that often comes with a traditional four-year college degree.
Where to Find an Apprenticeship
- Trade Schools: Many schools help students find apprenticeships.
- Unions: The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) offers excellent apprenticeship programs, often with better wages and benefits due to collective bargaining.
- Contractor Associations: Non-union options like IEC offer similar programs and provide a wealth of industry contacts to help you along the way.
Step 4: Obtain Your Journeyman Electrician License – Start Working Independently
Once you’ve completed your apprenticeship, it’s time to step up and obtain your Journeyman Electrician license. This is your ticket to working independently and taking on more complex projects.
Licensing Requirements
Each state has its own requirements for licensing, but generally, you’ll need to:
- Pass an Exam: The exam will test your knowledge of electrical theory, the NEC, and safety regulations.
- Complete Required Apprenticeship Hours: Make sure to track all your apprenticeship hours, as you’ll need to provide proof to take the licensing exam.
The Benefits of Being a Journeyman
As a journeyman, you will be able to:
- Work independently on most electrical projects.
- Supervise apprentices and help train the next generation of electricians.
Step 5: Advance Your Career to Master Electrician or Contractor – Unlock Higher Earnings
For those looking to grow in the field, the path doesn’t end with becoming a journeyman. You can advance your career by pursuing Master Electrician or Electrical Contractor positions.
Becoming a Master Electrician
- Requirements: Typically requires 12,000 hours of on-the-job experience. Some states allow for substitutions, like an electrical engineering degree, which can reduce the work experience needed.
- Master Exam: This is a much more challenging exam that tests advanced theory, calculations, and business knowledge.
- Responsibilities: Master electricians can design electrical systems, pull permits, and supervise other electricians. They also have the final say on complex projects.
Becoming an Independent Electrical Contractor
- Business Ownership: Contractors have the freedom to run their own business, managing projects and employees.
- Earnings Potential: Contractors can easily make over $100,000 per year, depending on the size and scope of their business.
Conclusion: Your Path to a Rewarding Career as an Electrician
The journey to becoming an electrician is a blend of hands-on learning, formal education, and rigorous certification. By following these five steps—obtaining your high school diploma, considering formal training, completing an apprenticeship, earning your journeyman license, and advancing to master electrician or contractor—you’ll be on your way to a rewarding and secure career.
Whether you’re installing the latest smart home system or maintaining the electrical infrastructure that powers a community, being an electrician is a job that always has an impact.
