What Training Is Required To Become an Electrician
Becoming an electrician can be a rewarding career path, but you need adequate training before you can provide services. Your training will help you familiarize yourself with the proper installation of electrical wiring and fixtures to prevent electric shocks. While you need training, you do not have to enroll in college education programs to become an electrician. You can get your qualification from vocational training programs. Here are the different training requirements you need to meet to become an electrician:
Electrical Trade School
It may not be a requirement, but many people start with trade school electrical courses. Such programs are often short-term and allow you to earn certificates when you complete the course successfully. Electrical course students learn about the necessary electrical equipment, fundamentals, and wiring requirements per the National Electrical Code.
Electrical course programs train students in other fields like:
Safety Training
Working with electricity can be dangerous, so trainers insist on the significance of maintaining safety when working. You will learn how to safely handle high-voltage or dangerous wires and fixtures during your course. Instructors can help you discover unique safety skills for various project types in theory and practice where necessary.
Part of safety training involves:
- Proper electricity handling
- Proper use of safety equipment
- Maintenance and use of various tools
Learning safety skills builds the basics for proper handling of future projects to guarantee the safety of your team, client, and household.
Crisis Management Training
Electrical instructors may insist on crisis management training as part of the basics. Learners are offered training combined with practice scenarios emulating real-life experiences. This will help students know how to act and overcome crises.
The safety of commercial and residential buildings often depends on whether electrical systems are functioning correctly. Live electricity can worsen a fire or flood situation, so electricians must make decisions quickly. Electricians can prevent the problem from worsening by knowing how to solve the issue efficiently.
Technical Training
Electrical jobs can be quite technical, so instructors have to offer specialized training to aspiring electricians before they can be certified. Technical electrical training allows learners to understand the use of various equipment for wiring jobs to handle the job effectively. Aspiring electricians learn how to connect transformers, motors, starters, and switches. This allows them to solve common electrical issues when they arise.
Technical training involves drawing mechanical diagrams of electrical grids and connections. You may learn how to create and interpret internal electrical systems or circuits.
Apprenticeship
Electrician apprenticeship is a key part of training since you gain hands-on skills. Aspiring electricians work as trainees or apprentices under a licensed master electrician. Apprenticeship programs will help you achieve the required hours of experience to become a certified journeyman electrician.
Electrician apprenticeships are trade skill programs involving in-class, practical, and field studies. Learners go through a four-year program to gain skills that can help them jumpstart their careers. During your apprenticeship, many programs allow you to learn and earn while working as an employee of a licensed contractor.
Before enrolling in an electrician apprenticeship program, make sure:
- The program is government certified
- The apprenticeship school is nationally recognized
- Your journeyman certificate after course completion is recognizable in all states
Different programs have unique terms, like the credits you earn on completing the apprenticeship program or the pay you get for your job. You can compare the terms among various institutions before enrolling to make sure your program is beneficial.
State Licensing
You earn state licensing on completing your theoretical training and full-apprenticeship course. Before getting certified, you will need to pass an electrical journeyman exam, which might vary depending on your state. Part of the exam might include passing hand-eye coordination, color deficiency, and eyesight tests. Some states will require that you continue with electrical education to renew the journeyman license.
States categorize the licenses you can earn depending on your education level and years of experience. Since the electrical education programs build on each other, you can move from journeyman to master electrician over time.
Enroll in the Best Course to Become an Electrician
You may need extensive training and experience to become licensed as an electrician. Enroll in the best course and apprenticeship program to become an electrician. The field has a lot of opportunities for growth and specialization.
