How to Become an Electrician

Electrical work Electrician is one of the most popular career choices in Australia at the moment. There are many reasons for this. Electricity powers our homes, allowing us to keep food fresh and communicate without having to go outside.

One day, I was watching some TV show or another about how electricity changed the world when I realized that if you want to change society, becoming an electrician could be a good idea. After all, few individuals besides electricians have regular access to live high voltage power lines!

So I decided to put together this article on How to Become an Electrician, so individuals interested in starting their journey into the exciting world of electrical work can find out more about it. On top of that, I hope that those who already enjoy a career in electrical work can use this article to help them teach others and share their knowledge.

Methods:

  • Electricians perform many tasks, such as installing or repairing wiring systems, equipment and fixtures; applying knowledge of mathematics, physics and chemistry; reading construction plans; completing required paperwork; identifying potentially hazardous electrical conditions, and adhering to relevant safety measures. As such, the education requirements for becoming an electrician vary depending on many factors. Someone who is interested in pursuing a career as an electrician should consider enrolling at one of the two types of schools available for this profession: technical colleges or trade schools. The former are four-year institutions that offer what might be described as a more academic program while the latter are shorter, offering vocational training.
  • Which school makes the most sense for you will depend on your personal circumstances, especially your age and experience. If you are still in high school or have less than one year of work experience, trade schools might be right for you. Alternatively, technical colleges can be a good idea if you need to earn credits before entering the workforce full-time or want to acquire more knowledge than that provided at trade schools. Once enrolled in either type of institution, students should expect about four years of study before they receive their diploma/certificate. That said, some programs require more time than others due to prerequisites, requiring an extra year or two.

How to Become an Electrician in Washington State

  • Some people might understand the term ‘electrician’ as a synonym for ‘handyman’. A more complete description of that term includes the knowledge and skills to work with electricity, install wiring in a building or home, service electrical systems and devices such as lighting, smoke detectors and air conditioners, repair fuses and electrical appliances, and wire generators and other equipment to be used off-the-grid. It is no wonder that the profession of an electrician is in such high demand. Particularly in places like remote Alaska where oil fields need long power lines run from distant cities. (See our previous post about The 50 Most Remote Places on Earth).
  • Electricians work with a combination of electrical theory and practical know-how based on their education and experience. Although not all electricians receive a four-year bachelor’s degree before entering the workforce. Many people choose to get a head start. By enrolling in a two or four-year college program focused on electrical engineering technology. These programs combine technical knowledge with hands-on lab courses. So students can gain valuable skills before working as employees in the field.
  • After earning a diploma or degree, electricians can begin work as apprentice electricians. Where they are paired with experienced professionals to learn how to perform installations and repairs. For residential and commercial settings. Many apprenticeships span four years before an individual can become journeymen electricians. That term describes workers who have learned their trade on the job and passed all necessary tests. But who do not yet have their own contracting companies.
  • Every state requires electricians to have license, so it is very important to know the specific requirements. In order to take the right courses and pass any necessary exams before applying for a license of your own. While licensing requirements vary across states. All 50 require that applicants receive training from registered technical institutes or community colleges. Pass a licensing exam and have at least four years of on-the-job work experience. For more complete information, check with your state’s licensing board before beginning your training.

Conclusion:

Getting the education needing to qualify for a career as an electrician can be time-consuming and expensive. However, if you love being creative and working with your hands to create a functional space. Where people can use electricity safely and efficiently, this might just be the perfect job for you!