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Become an Electrician and Start Earning a Great Wage
Electrical work is essential to the everyday functioning of our lives. From our computers and smartphones to the lights in our homes, we rely on electricity for power, communication, and control. Electricians install, maintain and repair the equipment and wiring that makes it all happen.
Become an electrician and start earning a great wage.
In this career, you can start out as an apprentice and build up to a journeyman electrician. You can also become a master electrician and make more money as an expert on the job.
To become an electrician, you must first complete a training program that includes on-the-job work and classroom instruction. You can find an apprenticeship program through a union, local construction or service company, or individual electrical contracting firms.
The apprenticeship is typically four years long and involves 6,000 to 10,000 hours of on-the-job training and related classroom instruction. It is supervised by a master electrician and covers the basics of wiring, circuits and equipment.
During the apprenticeship, you learn to install circuits and wiring, inspect and test wiring, and follow the National Electrical Code (NEC). After you complete your apprenticeship, you can take your state’s licensing exam for a journeyman electrician license.
Your job duties as an electrician include installing and maintaining electrical power, communications and lighting systems. During installation, you read wiring diagrams to plan the location of circuit breakers, outlets and other equipment. You use hand and power tools to run wiring through walls and protect it.
You might also be responsible for repairing or replacing equipment when it breaks down. Your duties include finding the problem, making the necessary repairs, and testing the repaired items to ensure they are working properly.
Keep your customers happy with your work and services.
Electricians need to communicate with their clients and subcontractors throughout the process of the project. This is especially important when there are multiple parties involved in a large commercial job. Communicating well will help you build a positive reputation in the industry and increase your chances of winning repeat business.
Be a good communicator and build strong relationships with your co-workers, clients and suppliers.
When working with clients, be clear and concise in your communications so that they can understand what you are doing and how the project is progressing. This will allow them to ask questions and provide feedback if needed.
The electrician field is growing rapidly, so there are lots of jobs available for newcomers to the profession. The BLS projects that about 84,700 openings for electricians will be available each year on average through 2024.
To get into the electrician field, you must have a high school diploma or its equivalent. You can also attend a technical institute or trade school to prepare for this career.
You can also earn a certificate or degree from a trade school that offers continuing education courses for electricians. A certificate or degree will help you gain more experience and advance in the field as a journeyman electrician.
