Working With Wires: How to Become an Electrician

Curious to learn more about how to become an electrician? A few steps are involved in the process, but the profession more than makes up for it with constant employment, vast opportunities, and a potentially fulfilling career in the trades. Here’s a career guide on how to become an electrician.

How to Become an Electrician: 6 Steps to Follow

The good thing about this profession is there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. While some steps are necessary, other paths still get you the job you want. Here are the steps to learn how to become an electrician.

1. Earn a High School Diploma or Equivalent Certificate

Aside from being 18 years old, earning a high school diploma or an equivalent certificate, like passing the General Education Development Test (GED), is one of the primary requirements for becoming an electrician. Electricians need to understand different academic concepts and learn skills that can help their careers, such as mathematics, English, physics and mechanical drawing.

Here are several reasons why getting a primary education is essential for aspiring electricians.

• Wiring is an integral part of being an electrician. Mathematical skills can help electricians calculate amperage, resistance and wiring lengths needed in any project.
• Electricians constantly need to read blueprints, project specs and other technical documents in their field of work. Basic reading comprehension and understanding of English words will help them digest information more effectively.
• Electricians often work at job sites in residential, commercial and industrial areas. Learning basic physics concepts enables electricians to understand the behavior of electrical systems in various environments and the components essential to setting up, maintaining and repairing circuits.
• Learning mechanical drawing equips electricians with the proper understanding of layouts and blueprints of the electrical systems they’re working on. They need to be able to follow mechanical system diagrams to diagnose problems better and facilitate repairs.

2. Study at a Trade or Vocational School

While aspiring electricians are not required to attend a trade or vocational school to learn technical concepts, they are excellent places to get foundational knowledge. Both educational institutions offer valuable training in electrical studies and give students an advantage in processing their certifications and applying for jobs.

Preparing for a career as an electrician requires understanding basic electrical principles and learning skills like using tools, studying wiring diagrams and planning electrical layouts. Trade and vocational-technical schools offer an introduction to essential electrical knowledge and give students more confidence when applying for apprenticeships and jobs after graduation. Many trade and vocational schools also combine classroom and practical training to teach students and cater to their varying learning strengths.

In addition, many states and licensing regions allow students to substitute their earned hours from formal education for hours of practical experience needed to obtain a journeyman electrician license or certificate. One year of formal education equals 1,000 hours of on-the-job experience vital to acquiring local licenses in different states.

3. Become an Apprentice

Electrician candidates must apply for an apprenticeship whether they pursue formal education in a trade school or not. It’s an essential requirement for all electricians because becoming an electrician apprentice equips students with relevant on-the-job experience and hands-on knowledge under the supervision of licensed master electricians.

Here are several learning opportunities electrician trainees face in their apprenticeship.

• Learning how to work with construction crews on a job site
• Understanding the basic principles of wiring, testing electrical systems and diagnosing electrical problems, assessing blueprints and reading technical documents
• Sourcing materials needed, evaluating their quality and preparing costing estimates
• Preparing underground installations
• Working with electrical infrastructure like installing electrical systems, conduits and safety systems like fire and security alarms
• Working with a team of electricians, from journeymen to master electricians and other specialists

Electrician trainees can expect their apprenticeship to last four to five years, depending on their skill level and experience. While the learning program may be challenging, it’s essential to ensure every apprentice develops the necessary skills to do their jobs safely. Being an electrician requires dedication, hard work and a willingness to grow. 

Learning from veteran instructors who can offer guidance and necessary tutelage is vital to the trade. Many professional electrician organizations offer apprenticeships, which require trainees to complete a variety of subjects and gain extensive hands-on experience to complete the program. Aside from organizations, here are some places where trainees can apply as apprentices.

• Trade schools
• Unions
• State agencies
• Online job boards

Tip: Some organizations, like the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) and Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC), offer a widely sought-after apprenticeship program. Apprenticeships at these organizations are prized for the valuable training and experience they provide, including career advice and guidance from veteran members.

4. Register as an Apprentice

Many states require electrician trainees to register before working at actual jobsites. Signing up to be a registered apprentice is straightforward. Fill out any necessary paperwork and apply. States have different requirements, so it’s best to check with local licensing and labor authorities before applying.

5. Complete the Apprenticeship Program

Electrician apprenticeships combine classwork and hands-on experience to produce eligible candidates in the trade. Studying under a master electrician will help trainees acquire the skills and knowledge needed to earn a general journeyman certification and progress to other specialties. Most states require trainees to complete at least four years of apprenticeship before taking the licensing exam.

Apprenticeship programs also introduce the National Electric Code to trainees to prepare them for compliance with state and local regulations. Learning and understanding the code is vital to passing the electrician’s exam. Electrician apprentices must train to do basic tasks at the beginning of their programs. As their apprenticeship progresses, they will face more complex lessons in the classroom and on the field.

One of the best things about being an electrician apprentice is the ability to earn while learning. Trainees can earn an average of $42,000 annually depending on their location, experience and skills. The Bureau of Labor and Statistics projects a 6% growth in electrician jobs from 2022 to 2032.

6. Apply for an Electrician’s License or Certificate

Electrical apprenticeships who finally finish their studies and complete the relevant experience requirements are eligible to take the electrical exam. Many states require electricians to pass the exam before practicing their profession. As different states may set their own licensing standards, applicants must do their due diligence and research their state’s licensing requirements.

Contacting the state licensing department and local authorities is an excellent way to start. They can give applicants the information they need to begin their practice or prepare for the electrical exams. The exam will cover critical topics such as familiarity with the National Electric Code, current safety practices and other procedures, local laws, building codes and electrical concepts.

Successful exam passers will be eligible to apply for their electrician qualifications and progress in their career. Here are several career paths electricians can take as they gain valuable experience.

• Journeyman electrician
• Master Electrician
• Residential electrician
• Commercial electrician
• Industrial electrician
• Independent electrical contractor
• General, service, field or sales manager
• Business owner

Electrician: A Demanding and Noble Profession

Many aspire to become electricians due to the many opportunities. While earning well in the trade is possible, it’s also a demanding profession. People, businesses and entire communities rely on dependable electricians to ensure their safety when dealing with electrical systems. Becoming an electrician is a life calling, and the few who answer it value hard work, safety and professionalism above all else.