Components of A Successful Career
A successful electrician career can be as individual as the electrician. For some people, it is establishing a business they can sell at retirement or pass down to children who want to pursue electrician careers. For others, it is working with top unions, such as the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, and enjoying the benefits provided. For many electricians, the satisfaction of knowing they have restored electricity to people devastated by storms and other natural disasters is one of the most rewarding parts of the job.
Electricians install, repair and inspect the wiring going into and/or throughout any type of structure. They must ensure that all work is in accordance with the National Electrical Code. Those are the basics of an electrician’s job, but there are many variables depending on what the individual electrician’s tasks include. Some electricians may specialize in transportation wiring, such as ships and airplanes, or cable and data line wiring. Service electricians are those who troubleshoot and repair electrical problems in homes and businesses. Some electricians may focus on new electrical installations in pre-built structures. If you want to rewire an old house with new electrical wires, you’re going to need a specialist.
Typical Electrician Program Requirements
Electrician trade school require either a high school diploma or equivalent, such as the GED. Applicants must be at least 18 years old. Students intending to pursue a career as an electrician should have good math skills, and satisfactory grades in algebra are important before embarking on trade school. The school may require a potential student to pass a basic aptitude test.
Typical Electrician Certifications Needed
Certification is necessary for an electrician working in any field but the exact certifications required depend on the type of job. Such certifications include a Certified Electrical Safety Worker, Electronic Safety Compliance Professional, and Certified Electrical Safety Technician. Some countries have national standards for electrician certification, but that is not true in the US. Instead, each state has its own electrician certification requirements. You can find these requirements listed on the state’s professional licensing board website. Some states have reciprocal electrician licensing agreements with other states so that a licensed professional may move between these states without an interruption in their ability to work. Many companies, and some states, require a master’s certification, which requires additional years of apprenticeship.
Academic Standards
A college degree is not required to become an electrician, but the industry has strict certification, apprenticeship, and licensing requirements. Before becoming an apprentice, the student electrician must learn the basics of electrical safety, how to read blueprints, and other aspects of the trade.
Exam or Experience Needed for Certification
Once the training program is completed, the person must pass an exam, which varies by state. Later on, if they wish to become master electricians, they must pass another, more stringent examination. These tests are often known as the “Electrical Journeyman Exam” and the “Master Electrician Exam”. A full “Electrical Contractor License” is often reserved for those who have passed the master exam, though there are exceptions, as this is decided state-by-state and, even occasionally, by county or city. As previously noted, electricians must undergo long apprenticeships, generally lasting four years for an electrician and perhaps eight years or more to qualify as a master electrician.
Electrician Apprenticeship
Expect to serve a paid apprenticeship of four to five years after graduating from trade school. Apprenticeships will also include 144 annual hours of classroom time, although the bulk of your time will be spent on the job. Depending on the state, the apprentice may have to register for an apprenticeship and an electrician apprenticeship license. Specialization occurs during the apprenticeship, such as outside or inside lineman or residential wireman.
Professional Organizations
NECA
National Electrical Contractors Association
NECA has 119 chapters nationwide supporting electrical contractors and their industry. Members join their local chapter and, once accepted, the contractor’s company membership is submitted to the national organization by the local chapter. NECA offers online and onsite management courses, as well as technical and business resources. NECA also hosts events providing members with networking opportunities.
IAEI
International Association of Electrical Inspectors
IAEI members include electrical inspectors, installers, contractors, and distributors among others. Every year, approximately 6,000 people participate in IAEI-sponsored training and certification courses. This non-profit organization’s mission statement promotes “electrical safety throughout the industry by providing premier education, certification of inspectors, advocacy, partnerships and expert leadership in Electrical Codes and Standards development.”
WECA
Western Electrical Contractors Association, Inc.
WECA membership is open to electrical contractors throughout California. Not only does WECA offer apprenticeship programs, continuing education, workforce development, and professional development opportunities but it also offers guidance in dealing with public and prevailing wage issues, as well as legal, human resources, and tax assistance.