Life after high school means facing hard choices between continued education and earning money to survive. Many high school graduates believe the only appropriate action is to enroll in an expensive four-year degree program that they may never use. Not every job field needs a degree and trades are in high demand, especially the need for electricians. While a degree from a university is not necessary, you will need some education and experience. If you have decided that pursuing this field is what you want, here are four steps to take to ensure success.
1. Trade School
The first step to becoming an electrician is obtaining an education. Four-year degrees are not required, and a trade school with a specialty track is often a better choice. Trade schools are generally two to three years of education and offer apprentice training programs not offered elsewhere. The best way to learn how to become an electrician is with hands-on training. You will want to look for a program that is flexible with your schedule and is certified in your state.
2. Become Qualified
Before you can apply for apprenticeships with a respected business, you will need to make sure you meet certain qualifications. Electric companies will require you to be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma before you can go with them to the job. There are job shadowing programs available in some high schools that will allow you to participate in a few activities before graduation. Outside of those two requirements, the other qualifications for electricians include the ability to follow fine details, able to work on your own, and have a clean driving record.
3. Pass the Exam
Regardless of how much education and experience you have; you will need to make sure you can pass the National Code for Electricians exam. This exam is how you become licensed to practice in your state. Thankfully, certified trade schools will cover everything that is in the exam during your time in school. Job shadowing will also show many of the applications covered on the exam, but it is important to also study and take practice tests before attempting the full exam.
4. Become Licensed
Once you have obtained the appropriate education and passed the exam for your state, you are ready to become licensed. Each state has specific requirements for licensing, so it is important to check and see how many hours of work experience you need to have. In many states, you can obtain a special work permit that will allow you to keep accumulating hours following the exam so you can become licensed. Where licensing becomes vital is when you wish to work unsupervised and/or obtain private clients.
To learn more about the process, contact local electrician trade schools.
Share1 October 2020
I have never been a great book-learner, which is why I decided to see about going to trade school instead of traditional college. I wanted to get right into a career, instead of taking years of meaningless classes along the way. As soon as I enrolled, I could tell that I had made the right decision. My classes were interesting, fun, and they taught me a lot. I actually think that I learned more in my first semester of trade school than I did in a year's worth of traditional school--largely in part because the subject was interesting to me. I made this blog to help other people learn more about the benefits of trade school.
