Do you think you would like to work as an electrician? Are you slightly hesitant because you aren’t sure just what this potential career path will consist of? Becoming an electrician is sure to be a great career choice; online research shows that this employment area is expected to grow at a faster than average rate for all occupations. As an electrician you will be responsible for installing wiring and lighting systems, for reading blueprints or technical diagrams that will detail the electrical requirements for a particular project, for identifying electrical problems using many different testing devices, and for inspecting electrical components. In addition, you may also be expected to direct and/or train workers to install, maintain, and repair electrical wiring or equipment. Start on your electrician classes today, you’ll be happy you did.
In order to be qualified to work as an electrician you will likely want to begin by being hired as an assistant to an electrician. This will allow you to gain real world experience, which could prepare you to begin an apprenticeship program. It is important to note that an apprenticeship is not the only way for an aspiring electrician to receive the necessary training to work in this industry. An apprenticeship will typically require you to complete coursework for a four year period. During this four years you will be required to complete 144 hours of classroom work and approximately 2,000 hours of on the job training. Keep in mind, if you have completed some level of formal training program at a vocational institute or community college, it may not take you four years to complete the apprenticeship requirements.
Furthermore, you would be allowed to enter the apprenticeship program at a higher level. You can expect to complete coursework related to conduit fittings, heating practices, electricity, lighting practices, properties of conductors, and residential, commercial, and industrial installations. In addition to your formal training it will also be important that you have good vision, that you are physically fit, and that you have good hand-eye coordination. Take a moment and request a free information packet from any of the construction schools on our site that are particularly appealing to you. As a trained electrician you will be able to work in residential, commercial, or industrial situations that warrant electrical work. Remember, your training will prepare you to work in new projects or in remodeling projects.