While at least two years is required in a majority of states, most education programs with a licensed or master electrician can last up to four years which is great hands on experience. Those entering this type of program usually earn the title of journeyman electrician soon afterwards.
Electricians work indoors and outdoors year-round. Getting into the field requires an apprenticeship, either through direct hire or after completion of a certificate or degree program. Electrician course fees vary, which causes the average cost to become an electrician to be $1,000 to $11,000.
What classes do electrical engineers take?
Reasons why you should study an Electrical course
A daytime training program may be completed in as little as one year.
Apprenticeships are paid and last approximately 4-6 years, depending on your location.
Apprenticeship Program Lengths. In general: Electrician apprenticeship programs take four years to complete, with 144 hours of technical training and 2,000 hours of paid on-the-job training each year of your apprenticeship.
Some schools do offer shorter accelerated programs. An associate degree in electrical technology takes up to two years to earn.
There are four different types of apprenticeship programs to consider, with the focus on specialization: 1 Outside lineman 2 Inside wireman 3 Telecommunication tech 4 Residential wireman
It's important to understand the answer to 'How long does it take to become an electrician?' because the length of time it takes depends on the type of electrician you want to become and the route you decide to take.
An electrician is a qualified tradesperson who deals with a variety of issues with electricity. They're responsible for maintaining, installing and repairing electrical systems. Electricians are also usually responsible for lighting, power and communication systems and for fixing and servicing electrical gear and appliances.
There are different types of electricians within the trade, and each requires specific qualifications and experience. Electricians can work or specialise in one of the following fields:
Whichever training route you decide to choose, electricians usually possess a distinct skill set that enables them to carry out the essential duties that are involved with this profession in a safe manner. To have a successful career as an electrician, you typically require the following skills:
An electrician is a trained professional who works with electrical systems and equipment. Electricians can work within residential homes and commercial businesses, on businesses' electrical equipment and machinery and sometimes even on voice and data systems.
Electricians are an in-demand type of skilled professional who earn good wages at every phase of their career. To work as a licensed electrician, you will need to follow the requirements of your municipality and state, but once you obtain your license, your pay will generally be higher than unlicensed apprentice electricians.
You can begin working as an electrician under supervision in as few as nine months through a trade school. Here are the steps you'll need to take to get there:
These programs range from 10 months to 4 years, and you can earn a certificate or a degree in science.
Electrical apprentices must agree to a three-way contract between the employer, the government and the apprentice. The general license is completed after 8,000 documented hours and OJT evaluated by a journeyperson or mentor.
The completion of an approved electrical program, combined with verified hours, will allow you to take a Journeyman test. 4,800 hours to take the residential test. 8,000 hours to take the general (journeyman) test.
As a reference point, in the IBEW in Detroit, the journeyperson hourly rate is around $44 hourly plus benefits.
Apprentices have opportunities in a wide range of areas including: residential, commercial, industrial construction projects, wiring houses, apartment buildings, shops, restaurants, oil and gas field projects, pulp and paper mills, power generation and public utilities.
Apprentices develop skills with hand tools and power tools, fundamental wiring practices, conduit bending, service entrances, troubleshooting, application of the National Electrical Code and other skills used by Construction Electricians.
The NCCER and Mike Holt Curriculum are non-union apprenticeship training programs that are 4-5 years of training only. Unfortunately, there are no nationally recognized electrician certification or licenses with this route.
In general, electricians handle the electrical, lighting, and power systems in your home, offices, businesses, and more. They install wiring and equipment, inspect systems and circuit breakers, read blueprints and diagrams, and make sure everything in a building is following both the National Electric Code and any state regulations.
Once you graduate from an accredited electrician program, your next step is working as an apprentice electrician in order to get qualified to sit for your electrician certification or licensure.
Electrician wages and salary often depend on experience — the more you have, the higher your pay. Apprentice electricians general get paid by the hour, and according to Indeed.com, the average hourly wage for an apprentice electrician in California is around $21, plus any overtime bonuses you might get for clocking over 40 hours in a week.
A journeyman electrician is someone who is qualified to do many of the tasks electricians are needed for on a day-to-day basis, like installing, repairing, and inspecting wiring, circuitry, and control systems in residential, industrial, and commercial buildings.
Although it varies, depending on the contract, the average apprenticeship lasts between 3 and 5 years.
Tasks that you will perform include hauling materials, running wire through walls and floors, installing breakers, outlets, lighting fixtures and a number of other jobs. All of these jobs, even when they don’t seem so glamorous, will mold you into a true and successful electrician.