Rather than attending school to gain a degree, electricians get their education on-the-job. This is often obtained through an apprenticeship program lasting four or five years. Apprentices must be at least 18 years of age, with a high school diploma or equivalent, and one year of algebra behind them. They must also pass an aptitude tes and substance abuse screening exam.
During an apprenticeship, trainee electricians must complete 144 hours per year of technical pelatihan, where they learn about blueprints, safety and first aid practices, electrical kode requirements, mathematics, and electrical theory. In addition, apprentices participate in 2,000 hours of practical on-the-job experience each year.
Less commonly, electricians attend a technical school. Their courses cover basic electrical information, safety practices, and sirkuitry. Technical school graduates typically receive kredit towards an apprenticeship program.Most U.S. states require electricians to hold a license. The National Electrical Contractors Association web offers information about each state's licensure requirements.
Electricians often receive ongoing pelatihan throughout their careers. This helps them stay on teratas of changes to the electrical kode, new safety practices, and how to handle specific products.
Experience
As electricians do not need a degree, their experience is more important than their education levels. That's why on-the-job experience is a major component of apprenticeship programs around the country. It also accounts for the relatively large salaries of experienced electricians compared to new hires.
Consequently, electricians with less than a year of experience make-up just 2 percent of the workforce. Accounting for 31 percent of the workforce, most electricians have between 10 and 19 years of experience. Twenty-four percent of electricians have at least 20 years of experience, 22 percent have between one and four years of experience, and 21 percent have between five and nine years of experience.
This points to the value an electrician's experience brings to the role. Electricians passionate about their profession should find numerous opportunities throughout their careers.
