Category Archives: Apprentice Electricians

How To Become An Electrician Without An Apprenticeship

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An electrician apprenticeship can take up to four years to complete, depending on the field you choose. As this is not always an option for people who want to become an electrician fast, you can consider not doing an apprenticeship at all, and merely focusing on your studies.

It is necessary to note that you will be required to be able to operate fully as a licensed electrician in order for you to keep your license. Often times, when looking for work at major companies after obtaining your license, the company will require you to have done an apprenticeship to be considered for the position. If you choose to open your own business, you will need to list your experience in order to build a clientele, and a lack of an apprenticeship could count against you. Also, in some States, you will have to prove that you have done an apprenticeship in order to qualify for a contractor’s license.

Apprenticeships are sometimes hard to come by, as they also require you to take an extensive test beforehand, focusing on maths. But their value can not be overestimated. During an apprenticeship, you will learn tricks of the trade from masters who have blazed the trail before. You will get to face the most common of field problems with someone by your side to guide and assist you. You will also be earning money as an apprentice, paid hourly and according to your level.

However, if you can’t afford the few extra years, and would like to jump right in, you can obtain an electrician license without doing an apprenticeship. You will still have to have a high school diploma or General Equivalent, and you will still have to study an electrician course at a trade school or college. You will also still have to take an exam to become certified. But if you choose to proceed without an apprenticeship, here are a few answers to your most burning questions.

How Many Years Does It Take To Become An Electrician?

The short answer to this question is five years. This is the general amount of time it takes, if you follow through with an apprenticeship, and you choose to specialize in a specific area.

Without an apprenticeship, you can become an electrician within two years (no specialization). Study courses can range in length, but most take between 6 to 18 months to complete. Now take into account that you will have to take a licensing exam in order to work, so give yourself some extra time to study. The sooner you take your exam, the better, but some States have a testing schedule that you will have to slot into.

Can You Be Too Old To Become An Electrician?

How To Become An Electrician Without An ApprenticeshipThis is relative. You can never be too old to learn a new skill or gain knowledge, so studying a course should not be something to hold you back. It is worthy to mention that being an electrician can be a physically demanding job. Often times you will be clambering up ladders or balancing on scaffolding. You will be handling heavy power tools and even crawling though cramped spaces.

If you are fit, able and mentally bright, you are most definitely not too old to become an electrician.

Become An Electrician Fast

If you already have your high school diploma or GED, the next step to becoming an electrician fast would be to decide what exactly it is that you want to do. Do you want to become a general electrician? Or do you want to specialize in a specific area or even sector, such as machinery or mining?

Once you have decided this, search for the course that will suit your needs. Be focused and determined in your search, so you won’t have to settle or change courses halfway through. Once you have enrolled in a course, give it your all. Study hard, so you won’t have to repeat a subject.

Once you have graduated from your trade school, find out what the requirements are for your local certification exam. Take the test as soon as possible so you can obtain your license and begin to work.

It is possible to become an electrician without doing an apprenticeship, but it is not highly recommended. However, not everyone has the luxury of time. Do your best and achieve high scores to improve your chances of finding a job later on.

Some States do not require you to have done an apprenticeship for you to qualify for a contractor’s license, so you may even be able to still start your own business.

Better yet, talk to electricians in your region to get an idea of what the job scope looks like, and be willing to listen to their advice. If you are willing to work hard, you will be successful regardless.

Electrician Certification – what you’ll need to succeed

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In the United States, there are a number of requirements you need to adhere to in order for you to become a certified electrician. This is absolutely necessary in order for authorities to be able to regulate and govern those who deliver this service. It ensures that your clients receive a lawful and safe service, and that the quality of the work will meet the State’s codes.

It is essential for you to be certified in order for you to operate as an electrician in any American State. If you are currently completing an apprenticeship, or studying to become an electrician, you will deem it necessary in future to apply for such a certification. Even if you are still only deciding on whether you would like to become an electrician, it will do you good to know the basics.

What are the steps you need to follow to become an electrician? What type of certification test can you expect, and what are your options? Herewith a few answers to your most pressing questions.

How To Become An Electrician

To become an electrician, you will need to acquire a high school diploma first. A General Equivalent will also do. This is necessary, as you will be tested on algebra and even comprehension sometime throughout the process of becoming an electrician.

Next, you will need to find an apprenticeship. You can apply for an apprentice position at major electrical companies, or with an electrical union. Technical schools sometimes offer apprenticeships along with their courses, which saves a bit of time. An apprenticeship lasts for about four years, during which time you will also be paid an hourly rate for the work you do. The amount you are paid, as well as the duration of the apprenticeship depends on the area you have chosen (i.e. whether you have chosen to specialize or not).

The next step is to enroll in a technical electrician school or college. Choose an institution that caters to the field you have chosen. If you are not sure whether you would like to specialize yet, choose a school that can give you that option later on. There are many schools to choose from, and even a few online options. Make sure that the school you choose is as widely recognized as possible, as it will increase your chances of finding a job, in more than one State.

After you have completed both your apprenticeship and your studies, you will be ready to take your certification test. Find out from your local licensing authority when the next exam is, and take your test as soon as possible.

Electrician Certification Test Questions

The licensing exam of every State is different. You will need to gain as much information about your upcoming test as possible, so you can plan and study accordingly.

Most States use the National Electrical Code (or NEC) handbook as the main source of study. Clarify with the department beforehand whether you will be allowed to take your handbook into the test with you.

It is important to find out what the format of the exam will be. Some exams may require you to write an essay, while others have a layout similar to a monkey puzzle. This is unique to the individual State.

Most commonly, your test questions will focus on the National Electrical Code, as well as the codes and laws that apply to your State. Make sure you get all the info.

While studying for your exam, make sure you take the material to heart, as you will be operating according to these laws and codes once you are certified. This also means that you can be held accountable if you do not adhere to them, so it is essential that you have a firm understanding of the information.

Electrician Certification Online

There are a number of online institutions where you can study to become an electrician, and so also offer you the chance to take your certification test online. It is important to check that the institution is reputable and widely recognized. Make sure that the certification you obtain from them will be accepted in your State. It would be best to speak with your local authorities, as they would be able to tell you which institutions are accepted in the region.

While online studying and testing may be convenient, there are a lot of scammers out there. Protect yourself and ask around first.

After you have obtained your certification, you will be able to legally work as an electrician in your State. You will be responsible for maintaining your license, however. Pay your license fees on time and adhere to the National Electrical Code, as well as your State’s individual codes and laws.

Remember that this process has been designed to help you. Your certification will go a long way when sourcing new clients, and applying for a contractors license of your own.

How To Become An Electrical Apprentice – what you need to know

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If you are creative, have an interest in electricity and all things technical, and if you approach problems in an analytical way, you may want to consider a career as an electrician. Electrician job opportunities are on the rise, and are said to experience even further growth in the coming years.

The electrician’s job description is diverse, and includes the installation and maintenance of electrical wiring systems. He/she also needs to be able to diagnose problems, maintain safety standards and have a good understanding of the various codes that apply to operating as an electrician in their respective State.

The process of becoming an electrician is divided into steps, and they must be followed for you to be certified.

First you will have to obtain a high school diploma, or General Equivalent. You will then need to enroll at a good technical college. There are many to choose from (even some online ones), but make sure that the institution is widely recognized in more than one State, as it will improve your chances of finding a job later on.

Together with your studies, you will have to get practical experience in the form of an apprenticeship, where you will be trained by an experienced mentor to handle any and all problems that you might face in the field one day.

Most pupils choose to complete their apprenticeships while they study, as the apprenticeship can take about four years to complete. You will also be paid for your apprentice work, at an hourly rate determined by your level of training, as well as your mentor’s rate.

But how difficult is it to find an apprenticeship program? Where do you start? Herewith a few answers to your most pressing questions.

How Hard Is It To Get An Electrician Apprenticeship?

There are so many apprenticeship programs out there, that you are sure to find one to suit you. However, you will need to put in a bit of work.

You will need to do research on the various programs that are available in your area. If you are looking to specialize, you will need to find an apprenticeship that will suit those needs exactly. Some schools and technical colleges offer apprenticeships as part of your course, which is incredibly helpful. If you are lucky enough to be accepted in a school such as this, you will be well on your way.

It can be quite daunting, finding an apprenticeship, especially if you are trying to find one with a company. There are many options, but you will have to diligently seek them out and apply to as many as possible. Do your part and apply to various programs, don’t just rely on one working out. Once you have pinned down an apprenticeship, you will be happy that you put in the effort, so keep going.

How To Get An Electrician Apprenticeship

Check with the college you will be enrolling at whether they offer apprenticeships as part of your course. This will make things a lot easier for you.

If not, keep your eyes on the classifieds and ask around. A few unions also offer apprenticeships, which could later lead to jobs within the union. Research these and make sure you speak to a certified electrician beforehand, as he can give you an idea of the union’s scope.

Your other option is to apply for an apprenticeship position with a Master Electrician, or electrical company. For this, you will need a proper CV and be able to motivate your reasons for wanting to come on board. There are many electricians taking on apprentices, but finding a position at a large company is somewhat more difficult.

How To Become An Electrical Lineman Apprentice

Electrical linemen follow the same path to apprenticeships as other electricians. But, more often than not, you will be required to write a math test as part of your application to become an apprentice. There are a number of dedicated apprenticeship programs focused solely on linemen, so take your time to find one near you.

Make sure to apply to more than one institution, and also check local job listings. Electrical lineman apprenticeships are also paid, so they are often advertized in the local job sections.

The apprenticeship is an essential part of becoming an electrician. You will not be able to gain a license without having completed one. The experience is very rewarding, though, as you get to face common problems first hand over the course of four years – with a mentor by your side to guide you at all times. The process is invaluable, and certified electricians often choose to give back from their experience by taking on apprentices themselves later on.

Take your time to research the various apprenticeship opportunities available to you, and don’t be afraid to ask around. You are sure to find the right program for you.