How To Become An Electrician In California – a step-by-step guide

Being an electrician is a highly rewarding job. If you enjoy solving problems, are technically apt and have a knack for working with power tools, this might just be the perfect career choice for you.

There is a growing global demand for electricians at the moment, owing to the fact that the construction world is taking on new projects across the United States. As America becomes more environmentally aware, both homeowners and corporate companies alike are making use of electricians to install greener electrical systems.

How To Become An Electrician In CaliforniaThis is also true for the State of California, where the green movement is only gaining momentum. With so many options and even new fields to choose from, now is the best moment to become an electrician in California.

But how do you become a certified electrician in the State, and what are the requirements you need to meet? How do you go about gaining an apprenticeship? This quick guide should send you on your way.

How To Become A Certified Electrician In California

To become a certified electrician in California, you will have to prove that you have graduated high school or obtained a GED. The requirements for State licenses also dictate this. When applying for an apprenticeship, you will be writing an algebra test, so it is necessary that you have either one of the aforementioned diplomas.

Trade schools advise that you find a study course that you can complete while doing your apprenticeship next. There are many sectors to choose from when you are deciding whether you would like to specialize, so take your time and research them all properly in order to find one that you are passionate about.

While you are studying, it would be a good idea to do your apprenticeship at the same time, shaving years off the process of becoming an electrician. What’s more, you will be paid for your work as an apprentice, calculated according to your level and your mentor’s hourly rate. This fact leads many students to choose to do an apprenticeship and go to school at the same time, as they will be earning a living. Your income will also increase over the years as you gain experience.

Once you have completed the aforementioned steps, you will be eligible to apply for a journeyman electrician’s license.

California Electrician Requirements

It is a basic requirement in California for an applicant of an electrician certification to have a high school diploma or General Equivalent. He/she must have studied at a recognized institute and have indentured in a recognized apprenticeship program.

The amount of supervised working hours the applicant has completed will also be put under evaluation, so be sure that you can prove your hours through your apprenticeship or the company you worked for.

When applying for your certification, you will be required to take a test.

After you have been certified, you will now be able to work as an electrician in the State of California. The National Electrical Code will now dictate how you handle yourself in the field, so be sure to honor it at all times in order to keep your license. Licenses also need to be renewed, so do so before you get a penalty for being late.

How To Become An Apprentice Electrician In California

You can find apprenticeship positions in your local classifieds or job boards. As this is a paying job, these two places often hold advertisements for apprenticeship positions.

You can also apply for an apprenticeship at most major companies. Keep an eye on their websites, or visit them in person. Be sure to have a decent CV at hand, and be willing to motivate your reasons for approaching their company. They often receive a great number of applications, so you will need to stand out.

You can also find out from local electrician unions about their apprenticeship programs. Apprenticeships with unions have been known to evolve into jobs within the same unions if you stick it out.

Another option is to speak to an independent Master Electrician to find out whether he/she would be willing to take on an apprentice.

The key is to keep your ear on the ground and jump for every opportunity that comes your way. Be diligent in your search, and you should find an apprenticeship in no time.

If you feel that the job of electrician will suit you, you need to start planning for your future career as soon as possible. It is never too early to find the right school or even lock down an apprenticeship for yourself. Through hard work and determination, you can obtain your license in under five years. From there on out, you have the option of working toward getting your Master Electrician license as well. There is no reason to wait any longer!

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