Electrical Training Overview

The electrician training program is often used as a stepping stone in electrician education for trainees who want to move on to electrical maintenance or construction, or enter an apprentice program.
Upon completion of Electrician Training, trainees are able to:

• Recognize the basic electrical symbols used on electrical schematics and wiring plans.
• Describe how to bend and install conduit.
• Explain the operation and construction of motors, generators, and transformers.
• Use the National Electrical Code handbook effectively.
• Select the correct type of lamp needed for a given application.
• Size and select conductors for a given installation.
• Calculate electrical equipment ratings based on electrical loads.
• Test for opens, shorts, and grounds.

The job market for electricians is diverse and growing. You may work as a construction electrician, installing wiring in homes or office buildings. Industrial electricians are in demand as well in order to keep valuable machinery powered, install and repair cables and switchgear and move or install equipment or service lines. Power companies hire a large number of electricians for a variety of installation and servicing duties.

There is also the prospect of becoming self-employed as an electrical contractor or service person. This can involve anything from repairing stoves and other household equipment to renovations, home improvements, agricultural installations and construction subcontracts.

Completing an electrician training program will give you many opportunities including:

• Making a salary of up to $65,000/year
• Qualifying for positions at construction businesses
• Qualifying to start your own business
• Install and repair all types of electrical systems in residential and commercial structures

The majority of workers enter the profession through an apprenticeship program. These programs provide comprehensive training of many different electrical tasks so apprentices are more likely to be hired. Most apprenticeships last from three to five years. However, not everyone completes an apprenticeship. Some workers learn by observing and being taught by more experienced electricians. Other workers complete three-year programs that train them to be residential electricians.

Generally apprenticeships involve both coursework and practical experience. Programs usually require a minimum of 144 hours of coursework, where trainees learn how to read blueprints, theory, math, building code guidelines, electronics, and safety procedures. They might also get training in associated areas like welding, telecommunications, security systems, or lifts. Apprenticeship programs also entail 2,000 hours of on the job experience, where apprentices work as assistants to experienced workers and then progress to performing jobs themselves. To start with they perform tasks like drilling, placing conduit, and setting supports. With experience they are given more responsibility until they can measure, assemble, and put in conduit; install, assess, and join wire; and check electrical outlets and switches.

Upon completing an apprenticeship many trainees become journeymen. Journeymen get more experience and begin to learn more specialized areas like low voltage installation, telecommunications, and audio-visual systems. A lot of contractors and owners prefer to work with only one electrician who can perform all of the tasks they need.

Workers who don’t complete an apprenticeship usually begin as assistants to experienced workers. They learn many of the same things as apprentices but may not receive training in as many areas. Many trainees are simultaneously enrolled in vocational or correspondence schools.

However a worker enters the occupation, previous experience or associated training is always beneficial. This can be gained through high school classes in electrical engineering, shop, math, mechanical drawing, or physics. Skills can also be gained through service with the armed forces or by technical or vocational schools. Every potential electrician needs to physically fit, healthy, coordinated, have good hand-eye coordination, and be able to distinguish colored wires.

The majority of electricians need to be certified to work in their area. Certification requirements differ according to local guidelines, but almost all applicants need to take a test that assesses how well they know the National Electrical Code, local building codes, and theory. Workers are usually encouraged to take continuing education courses provided by their employer or local union to keep current about amendments or additions to the National Electrical Code, new materials, or new procedures.

With experience and expertise electricians can be eligible for advancement to positions of greater responsibility. They might become supervisors, managers, or superintendents. Some may even start their business as a contractor. Others might become building inspectors who specialize in electrical systems.