Considering a Career as an Electrician?

I'm intrigued by hands-on technical work and considering becoming an electrician after high school. What is the typical job of an electrician like, and are there specific training programs or apprenticeships I should look into?

It's wonderful to hear you're interested in the skilled trades, specifically in becoming an electrician. This can be a rewarding career path with practical, technical work and good job opportunities.

Electricians work in a range of environments, including homes, businesses, and even on utility lines. Some of their common tasks involve reading blueprints, installing and maintaining wiring and lighting systems, inspecting and diagnosing electrical problems, and ensuring that all work complies with state and local building regulations. Electricians often work both indoors and outdoors, in settings ranging from new construction sites to existing residential or commercial properties.

To become an electrician, you can start by enrolling in a technical school, where you can take classes on basic electrical information and safety practices. Some high schools may also offer vocational education courses that can provide a head start, so it would be worthwhile checking if such a class is available at your school.

Upon completing your coursework, you could then enter an apprenticeship program. These programs generally take about 4-5 years and combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. They're typically sponsored by various organizations including unions, contractor associations, or individual contractors. Acceptance into an apprenticeship program often requires applicants to have a high school diploma or equivalent and be at least 18 years old.

After completing an apprenticeship program, you can become a journeyman by passing a licensing exam in most states. As a journeyman, you can work independently and even start your own contracting business after gaining some experience.

The bottom line: if you love problem-solving, hands-on work, and have a willingness to continue learning and adapting to new technology, then a career as an electrician might be a good fit for you.