An electrician is skilled in electrical wiring of commercial establishments, manufacturing plants, transmission lines, industrial machinery, and other similar electric-related equipment. They can also be employed to repair and install existing electrical equipment or the construction and installation of new electric-related equipment.
Electricians ensure that the systems and devices function properly by testing circuits, hooking up wires, etc. An electrician must possess excellent communication skills and practical knowledge about electricity and computer and math aptitude. A degree in electrical engineering will equip you with the technical and electrical knowledge to qualify for a job as an electrician.
There are two types of Electrician—journeyman Electrician apprentice. A journeyman electrician works under the supervision of a licensed Electrician. On the other hand, an apprentice Electrician works under a licensed Electrician’s supervision after receiving formal job training. Generally, both types work under the control of the same Electrician, but the work experience and certification differ. However, in some states, apprentice learners are allowed to work under the supervision of an Electrician while on formal education.
Usually, Electricians under the instruction of Licensed Electricians learn through on-the-job apprenticeship. The duration of the apprenticeship program may last from six to nine months. During this period, the Electrician teaches the apprentice the fundamental tasks required to install, repair, and maintain the different electrical systems. Then, the Electrician submits their final test on completing the apprenticeship program, which validates them fully qualified. The certification of an Electrician is essential for safety purposes as well as legal purposes.
All states require licensed electricians to hold a valid license issued by the state board to ensure the quality and competence of electricians’ work. All states also conduct licensing examinations for electricians upon completion of their training and their apprenticeship job training. After completing the entire process of obtaining a license, it is necessary to pass a state exam that consists of multiple-choice questions about the knowledge and skills required to operate electrical equipment. Most states also conduct a background check on the license holder to ensure that they are not criminals. Licensing exams for electricians are usually completed once per year.
To become an apprentice electrician, all required is to join an electrician apprenticeship program run by a professional association. The criteria for joining such an apprenticeship program are that the candidate must be registered with a commercial electrician association. Commercial electrician associations run many different programs to help aspiring electricians learn all required to become Electrician.
An electrician’s training when starting their career can vary from one state to another. Most electrical equipment suppliers will have a list of approved schools, community colleges, vocational schools, and trade schools that teach electrical equipment wirings. These schools or institutions may also conduct continuing education courses and seminars for electricians to stay updated with industry practices. Electrician apprentice training often includes computer technology, physics, chemistry, biology, and safety. To boost an electrician’s chances of employment during their career, most states require electricians to complete either a 2-year associate’s degree in Electrical Engineering or a certified welding course that includes both bending and welding techniques.
Once an electrician has become a certified professional, they will need to acquire a further two years of practical experience under their belt to qualify for the “Master Electrician” title. To obtain this title, an electrician must demonstrate that they have the knowledge and skills to perform a wide range of general repair and maintenance work, along with the ability to design and install commercial and residential electrical equipment. During their master electrician examination, if an electrician passes the exam with a grade of A or B, they will be awarded their professional license. In addition, becoming a licensed professional electrician requires that an electrician has passed all state and federal requirements and completed at least five years of apprenticeship training.
It is important to note that all electricians must be registered with the local government in which they live. This registration process does not start or end with a business license, however. Most electricians need to also complete state or municipal licensing courses to prove that they know how to service electricians’ electrical systems. Completing these courses often involves completing either an associate’s or a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering and taking part in hands-on training classes to help them learn how to properly service and fix electrical systems. In addition, to keep abreast of the latest trends and advancements in their field, electricians are typically required to undergo continuing education and professional development yearly.