subject: The Best Way You Can Train As An Electrician [print this page] A lot of people want to start a new career path these days, one with more stability than they previously pursued, and becoming an electrician is a great idea. Think about it- everything we use is wired, and someone needs to know how it all works, how to set up and build those systems, and how to repair them when they break. If you're ready to join a growing profession, then you might want to train as an electrician.
Most people who become an electrician do so either by going to vocational school for it, or under an apprenticeship position. Now, it is possible to become an electrician by simply picking up the skills on the job and never undergoing any formal training. While you'll know how to do everything that an electrician needs to for on-the-spot work, chances are you won't received the full and flexible training you would learning under more formal means.
Vocational schools are great places to train as an electrician, and even people who undergo apprenticeships often end up taking some classes at a local school. Most colleges do not offer a degree in electrical training, so you're going to need to look at technical schools in your area. At schools you'll learn more of the thinking and theoretical aspects of the job. For instance, you'll learn things like how to create and work with blueprints, electrical theory, and safety instructions, and how to work on devices and in environments you might not have access to during your apprenticeship. Furthermore, having a really solid understanding and background in mathematics, science, shop and mechanical drawing all make you a better qualified electrician.
Even with schooling, Apprenticeships are still on of the best ways to learn the trade. To become an Apprentice, you need to contact your local unions and find someone to practice under. You will find an experienced and fully licensed electrician who will take you under his wing and teach you everything you need to know on the job. As opposed to theoretical learning, an apprenticeship is very hands on, and you will start performing minor aspects of the work from your first day. Most people who train as an electrician spend a minimum of 2,000 hours doing hands-on work, while only completing 144 hours of time in the classroom. If you still want to go the school route, you can make up for this time in the lab.
Training as an electrician tends to take anywhere between 3 and 5 years. Once you have learned everything and have enough hands-on experience, you'll be ready to become licensed. Not every working electrician is licensed, but most areas do require it, and if nothing else it makes you seem much more credible than an unlicensed worker. The exam tests every aspect of your training, from theory to the National Electrical Code to actual practical work.
Receiving your license isn't the end, but rather the beginning of your training. Most electricians continue to take courses and attend seminars to keep their knowledge and training up to date in this continuously changing field.
