If you’re thinking of becoming an electrician, this blog is for you. Electricians must be highly skilled, as well as thoroughly knowledgeable about current laws and the electrical code. They work with their hands, as well as interact with people, making it an extremely varied, rewarding occupation. If you want to train to be an electrician, here are some tips and insight from an experienced Denver electrician.
Glossary & Definitions
Before we begin, we will define a few terms. We have found it is very helpful to understand titles as we learn more about the process of training to be an electrician.
Master Electrician: A master electrician is the highest level of electrician. Most master electricians have at least 10 years of experience, and have passed exams that demonstrate their knowledge of the National Electric Code.
Journeyman Electrician: Electricians classified as journeymen are those who have successfully completed their apprenticeship, and have been licensed in their state.
Apprentice or Helper Electricians: An apprentice electrician are people who have received classroom experience are are getting hands-on experience under the eye of a journeyman or master electrician for three to six years.
Education and Training
In order to become an electrician, there are a few things you need to know. First, you’ll need to have a good foundation on which to build your career. You must have your high school diploma or GED. It helps if you have experience in practical courses such as electronics, but algebra and physics and other sciences are also helpful. The next step after high school is to get formal training as an electrician. There are a couple ways to get this training:
Join an Electrician Apprenticeship Program: The National Electrical Contractor’s Association (NECA), Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC), and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), all sponsor apprenticeship programs that provide both on-the-job training, as well as classroom education.
Earn a Certificate through a Vocational School: Another option is to attend a vocation school, where you’ll get classroom information and earn a certificate. After this, you’ll need to find an apprenticeship where you can get the hands-on experience necessary to become a fully licensed electrician.
If you wish to train to be an electrician, either option is an excellent choice. Choose the best option for your situation, and then continue on to the next step.
Apprenticeship & Licensing
After you receive your certification, you’ll need to find work as a helper or apprentice to a journeyman electrician. Of course, if you get certified through an apprenticeship program, you’ll get experience while learning in the classroom. Once you have reached the licensing requirements in your state, you are ready to take an examination that tests your knowledge of the National Electric Code, and local building and electric codes. Click here to learn more about electrical licensing requirements in Colorado.
Train to Be an Electrician: Enjoy Your Work
If you want to train to be an electrician, there are many things to consider. You need to have the ability to grasp technical skills such as reading a blueprint, and completing complex electrical installations. Additionally, it is beneficial to have business and customer service skills, as you will likely be working closely with home or business owners. Being an electrician is an extremely rewarding occupation – each one of the skilled electricians at Electric Doctor enjoys their work and wouldn’t have it any other way!
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