So how do you become one a Licensed Electrician? Follow these easy steps if you have decided to be one of the skilled licensed electricians in a few years.
1. Finishing High School and a GED is essential
Having a high school diploma and passing the GED exam is your first step to fulfilling your aspiration of being a licensed electrician. This is the most fundamental one apart from the other requirements to enroll in an electrician training program. You would also need to take special attention to some of your subjects if you are still in high school.
2. Enroll at a state-approved electrician training
Getting ready for your apprenticeship would be your goal in attending electrician programs. It would be good for you to understand how an electrician works, what they do, and how they do it before hopping into the apprenticeship train. You would need to spend several months to more than a year to graduate in the program. For instance, the Electrical Technology program at San Joaquin Valley College offers a 10-month certificate or 14 months of an associate’s degree format. This is quite faster than a four-year degree electrical degree course.
3. Apply for an Apprenticeship
Of course, you shouldn’t wait any longer after you have completed ‘your electrician program. Apply for an apprenticeship right away. The good news is when you have enrolled in a state-approved electrician’s program, you will automatically qualify as an electrical trainee. You may want to find apprenticeship or training jobs at these organizations and through the government.
- United States Department of Labor
- The National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA)
- The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW)
- Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC)
Or you can check classified ads in newspapers and online job boards.
4. Register as an electrician trainee in your state
Some states like California and Texas would need you to register as an electrical apprentice before any work or job site will commence. The registration is fairly simple. Generally, you need to fill out a registration form, pay for the registration, and give your proof of enrollment from an electrical program in the state.
5. Complete your apprenticeship
Your apprenticeship is required before you get your journeyman exam., a requirement on any state’s licensure for being an electrician. You will have to undergo the training for four to five years with a licensed electrician or journeyperson supervising you. Along the way, you will be learning important and practical things about your chosen craft.
6. Pass your exam and get your certificate or license
One thing that you have to also check before mapping out your course into being a licensed electrician is that every state has a different pathway in achieving your electrician license. You might need to get a journeyman certificate first then move on the being a licensed electrician. However, it may be sure to know how to get it.
Being a licensed electrician is more of a fast-tracked approach in achieving a competency that would be otherwise harder if you go the long route of gaining a four-year degree. However, even if it takes quicker, you should be as determined to get that certificate or license. Otherwise, your hours of studying and hard work might go down the drain.
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