An Ultimate Guide on how to get an Electrician Job
An electrician has got a favorable back of good salary and job satisfaction. The amount of time an electrician invests in untangling wires, attaching boards, designing a power grid and lighting up the building is totally worth to pursue it as a career.
electrical jobs can be found
The growing demand for electricians is going to spark your passion. According to the US Bureau of labor statistics, the demand for electricians is going to rise by 9% in 2030 that is from 7,39,200 in 2020 to 8,01,400 in 2030. The increasing demand is directly proportional to the improved infrastructure, increasing number of charging stations for electric vehicles, and alternative energy sources like wind and solar power.
Hope this gives you a clear stance on why people aspire to be an electrician. If you are looking out to become one, here is a one-stop guide on how to become an electrician in 2022.
Let’s hover on onto some basics first.
Career as an Electrician
There is no doubt that your job as an electrician is going to be hectic but diverse at the same time. One day you will be repairing the light system of a building, the next day working on a solar panel site with big equipments. The multiple lines of work will be going to challenge you every single day.
Here are some job positions electricians are specifically known by:
- Domestic Electrical Installer: Commonly work on domestic properties with services ranging from socket fixes to whole wiring installation.
- Installation Electrician: Mainly work around system installation like lightning, security, fire protection system and so on.
- Maintenance Electrician: Make sure that installed systems are working properly with all safety measures and fix them in case any defect is visible.
- Electrotechnical panel builder: Build, install and maintain control panels like building heating, ventilation, air conditioning and so on.
- Instrumentation Electrician: A bigger version of panel builder as testing and fixing the large units of control systems like air conditioning units and heating and many more jobs to do.
- Repair and rewinder technician: Work specifically on units like Transformers, Compressors, pumps and likewise.
- Highway technician: Known to work on highway electrical systems like Street lighting, traffic management, Billboards, and so on.
Here you see electricians’ job is knowledge specific. It demands practical experience on both indoor and outdoor projects. So they are acquainted with a wide array of skill sets to perform their job safely. Some of them are listed below:
- Mechanical skills to work with technology
- Measurement skills to design the electrical projects
- Soft skills to deliver better service
- Critical problem-solving skills
- Positive spirit to work both independently and in a team
Electricians perform a range of services in different locations. Moreover, a career that challenges your wide array of skills will be worth it when it comes to payscale.
As per the US Bureau of Labour Statistics, electricians earn an average of $56,180 annually. The salary depends on the field of specialization as well as the years of experience.
The information provided until gave you a glimpse of a career as an electrician. Now to get started in this line, make sure you have a high school diploma with core knowledge in Trigonometry, Physics, English, Electronics and Mechanical drawing.
If you don’t have, you can earn it in a few months with various Institutions providing GED facilities to enter as an electrician in a short time.
Here are some job positions electricians are specifically known by:
Here are some job positions electricians are specifically known by:
- Domestic Electrical Installer: Commonly work on domestic properties with services ranging from socket fixes to whole wiring installation.
- Installation Electrician: Mainly work around system installation like lightning, security, fire protection system and so on.
- Maintenance Electrician: Make sure that installed systems are working properly with all safety measures and fix them in case any defect is visible.
- Electrotechnical panel builder: Build, install and maintain control panels like building heating, ventilation, air conditioning and so on.
- Instrumentation Electrician: A bigger version of panel builder as testing and fixing the large units of control systems like air conditioning units and heating and many more jobs to do.
- Repair and rewinder technician: Work specifically on units like Transformers, Compressors, pumps and likewise.
- Highway technician: Known to work on highway electrical systems like Street lighting, traffic management, Billboards, and so on.
Here you see electricians’ job is knowledge specific. It demands practical experience on both indoor and outdoor projects. So they are acquainted with a wide array of skill sets to perform their job safely. Some of them are listed below:
- Mechanical skills to work with technology
- Measurement skills to design the electrical projects
- Soft skills to deliver better service
- Critical problem-solving skills
- Positive spirit to work both independently and in a team
Electricians perform a range of services in different locations. Moreover, a career that challenges your wide array of skills will be worth it when it comes to payscale.
As per the US Bureau of Labour Statistics, electricians earn an average of $56,180 annually. The salary depends on the field of specialization as well as the years of experience.
The information provided until gave you a glimpse of a career as an electrician. Now to get started in this line, make sure you have a high school diploma with core knowledge in Trigonometry, Physics, English, Electronics and Mechanical drawing.
If you don’t have, you can earn it in a few months with various Institutions providing GED facilities to enter as an electrician in a short time.
Career for women
In the 21st century of Gender Revolution, women account for only 2.4% of electricians. The reasons are over-perceptions and stereotypes of it being more suitable for men and women are not competent in terms of strength and safety at on-site jobs.
These self-made beliefs prevent women to pursue career as an electrician. But the recent scenario is completely shocking with 10.9% of women comprising the US construction workforce and this number is going to be 14% in 2030.
This change is possible due to some self-motivated women coming forward to break the taboo and constantly pushing others to follow their dreams. Edith Clarke is America’s first female Electrician and her journey inspires many to believe in themselves more than any mass belief.
On top of everything, you will be surprised to know that the electrical trade is known for Pay Equality wherein in other sectors, women make only 81% of men’s earnings. While female electricians make up to 99.1% of what their male counterpart earn.
It is fair to say that women are mostly at disadvantage in the technical career but it totally makes sense to grab out the hesitation and gather the courage to pave your way as an electrician, it will pay off in long run definitely.
How to Become an Electrician
The roadmap of becoming an electrician varies for each aspirant according to financial capabilities, time dedication and source of learning. Based on these three situations, there are three ways to kickstart your career as an electrician.
- 4 Year Degree Program
It is a typical college-based lecturer option to get acquainted with the electrical sector. Due to the long duration, college programs focus on every aspect of knowledge about the industry and the job roles.
Because of the long duration plus many other factors involved, the cost of the college program is higher which is on average $ 36,880 per year.
Students with a College degree are eligible for more job roles as well as management positions with a high Pay Scale in long run.
- Trade School
Alternatively known as a technical vocational school providing specialized training and education. Trade schools are preferred over college programs due to their short duration which is 2 years. This is the reason why trade schools cost comparatively lower that is $15000 per year.
The most influential factor is the early opportunity to enter the job market and start earning while gaining practical experience.
- Apprenticeship and training
Apprenticeship or on-site training is the compulsory phase in your journey to be a licensed electrician. It takes four years to check out from training and officially apply for a license.
Many aspirants skip college and trade school and directly look out for apprenticeship programs after high school.
An apprenticeship allows you to get practical exposure plus contribute to the worksite which helps you learn and earn at the same time.
How to Apply for Apprenticeship?
Today, our focus bend on availing apprenticeship opportunities and help you gain real-life job experience. Let’s see some of the ways you can enroll in an apprenticeship program.
- Placements
Having a formal education has its own advantage. You get to learn from the ground level which gives you clarity about the concepts you’re going to apply in real. The second one is the benefit of getting opportunities to apply for apprenticeship directly through campus placements. No doubt you’re investing a lot to pay the fees but in the long sight, it gives all the convenience for your future.
- Union Apprenticeship
Getting a Union apprenticeship is easy once you become a member of IBEW which is the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. Such programs provide experience in specialized fields. All you’ve to do is explore some local unions in your area. Attend the recruiting events, clarify your doubts, network with the existing members and file an application to present yourself as an enthusiastic candidate. There are certain exams and interview to grab your way to be an electrician apprentice.
Since the recruitment is taken care of by the union, the wage rate is negotiated by the union representatives and this gives an advantage of high wages during an apprenticeship.
3. Non-Apprenticeship
An apprenticeship done under an independent contractor or a licensed electrician own his electrical company. This is just like applying for a regular job. It gives a benefit to access any opportunity you would like to take irrespective of the union’s preference. However, you can also join non-trade unions like Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc. (ABC) and Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) to get some community support.
Non-union apprenticeship requires formal education either a college degree or trade school certificate and costs additional training charges.
4. Job Boards
Online job portals provide the convenience to apply for the job you wanted. There are various portals for electricians. You can explore apprenticeship opportunities from these platforms.
How to fund your Apprenticeship program?
No matter how cost supportive is the apprenticeship programs but it requires initial investment for the training programs. The funds to support your apprenticeship program could really do wonder to your career.
One way is to take the advantage of apprentice wage to pay off the debt you might have taken earlier.
The other way is to seek the help of government portals to pay for your apprenticeship like Apprenticeship.gov acquaint you with the federal grants available.
Federal Pell Grants work as a scholarship for electrical students awarded based on income, financial need and other factors as may necessary. This initiative has been driven with iTap.edu with a scholarship of up to $6,195 for your education. You have to complete the FAFSA form to check your eligibility.
You can explore other opportunities like the Cal grant, California Department of Rehabilitation, Indian Tribal Organizations, MikeREWORKS Foundation, and Chafee Grant for foster youth.
Earn your Electrician License
Winning a Journeyman License will open up ample opportunities for you. The pay scale will increase and you can even work as an independent electrician or come up with your own business.
To avail the license, you can appear for the Journeyman exam after documenting the 6000-8000 hours of Apprenticeship. The candidate should file an application to the respective State Board of Electrical Examiner.
Wrapping up
A career as an electrician is a great choice for all types of people and from any background. The journey is going to be long so it requires patience and a high level of dedication to break the struggle and get the electrician license. It is one of the most rewarding careers with quite a big investment required. Aspiring electricians who find it difficult to pay for school or training should regularly lookout for the funding opportunities available and not compromise with their passion. There’s always a way to reach the goal.