Head to a construction site, a manufacturing plant, or an industrial facility, and you will probably find at least one electrician working hard to help complete certain projects. The fact is, if you become a certified electrician, you are bound to have a fairly easy time making a living. But where does the path to this career field start, and how does it work? Here is a look at some of the things you will want to know along the way to becoming a certified electrician.
How long does it take to become a certified electrician?
The duration of the program will depend on the school you go to and whether or not you choose to study a certain electrical specialty. There are a few certificate programs of basic concepts that you can complete in just a few months, according to TradeSchools.net. However, to become a fully licensed electrician, you can expect to have to go to school for at least two years and complete an apprenticeship program that can last about four years. As an apprentice, you will get paid for your work, but you may not be able to go out and get jobs on your own until this training is complete.
What kinds of classes will be required during trade school for electrician certification?
In general, most of your studies in electrician certification training will revolve around electrical processes and technology. However, you may also be required to take other classes like:
The course load you have during your schooling will be contingent on what program you pick, and what kind of certification you plan to achieve in the end. In some trade schools, especially those that treat certification as an associate's degree, you will likely have to have credits from the core classes, like math and English.
What is an apprenticeship and how does that work?
Many certifying institutions require students to undergo an apprenticeship, which is a period of time you spend working with a licensed electrician. During an apprenticeship, you will likely be paid for your services, but you will work alongside someone with ample experience, and you will not be able to work at a job site alone. This apprenticeship may sometimes be replaced with in-house hands-on training with an electrician in the classroom or in a workshop setting, but this is a rarity with most schools.
To learn more about becoming an electrician, talk with the counselors at HVAC Technical Institute.