A career as an electrician requires you to be technically skilled and have excellent communication skills. You should have good color vision, as all wiring is identified by color. The wiring insulation has special markings that are specific to wire colors. In order to know which wires belong to which circuit, you can use a wiring schematic. Troubleshooting electrical problems requires a critical mind and a great deal of physical stamina. A well-trained electrician is highly skilled in all of these areas.
The skills required for this occupation include reading blueprints and using power tools to test wiring. Licensed electricians are also skilled in using electrical testing equipment such as voltmeters and ohmmeters. Electrical contractors must also have good knowledge of state and local building codes to prevent dangerous situations. An electrician should be able to install and repair wiring before it gets hidden behind walls. Electrical contractors can also perform electrical repairs and replace lighting fixtures or motors.
Many electricians pursue an apprenticeship program that requires approximately four to five years of study. These programs include 576 hours of classroom training and 8,000 hours of on-the-job training. Once you complete an apprenticeship, most states require you to become licensed. There are many different types of licensing procedures to become a licensed electrician. To be licensed, you must complete a licensing examination. You can also go to an accredited technical college to learn more about the trade. Electrical courses include math, circuitry, and safety practices. Those who want to specialize in a specific electrical field also take courses in blueprint reading.
After completing an apprenticeship, you may want to pursue a bachelor’s degree or pursue an associate’s degree. The degree programs are typically focused and do not offer general education courses, so you cannot easily segue into another career field. However, some of the accredited programs will accept an associate degree as academic credit. It is important to note that many apprenticeships accept associate’s degrees as credit. Also, it is important to note that these programs do not necessarily lead to licensure.
You must be a resident of New York to become an electrician. The requirements for licensing and continuing education vary from one municipality to another. In New York City, you need to have 7.5 years of work experience in order to receive a license. If you have enough experience, you may even want to work as an electrician in New York City. You can earn an additional $500 in the city by assisting in electrical projects. A good license in New York is worth more than the salary.
Once you’ve completed an apprenticeship or state-approved training program, you’ll need to learn the national electrical code. Many trade schools teach the national electrical code while you’re in school. After your training, you can begin studying the requirements of the electrical licensing exam. Some electricians opt to take the test right after graduation, while others will complete their training and gain some verified work experience. If you plan to take the test after graduating, make sure that you have a full background check.
An electrician may specialize in a particular field or be certified in one or more. An electrician may specialize in one or several areas, like residential wiring, electrical work, and power wiring. There are also many specializations within this field, so it’s important to find a career that interests you. The skills you gain from being an electrician may also help you find a job in another field. There are many different types of electricians, and each has their own specialty.
Electrical contractors install, maintain, and repair electrical systems. They may also work as part of a construction team, installing new electrical components, or doing maintenance and repairs on existing electrical systems without too much supervision. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 655,840 electricians employed nationwide as of May 2018.
The training for becoming an electrician follows the apprenticeship model. An apprentice needs four or five years of hands-on experience under the guidance of an experienced journeyman. After completing the apprenticeship, an individual can earn a journeyperson or master electrician designation. As a licensed electrician, you must be registered in the province in which you intend to work. Each province has its own licensing requirements and regulations. The Red Seal program also provides additional competency assurances for electrical professionals.
A career as an electrician can be rewarding and flexible. Typical hours include Monday-Friday, but it can be seasonal as well. Depending on your expertise, an electrician may need to work weekends or on public holidays. Some electricians may also be on call or work during scheduled maintenance or retooling periods. A self-employed electrician may work longer hours to grow their business. In most states, electricians must be licensed. An electrician can earn up to $60,040 per year.
