Ready to get into a career that pays well and is in demand? According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics nearly 10,000 electricians retire each year. However the demand for electricians is expected to grow more than 20 percent in the coming year.
With such steady demand, the job outlook for individuals looking to get into this profession is positive.
You can expect to bring home an average of $24 per hour or $49,632 per year as an entry-level electrician according to salary.com statistics. This is outstanding pay for a job that does not necessarily require a college or university degree. In general, a trade program course, apprentice work and certification is enough training to get started in the business. Being an electrician gives you a variety of job options as well. You aren’t limited geographically as to where you can live based on your job demand. Electricians can work for an established company or be their own boss as a self employed contractor.
Working hands on with an apprentice will be the most important part of your training as an electrician. The experience you gain from someone that has already worked for years in the business will be invaluable. Apprenticeships can last from 3-6 years, depending on the requirements of your state. Once you complete your apprenticeship you progress to journeyman electrician. Your state will also require you to take an exam during your journeyman stage of training in order to become an official licensed electrician. Master electrician is the highest level of training one can possess. This level requires a set number of hours, typically about 4,000 depending on your state, in order to reach this designation.Once you reach the number of hours required, you will need to pass another licensing exam.
Types of Electrician Specialties and Careers
If this sounds enticing, read on. There are different types of electrician fields that you could choose to work in. An electrician lineman works outside and a wireman focuses on indoor electrician tasks. Some electricians specialize in only industrial or commercial settings while others may specialize in only residential home environments. A car electrician is an increasingly sought after skill since every car on the road possesses its own complex and advanced electrical system.
Where to Find Electrician Training
Los Angeles Trade Technical College
This trade school offers associate degree programs for entry level electrician careers. The associate degree program is made for people who work during the day as all classes are in the evenings. This school also offers shorter certificate programs for those looking to refresh their skills or gain more specific education in a particular niche.
Ivy Tech Community College
One of the more comprehensive electrician programs can be embarked on at Ivy Tech Community College. This program offers hands-on experience in 23 various courses of study. This program requires 60 credit hours of training because it is one of the more in depth programs out there. IT is also one of the more expensive training schools, but you can be sure you are getting a solid educational foundation in which to start your career.
Santiago Canyon College
If you need flexible class times at an affordable price Santiago Canyon is the training program you need. With a diverse selection of electrician classes and day and night courses, you will easily be able to fit your training into your busy schedule. They have a network of partnerships throughout the state of california so that students in the program can obtain their hands on apprentice experience without difficulty. Most students are able to keep costs for their yearly tuition and supplies within a reasonable range of $1000-$1500 annually.
Kennebec Valley
If you know you would like to train in outdoor electrician skills, Kennebec Valley specializes in electrical lineman studies. You will learn all you need to know about maintenance and repair of communication cables, power lines and more. They offer certificate programs that take a year or less and associate degree programs which last 2-r years. The majority of classes are during the day, with only a few options in the evening, so if you currently work this may not be the best choice for your needs.
Northwest Iowa Community College
This community college program has courses in specific niche areas of electrician maintenance including electrical technology, commercial wiring and powerline work..Their associate degree programs and certificates take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years to complete. Most classes are in persons but there are some online courses available making it more convenient for those who are getting an education while working a steady job.
