How to Become an Electrician

The Yoder Electric professionals install, test and repair electrical power, lighting and communications systems in homes and businesses. They work for electricians' contractors, building maintenance departments or independently.

Job Outlook

The job outlook for electricians is expected to be much better than average, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Employment should increase by 85,900 new positions over the next decade due to new construction and alternative power sources like solar and wind energy.

If you’re an electrical enthusiast, a career as an Electrician Near Me could be the perfect fit for you. You’ll spend your days reading blueprints, installing wiring and testing equipment to make sure everything is safe and working correctly.

Learn the trade by attending a technical school or participating in an apprenticeship that lasts a few years. Then, you’ll work on projects under the supervision of a master electrician while you study circuitry and safety in the classroom.

In addition to learning on the job, you’ll also need to pass a series of tests to obtain your license to work in this profession. The tests cover such topics as the safety of equipment, changes to the electrical code, and manufacturer training in specific products.

Be a team player

Most electricians are part of a union. This helps to ensure fair pay and benefits, as well as regular meetings with union officials about issues affecting their work.

Color vision

Electricians use color coding to identify wires and cables. They should be able to identify different colors to ensure they’re not accidentally cutting or shorting someone else’s cable.

Communication skills

If you’re a great communicator, being an electrician might be a good fit for you. You’ll be in contact with customers and other workers often, so you should have strong interpersonal skills to communicate effectively.

Critical thinking

As an electrician, you’ll be responsible for determining the best ways to solve problems and avoid future issues with your clients. You’ll also need to be able to think quickly on your feet and solve difficult problems efficiently.

You’ll need a high school diploma or equivalent to become an electrician, and most employers will require you to complete an apprenticeship program that lasts several years before you can get your license. An apprenticeship program is usually a combination of on-the-job training and classroom education, so you’ll need to have a lot of patience and commitment in order to succeed in this job.

The job also requires you to have a lot of physical stamina and the ability to stand for long periods of time. It’s important to be able to perform physically demanding tasks when needed and be a strong team player.

The job can be stressful at times, especially when your community depends on you to restore power after a natural disaster. However, it’s a highly rewarding career that offers job satisfaction and a chance to improve your salary as you gain experience. You can also choose to open your own electrical contractor business, which gives you more flexibility in the work you do and the people you hire to help. Find out more about this topic here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electrician.