Most people wouldn't think of a blue-collar job as a lucrative job, but it can be a successful career path. Providing a comfortable income for someone and their family.

The electrician career path requires several different steps. The process may seem overwhelming, but it's not. Following our guide will provide you with the information you need to take the plunge.

There are many satisfying career options for electricians. You're sure to find a place in the industry. 

If this seems like the path you wish to choose for your career, then this article is for you. Read on to learn how to become an electrician. 

 

The First Step to Becoming an Electrician

 

The first step in becoming an electrician is figuring out what kind of education you need to get before you consider a career in the industry. To become an electrician, you must first complete high school or complete your GED. 

Have you completed high school and know that you want to be an electrician? You may want to consider taking some advanced courses in algebra and physics. 

These topics are important for some of the electrical work you will be doing. This early preparation will help you once you start school to become an electrician. 

If you have never completed high school, you can still meet the requirements to complete a GED. Getting your GED is easy.

The steps include studying the requirements needed. Then, you must take classes to prepare for the exam. The next step is to register and complete the test, and finally wait for your results. 

 

Study available programs

 

While you may understand the basics of electrical work, it is important to understand the requirements of the job. Electricians must be proficient in wiring and reading technical instructions. Some electricians specialize in certain trades, such as maintenance or system installation. 

A degree to become an electrician requires that you attend a trade school. There, you will receive the proper training and gain the knowledge needed to enter the workforce.

Most programs will teach you the National Electrical Code, required math, wiring and control theory. Most programs will also include hands-on instruction to better prepare you for when you work in the field. 

 

Earning an Apprenticeship

 

One of the most important steps after earning your electrician degree is earning an apprenticeship. Applying for an apprenticeship may require some additional testing. This usually includes basic tests in reading comprehension and math.

You will also need to interview for the position, but don't worry because your program will provide you with the necessary advice to help you obtain the apprenticeship of your dreams. 

The great thing about apprenticeships is the combination of hands-on instruction and coursework. You will work alongside an experienced electrician for up to five years and will be paid for your work. The training will give you the experience you need to enter the workforce after your apprenticeship. 

Early in your apprenticeship, you will only have the opportunity to do simple tasks, but the more experience you gain, the more complex the work you will be involved in. 

 

Apply to get a license

 

One of the most important steps in your career path as an electrician is obtaining the proper licensing. This is required for you to work in a specific location.

The specific requirements for obtaining an electrician's license will vary depending on the state you live in, but typically, you will be required to complete an exam that covers the topics you prepared for in your training. The licensing exam will cover topics such as the National Electrical Code and specific state building codes. 

Although you can begin your career as an electrician once you are licensed, you will still want to pursue continuing education as amendments to state codes change over the years. This is an exciting part of an ever-evolving and changing field of work. 

While you may think all this work may be too much for the career plan you have in mind, know that it is worth the effort. There are many good reasons to pursue a career in the electrical industry. 

 

Electrical work in maintenance and construction

 

Now that we've discussed the steps to becoming an electrician, let's dive into the types of careers you can pursue in the electrical trade. You have a lot of options!

One area where you can work is maintenance and construction. Working in this field is a fairly common career path for electricians. Some of the most common parts of the job include wiring and maintenance work on residential buildings. 

Working in maintenance and construction can be an exciting career path because you will always be working in a different field. You will also see new buildings come to life as you work on the electrical side with the construction team. Helping to give it life by providing it with light is a great and rewarding job. 

 

Working in an industrial facility 

 

This type of work will take you into other areas of work that you may want to know about. While you won't be working directly in a shipyard or factory, you will be working for them there. How cool would it be to work in a place where ships are built and repaired?

Most of your work will include installation and basic maintenance, as well as any repairs needed along the way. You'll also get to work with some very unique and interesting equipment. You will be responsible for the installation and maintenance of equipment such as switchboard instruments, industrial batteries and hydraulic electrical control units.

You can also expect to work on the more basic aspects of electrical work. You will work on tasks such as wiring, assembling fiber optic cables, and installing and repairing light fixtures in these locations. 

 

Become a lineman

 

When you think of an electrician, you usually think of a lineman. These are electricians who work for your state and local power and light companies.

These workers are often called to your home when a storm or other cause causes your power to go out. Linemen will also come to your home to repair downed power lines. 

You will usually see these workers in a kind of elevator repairing a line and connecting it from the pole back to your house. They can also work on the ground in the trenches if needed. 

Some of the equipment that linemen must use includes transformers and traffic signals. This is one of the most common but most rigorous types of electrical work.

You will usually have to work outdoors in potentially harsh weather. If you want the challenge of working in the heat of summer, the cold of winter or after a big storm, then this is the career path for you. 

 

Focus on network cabling 

 

This career in the electrical industry can be very challenging and rewarding, as you will be working to help build different types of communication systems. This can include installing and maintaining data systems for Internet providers or working in telecommunications to ensure proper video transmission. 

Understanding the details of network cabling can be a challenge, but it's nice to know that you'll be helping to set up systems that help transfer information from one place to another. This line of work will often require you to maintain communication systems in educational institutions and offices in different industries. 

Much of your work will include installing cables through buildings and installing people's CATV equipment in their homes. You will also be doing ongoing system upgrades. 

 

Security system installation work

 

As an electrician, you may also work on security and fire alarm systems. You will work to install these systems in people's homes or workplaces. There is nothing more rewarding than knowing that you will help build systems to protect a home or workplace from harm. 

You will work directly with customers to install these systems based on their needs and the requirements of the building. Some of your work may include installing sensors on doors and windows, as well as installing cameras as part of a home security system. Another aspect of this work will involve testing these systems to ensure they are working properly and fixing any errors they may have. 

 

Professional Electrician Tools 

If you are ready to return to work after a workplace accident, excellent electrical tools are your best bet. Knoweasy tools are professional electrician tools that can meet the various needs of electricians when working and effectively improve the efficiency and safety of their work.