Electrician

• Electricians learn their trade through a lengthy, ~2,000-hour apprenticeship. A high school diploma/GED is needed, but a college degree isn’t
• Some students complete an Electrician associate’s or training program from a community college or vocational school
  • Some enroll in prep-training, like the Home Builders Institute’s Preapprenticeship Certificate Training (PACT) program, to prepare for apprenticeship
• Apprenticeships are a time-honored way of learning by doing. Most are sponsored by union and contractor associations (see our Recommended Resources > Websites for details)
  • Note, apprenticeship candidates must take the Electrical Training Alliance Aptitude Test, managed by the Electrical Training Alliance
• Practical education gained from work experience is vital. Entry-level Electrician apprentices start with basic tasks, learning under the supervision of a seasoned pro over a period of up to 4 or 5 years
• Common areas of learning include reading circuitry, basic electrical information, blueprints, math, building codes, safety principles, first aid, soldering, fire alarm systems, and elevators
• To become a Journeyman, Apprentice Electricians must pass an exam regarding the National Electrical Code (and other state or local codes) to get their state license
• Tests vary by state, but may cover topics such as:
  • Electrical services, service equipment, and separately derived systems
  • Branch circuit calculations and conductors
  • Wiring methods and electrical materials
  • Electrical equipment and control devices
  • Motors and generators
• There are dozens of specialized certification options from organizations such as:
  • American Lighting Association
  • International Association of Electrical Inspectors
  • International Association of Lighting Management Companies
  • International Code Council
  • InterNational Electrical Testing Association
  • International Municipal Signal Association
  • Professional Lighting and Sound Association

Unions and contractors sponsor apprenticeship programs. The basic qualifications to enter an apprenticeship program are as follows:

• Minimum age of 18
• Driver’s license
• High school diploma or equivalent (GED or take an aptitude test)
• Physically able to do the work
• Minimum grade of “C” for high school or college algebra.
• Pass drug test

• Take courses in high school such as shop, English, math, algebra, and electronics
• Get in the habit of practicing good safety and wearing proper personal protective equipment
• Have your color vision tested to ensure you can meet job eligibility requirements
• Obtain your driver’s license so you can make it to job sites on time
• Review criteria for taking the Electrical Training Alliance’s Electrical Training Alliance Aptitude Test
• Consider taking pre-apprenticeship training
• Study books, articles, and video tutorials related to the trade
• Ask a seasoned Electrician if you can shadow them to get a feel for the job’s day-to-day
• Keep a working draft of your resume, noting any skills you’ve picked up, projects completed, and other details
• Get certified in a specialized area to bolster your credentials
• Review educational content on the National Electrical Contractors Association website

• 39.7% with HS Diploma
• 13% with Associate’s
• 5.9% with Bachelor’s
• 0.8% with Master’s
• 0.4% with Doctoral