Electricians, who work in either any of the various construction fields or home remodeling, spend the first part of their days looking at plans and blueprints. All of the various controls and connections like wiring, switches, breakers and conduit runs are laid out on the blueprint according to the plan designed by the architect. Once the electrician has consulted the blue prints he proceeds to install the electrical system by following the design on paper, the design of the buildings various components and the local electrical codes. If this is the type of work that you think you might be interested the following are some hints that will help you along the way.
- According to the U.S. Department of Labor, four out of five (80%) of electricians in the constructions industry work for themselves. Many of these electricians do a little of each; work for a company and freelance on the side. In the construction trades the pay scale for electricians is excellent and for those who do both construction and repair/maintenance work can make a very good living.
- In the building trades it is traditional for people to get their education initially through an apprenticeship program. Many of these programs are co-sponsored by the National Electrical Contractor’s Association and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), which is the electrician’s union.
- This apprenticeship is as thorough an education as a college degree. The course consists of a 4 year program that includes both on-the-job training and 144 hours of classroom instruction each year. Some apprentices work as electrical helpers and obtain at least some of the class room instruction through an accredited online program.
- When you are working as an apprentice in the field you will generally be under the direct supervision of an experienced electrician and will be giving him or her support by drilling hole, attaching empty conduit and pulling wire through the conduit. Later you will learn how wiring is attached to switches, install fixture boxes and other parts of the electrical system.
- In the classroom you will study electrical theory, blueprint reading, electrical code requirements, mathematics, and safety practices and rules. In a few cases apprentices receive more specialized training in fire/security alarm systems, soldering, and cranes and elevators. Finally there are also very specialized courses in communication and data systems.
- The most effective way to speed up your apprenticeship is to begin the classroom work before starting the apprenticeship program. Make sure that the school or online program that you chose is accredited. Apprentices are hired in the same manner as journeyman and, in fact, many companies like to hire apprentices with at least some classroom training or previous job experience, (like the military). Apprentices that come to work with at least some previous training will start at a higher level than beginning apprentices.
- The work that you do early in the classroom will make a big difference in the progress that you make on the job. Apprentices are required to have at least 2,000 hours on the job before they can complete the program. Those who start the job with a diploma or certificate can earn more on the job and move upward at a much faster pace.