As electricity is essential to most people across the United States, there are many good opportunities for electricians. This is especially true if you choose to work for a union.
An apprenticeship is one of the easiest ways to enter the electrical workforce. It typically lasts four to five years and includes both on-the-job training and technical training. Apprentices receive pay increases as they learn new skills.
Enroll in a Trade School or Community College
Trade schools are an excellent option for aspiring electricians who want to learn the skills needed to enter the industry. These programs are often shorter than other options and offer a straightforward path to career development.
In addition, they are less expensive than community college programs. This is because they focus on specific job-specific learning paths rather than general education requirements and courses.
Choosing between a community college and a trade school can be difficult, but it is important to consider your needs. Ultimately, both options serve different purposes for different people.
If you prefer to learn in a smaller, more personalized environment, a community college may be the best choice for you. They also have flexible schedules and can accommodate your busy lifestyle. They can also help you find scholarships and financial aid to make your education more affordable.
Apply for an Electrician Apprenticeship
Become an electrician and enjoy an exciting career that is always in demand. You’ll enjoy a steady salary, health benefits and a strong retirement plan as you build a solid foundation of skills with our intense five-year apprenticeship program.
As an apprentice, you’ll work alongside a master electrician or an experienced supervisor to learn the trade and gain industry experience. You’ll also learn about business skills, such as contracting and how to deal with customers.
You’ll study the theory of electricity, electrical circuits and programmable logic, along with high- and low-voltage equipment. You’ll also learn how to install, repair and service cabling systems, telecommunications and home entertainment electronics.
Take the Electrician Certification Exam
Electricians are in demand because of their skills and the importance of electricity in the world. As an electrician, you can work on everything from wiring homes to connecting solar arrays and electric vehicle charging stations.
Getting an apprenticeship is a great way to learn the skills and get experience before you start working as an electrician. In an apprenticeship, you work under a journeyman electrician who is licensed to supervise your work.
When you are ready to become a licensed electrician, you can take an exam to gain your license. This exam reviews your knowledge of basic electrical systems, safety, hazards and complex systems such as electrical grids.
In Illinois, you can choose to apply for an electrical contractor’s license or a journeyman’s license. A contractor’s license lets you supervise other electricians and request city permits for larger projects.
The requirements for these licenses vary by municipality. However, most cities require you to have completed sufficient on-the-job training and passed the local electrician exam.
Get Experience
If you’re interested in learning more about how to become an electrician, there are a few different ways that you can get the experience you need. One way is to attend a trade school, which will allow you to learn all of the skills you need to be successful in this field.
You can also go through an apprenticeship program, which will usually take about four years. This apprenticeship will give you the experience that you need to pass the licensing exam and become a journeyman electrician.
The best part about an apprenticeship is that you get to learn all of the skills you need to become an electrical contractor. Once you have the experience, you can start your own business.
Regardless of which route you choose, there are many great opportunities to be an electrician in Chicago. You can start your career as a residential electrician, or work with large, industrial facilities like power plants, processing plants and factories.