Electricians, by in large, learn their trade through various apprenticeship programs. Apprenticeships blend field work and manual training with extensive classroom instruction. Unions, including the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and the National Electrical Contractors Association, along with independent electrical contracting corporations, support apprenticeship programs. In addition to these sponsored training courses, many professional and industrial schools offer preparation courses. Former students are often employed at higher wages than novices who haven’t had this kind of training. A minority of electricians begin their path to mastery by beginning as helpers-aiding electricians by breaking down job sites, gathering materials, and doing other nonelectrical work. Regardless of the selected training path, all apprentices need a high school diploma or a General Equivalency Diploma (G.E.D.). In some instances, an electrician may be required to pass some complex mathematics classes for specific wiring specializations.

These apprenticeships usually span four years and include a minimum of 144 hours of classroom training and 2,000 hours of field training. In the classroom, according to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics, apprentices learn electrical theory, blueprint reading, mathematics, electrical code requirements, safety and first aid practices as well as specialized training in soldering, communications, and fire alarm systems.

In the field, apprentices are directed by experienced electricians of journeyman or master certification. Field training entails completion of simple responsibilities like drilling holes, setting anchors, and attaching conduit. More complex training sees the apprentice understanding how to measure, fabricate, and install conduit and install, connect, and test wiring, outlets, and switches. Eventually, apprentices will master the interpreting of electrical diagrams.

Although licensing may differ from state to state, electricians are required to pass an examination that tests their knowledge of electrical theory, the National Electrical Code, and local electric and building codes. Skilled electricians will periodically take courses to learn about any and all upgrades in the National Electrical Code.

Specific electrical contractors, who for the public sphere, as opposed to electricians who work for electrical contractors, often need specific licenses for numerous job requirements. In some States, electrical contractors are obliged to prove their status as master electricians. The minimum in most states is at least seven years of experience working as an electrician. Some municipalities may insist on a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or a related field before an electrician can be certified for special services or get his or her master’s degree. Throughout their careers, electricians may be required to complete mandated safety programs, manufacturer-specific training, and management training classes. Installing low-voltage voice, data, and video systems has recently become the domain of highly trained electricians. Moreover, some electricians my choose to become both electrical and general contractors, which, of course, require advanced studies in construction and business management.