Otis Singleton
Becoming an apprentice electrician is a great way to enter the trade without spending years studying at college. It is a perfect way to learn on the job and gain the skills and experience needed to become a licensed electrician. To become an apprentice electrician, you need to be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or GED, and be physically capable of performing the job. Apprenticeships typically last four to six years and include hands-on training and classroom instruction. Some programs may require you to take an aptitude test as part of the application process. You can find apprenticeship opportunities through trade schools, vocational colleges, electrical contractors, or organizations like the IEC Rocky Mountain or IBEW.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Education | A high school diploma or GED is required. Some apprenticeship programs may require you to take an aptitude test. |
| Age | You need to be at least 18 years old. |
| Physical capabilities | You need to be physically capable of working in various environments, such as at ground level, above or below it. |
| Training duration | Apprenticeship programs typically last four to six years. |
| Training content | During the apprenticeship, you will learn the fundamentals of electricity, electrical codes, technical knowledge, and safety skills. You will also gain hands-on experience in installing, maintaining, and repairing electrical systems. |
| Wages | Wages can vary depending on experience and location, starting at approximately $15/hour. |
| Career opportunities | Becoming an apprentice electrician allows you to enter the trade without a four-year college degree. After completing an apprenticeship, you can work towards becoming a licensed journeyman electrician and eventually a master electrician. |
| Licensing | To obtain a fully qualified status, you will need to complete a minimum number of hours of technical training and hands-on experience, which varies depending on the state and specialty. |
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What You'll Learn
Education requirements
To become an electrical apprentice, you must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or a GED. Some apprenticeship programs may require you to take an aptitude test. These tests assess basic math skills and other abilities relevant to the job, such as reading, numerical computation, and problem-solving.
In addition to meeting the minimum age and educational requirements, you should also ensure that you are physically capable of performing the job. Electricians work in various environments and scenarios, including at ground level, above, or below it. Thus, you must be confident in your ability to work in different settings.
If you are interested in a more structured learning environment, you can consider enrolling in an electrical training program offered by trade schools or vocational colleges. These programs combine classroom learning with lab work, allowing you to develop the fundamental knowledge and technical skills needed to become a qualified electrician.
Alternatively, you can find an electrical sponsor for your apprenticeship. Many electricians across the country are willing to take on and train new apprentices. This option provides you with on-the-job training and the opportunity to learn directly from experienced electricians.
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Apprenticeship programs
During your apprenticeship, you will learn a diverse set of skills that will be useful in your future career as a licensed electrician. You will learn how to install, maintain, and repair electrical wiring, equipment, lighting fixtures, and various electrical control systems. You will also learn how to test and inspect electrical systems and use specialized devices to locate and correct system problems. Additionally, you will gain an understanding of construction blueprints and diagrams for electrical plans and ensure that all electrical work complies with national and state electrical codes.
There are a few options to consider when choosing an apprenticeship program. You can go with a union or non-union program. The union, IBEW (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers), has its own apprenticeship programs, and you can search for one in your area. Non-union programs include two large nationwide apprenticeship programs: WECA (Western Electrical Contractors Association) and ABC (Associated Builders and Contractors).
It is important to note that licensing requirements for electricians may vary by state, so be sure to check the specific requirements for the state in which you plan to work. Some apprenticeship programs may also help prepare you for industry certifications that can enhance your credentials.
Overall, apprenticeship programs offer a great opportunity to gain the skills and experience needed to become a licensed electrician and build a successful career in the electrical industry.
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Aptitude tests
To become an electrical apprentice, you will need to pass an aptitude test. This is a crucial first step in launching your career in the electrical industry. The aptitude test is identical for each of the four areas of electrical apprenticeship: outside linemen, inside wiremen, telecommunication installer technicians, and residential wiremen.
The aptitude test is known as the IBEW Aptitude Test, or the NJATC Aptitude Test, and is administered by the Electrical Training Alliance (formerly the National Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee). The Alliance was formed by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) and the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA). The test is designed for those applying to the Inside Electrician and Limited Energy Technician apprenticeship programs.
The test consists of two sections: math and reading comprehension. The math section includes 33 questions to be completed in 46 minutes without a calculator. It covers algebra, basic mathematical functions, solving for variables, working with graphs and equations, and understanding concepts like percentages, fractions, and ratios. The reading section includes 36 questions, giving you a total of 97 minutes to complete the test. This section measures your proficiency in obtaining information from a given text.
There is no "passing" score, but most apprenticeships want to see a minimum score of 4 out of 9. A higher score will increase your chances of being selected for an apprenticeship as programs are limited and demand is high.
You can prepare for the test by taking practice tests, reviewing study guides, and brushing up on your math and reading skills. It is also important to manage your time effectively during the test and to stay calm.
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Journeyman license
To become a fully qualified electrician, you must complete an apprenticeship program that provides you with the skills and hands-on experience needed to become a licensed electrician. Apprenticeships typically last four to six years and combine classroom learning with on-the-job training.
After completing an apprenticeship, you can take the journeyman license exam to become a licensed journeyman electrician. The journeyman license does not permit you to work independently right away; you must first work a set number of hours under the supervision of a licensed electrician. The number of hours required varies by state and work specialty. For example, in California, you need a C-10 license to become a contractor.
To be eligible for the journeyman license exam, you must complete at least four years of apprentice experience, totalling 8,000 hours of on-the-job training, and a minimum of 288 hours of classroom training. Apprenticeship programs are offered through trade schools and vocational colleges, and some schools, like InterCoast Colleges, offer an electrical training program that qualifies you to sit for the journeyman exam.
It is important to note that the journeyman license is not the highest level of certification for electricians. To become a master electrician, you will need to complete a bachelor's degree in engineering in addition to your years of training as an apprentice.
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Career paths
Electrician apprentices aid electricians in assessing and repairing electrical problems. During your apprenticeship, you will work under the supervision of a master electrician, learning all aspects of the trade as you prepare for the next career phase as a journeyman electrician. In addition to hands-on work, as an electrician apprentice, you will complete classroom-based training.
There are a few options to consider when starting your career as an electrical apprentice. You can go for a union or non-union apprenticeship. The union has its own apprenticeship—you can search for the IBEW (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers) in your area. Non-union apprenticeships have two big nationwide apprenticeship programs: WECA (Western Electrical Contractors Association) and ABC (Associated Builders and Contractors). You can also find electrician apprenticeship programs through state agencies, online job boards, and community college websites. Additionally, a union representative or the IECRM (Independent Electrical Contractors Rocky Mountain) can advise on local programs for which you can apply.
Once you have completed your apprenticeship, you can move forward with taking your license exam to become a licensed journeyman electrician. After gaining some experience, you can further advance in your career by becoming a master electrician. These promotions come with pay increases.
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Frequently asked questions
Generally, a high school diploma or equivalent is required to start an electrical apprenticeship. Some programs may have specific math and science prerequisites. Basic knowledge of algebra, geometry, and physics can be beneficial. You must be at least 17 or 18 years old, be physically capable, and have reliable transportation to get to and from classes and job sites.
The first step is finding a suitable apprenticeship program to enroll in. Electrical apprenticeships are usually offered through trade schools, community colleges, or labor unions. You can consider an electrical training program that combines classroom and lab instruction, or find an electrical sponsor for a private apprenticeship. Once you've found a program, you'll need to complete an application and may be required to take an aptitude test.
As an electrical apprentice, you'll gain hands-on experience by working alongside experienced electricians. You'll learn the fundamentals of electricity, electrical codes, technical knowledge, and safety skills. Tasks may include installing wiring, troubleshooting electrical systems, reading blueprints, and adhering to safety protocols.
