Beatrice Lang
Earning hours for an electrical apprenticeship is an important step toward becoming a licensed electrician. To become a journeyman electrician, you must complete an apprenticeship and accumulate a certain number of hours, which vary by location and program. In some cases, 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 576 hours of classroom instruction are required before applying to take the master's exam. Apprenticeships are a great way to earn while you learn, allowing you to gain practical experience and a wage simultaneously. Before applying for an apprenticeship, a high school diploma or GED is typically required, along with meeting the minimum age requirement of 18 years.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Apprenticeship duration | 4-6 years |
| Requirements | High school diploma or GED, 18 years or older, physically capable |
| Training | 100-576 hours of classroom training, 6000-8000 hours of on-the-job training |
| Income | Paid apprenticeship, wage increases with skill level |
| Benefits | Full family medical insurance, retirement programs |
| Licensing | Must pass state-administered exam to work as a journeyman |
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What You'll Learn
Get a high school diploma or GED
To begin an electrician apprenticeship, you must be a high school graduate or pass the GED exam. This is a requirement for your application to be considered. A high school diploma or GED is the minimum educational qualification needed to pursue a career as an electrician.
Completing high school or passing the GED exam ensures you have the basic math, science, reasoning, and communication skills necessary for a career as an electrician. These foundational skills are essential for your future training and work as an apprentice. You will build upon this knowledge during your apprenticeship, gaining more specialized skills and knowledge in electricity and electrical safety.
If you are still in high school and considering a career as an electrician, you can start preparing by taking relevant courses, such as algebra. This will give you a strong foundation in math, which is crucial for understanding electrical concepts. You can also explore the option of working as a helper to electricians during your high school years. This will allow you to gain first-hand experience in the field and demonstrate your potential to future employers or apprenticeship programs.
If you do not have a high school diploma, you can obtain a GED (General Educational Development) certificate by passing the GED exam. The GED exam measures your knowledge and skills in various subjects, ensuring you have the academic proficiency equivalent to a high school graduate. This option is suitable for individuals who did not complete high school and want to pursue a career as an electrician.
Obtaining your high school diploma or GED is the first step towards becoming an electrician apprentice. It provides you with the necessary academic foundation and demonstrates your commitment to pursuing a career in the electrical field. After achieving this milestone, you can explore different apprenticeship programs, electrical training programs, or find an electrical sponsor to begin your journey towards becoming a qualified electrician.
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Gain work experience as a helper
Gaining work experience as a helper is a great way to get a head start in your electrical apprenticeship journey. Here are some tips to guide you through this process:
Understand the Helper Role
As a helper, you will be working closely with experienced electricians and assisting them in various tasks. This may include manual labour, fetching tools, and gaining first-hand exposure to the electrical trade. It is a valuable opportunity to learn the basics, demonstrate your potential, and build relationships with professionals in the field.
Develop Basic Skills
Before pursuing an apprenticeship, ensure you have the necessary basic skills. This includes a solid foundation in math, science, reasoning, and communication. These skills are typically acquired through a high school diploma or by passing the GED exam. Basic skills are essential for your future apprenticeship and will make you a more competitive candidate for helper positions.
Network and Connect
Start by reaching out to local electricians, electrical contractors, and companies in your area. Inquire about potential helper opportunities and express your interest in gaining work experience. You can also explore options with local unions and career centres, as they may have programs or connections that can facilitate your entry into the field.
Be Proactive and Demonstrate Enthusiasm
When working as a helper, be proactive and enthusiastic in your role. Show initiative by taking on tasks willingly and seeking ways to assist the electricians you're working with. This not only demonstrates your dedication but also helps you gain a wider range of experiences and build a positive reputation.
Learn from Mentors
As a helper, you'll have the chance to learn directly from experienced electricians. Take advantage of this opportunity by observing their techniques, asking questions, and seeking guidance. Mentorship can be a valuable aspect of your development, so don't hesitate to seek feedback and advice from those around you.
Stay Safe and Follow Protocols
Working as a helper will expose you to real-world electrical work, so it's crucial to prioritize safety at all times. Follow established protocols, use safety equipment, and be mindful of potential hazards. Developing a strong safety mindset will not only protect you but also demonstrate your professionalism and responsibility.
By following these suggestions, you can effectively gain work experience as a helper and set yourself up for success in your electrical apprenticeship journey. Remember, this is a valuable opportunity to learn, grow, and make connections in the electrical field.
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Find a suitable apprenticeship program
To find a suitable apprenticeship program, you can start by looking at electrical apprenticeship programs offered by colleges, trade schools, or universities. These programs typically combine classroom instruction with hands-on training, providing you with the fundamental skills and knowledge needed to become a qualified electrician.
When choosing a program, consider factors such as the curriculum, duration, and accreditation. For example, the IEC (Independent Electrical Contractors) apprenticeship curriculum is recognized as one of the best teaching tools for electrical apprentices in the nation. IEC offers a 4-year program that covers a range of topics, including electrical theory, safety practices, and code compliance. Similarly, ABC (Association of Building Contractors) offers an apprenticeship program that provides quality education and valuable training, matching apprentices with respectable companies.
You can also look for apprenticeship programs offered by labor unions, such as the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW). The IBEW program typically takes 4-5 years to complete, and during this time, you are committed to working for the IBEW.
Additionally, consider your preferred learning style. If you prefer a more hands-on approach, you can find an electrical sponsor for your apprenticeship or reach out to companies, local unions, and career centers that offer private apprenticeships. These apprenticeships are still regulated and adhere to state training regulations.
Lastly, don't forget to review the requirements for each apprenticeship program, as they may vary. Most programs require applicants to be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or equivalent, although some may also require an aptitude test or specific high school courses.
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Pass an entrance exam and interview
To earn hours for an electrical apprenticeship, you will need to pass an entrance exam and interview. This process can be highly competitive, so it is important to prepare thoroughly. Here are some tips to help you succeed:
Entrance Exam
The first step is to complete an application form. If you meet the basic requirements, you will be given access to the Electrical Training Alliance Aptitude Test or a similar exam. This exam will test your problem-solving skills, mathematical abilities, and reading comprehension.
The mathematical portion of the exam typically covers algebra, basic mathematical functions, graphs, equations, and concepts like percentages, fractions, and ratios. It is recommended to have a good grasp of high-school-level math, but you will not need to memorise formulas or factual material.
The reading comprehension section aims to evaluate your ability to understand and interpret written information. You will be given passages to read, followed by questions that assess your comprehension and critical thinking skills. Focus on reading efficiently and accurately, as the exam is often time-constrained.
Interview
After successfully passing the entrance exam, you will be invited for an interview. During the interview, hiring managers will ask a range of questions to assess your suitability for the apprenticeship. These may include queries about your specific work experience, technical skills, and problem-solving abilities.
Interviewers may also ask behavioural or situational questions to understand how you would handle various work-related scenarios. For example, you may be asked how you would respond to a customer expressing anger or frustration or how you would resolve conflicts with coworkers.
Additionally, be prepared to discuss your reasons for seeking a position in the electrical industry and your willingness to learn and improve your skills. You can also share your expectations and goals for the apprenticeship, demonstrating your understanding of the role and its requirements.
Passing the entrance exam and interview for an electrical apprenticeship requires a strong foundation in the required skills and knowledge. Familiarise yourself with the exam format and practice sample questions to improve your chances of success. For the interview, focus on showcasing your technical proficiency, soft skills, and alignment with the company's culture and values.
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Complete classroom hours and on-the-job training
To become an electrician, you'll need to complete a certain number of classroom hours—generally around 100 to 576—and 8,000 hours of on-the-job training. By pursuing classroom studies, you can learn the basics of the trade, such as reading blueprints, memorizing electrical code requirements, and mastering safety practices. You will learn the fundamentals of electricity as well as electrical codes, technical knowledge, and safety skills to help you complete your job without risking your life.
You can consider an electrical training program where you will work in both a classroom and a lab to help you develop the skills you need to be a fully qualified electrician. You will learn in a safe and hands-on environment as you work through your training course to equip you with everything you need during your apprenticeship.
If you don’t want to learn in a classroom, finding an electrical sponsor for your apprenticeship is another alternative method to becoming an electrician apprentice. Despite not being a classroom, these apprenticeships are regulated in the same way, and companies will need to adhere to state regulations regarding training. You can find private apprenticeships by reaching out to companies, local unions, and career centers.
Most full-time apprentices earn 2,000 hours per year, and if you work full time, you need to complete a four-year program. If you work part-time, your apprenticeship may take much longer.
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Frequently asked questions
You need a high school diploma or a GED, and in some cases, you may need to take an aptitude test.
To become a general electrician, you need 8,000 hours of on-the-job training. Most full-time apprentices earn 2,000 hours per year, so a full-time apprenticeship will take around four years to complete.
Yes, you need to complete around 100-576 hours of classroom instruction to learn the fundamentals of electricity, electrical codes, and safety skills.
Yes, electrical apprenticeships are paid, so you can earn an income while you learn.
You can find apprenticeship programs through colleges, trade schools, electrical contractors, or by reaching out to companies, local unions, and career centers.
