Do you enjoy working with your hands? Do you pay keen attention to detail? If so, consider becoming an electrician. Electricians work in the field without sitting behind a desk all day. They use their hands and know-how to install, repair, and maintain electrical systems. It’s an in-demand1 profession and offers a sense of accomplishment when a job is well done. So, how do you become an electrician?
How to Become an Electrician
There is a process to becoming an electrician. These steps teach you the profession, build your confidence, prepare you for licensure, and allow you to work independently as a journeyman electrician. The steps to becoming an electrician are as follows:
Step #1: Complete An Education
To become an electrician, you must have a high school diploma or GED equivalent. Then, you can either start working as an apprentice immediately or complete an Electrical Applications Diploma program. There are many benefits to completing a formal education. Completing the Electrical Applications program at The Refrigeration School (RSI) is a great way to learn the ropes, build your confidence, and start working as an apprentice with a complete skillset for anything you may encounter on the job.
Step #2: Complete an Apprenticeship
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To get licensed in Arizona as an electrician, you must complete 3 to 4 years of apprenticeship training. However, suppose you complete the seven-month Electrical Applications diploma program at RSI. In that case, you are only required to complete three years of apprenticeship, as the diploma represents a year of training.
Step #3: Get Licensure
To work independently as an electrician, you must be licensed by the Arizona Registrar of Contractors2. After completing a diploma program and the apprenticeship, you must pass a licensure exam to become a journeyman electrician3. At this status, you can work independently on projects, start your own electrician business, and manage other electrician apprentices. After working as a journeyman for several years, you can complete an exam that will give you the master electrician status.
Step #4: Certification
An additional step in the process of becoming an electrician is certification. There are a few certification associations that support electrician contractors. The Western Electrical Contractors Association4 offers members certification, continued education, and apprenticeship opportunities. Another association that certifies electricians is the Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) association5. They are advocates for the electrician trade, apprentices, and member electricians. A third option is the National Electrical Certification Association (NECA)6. The NECA helps contractors find job opportunities and supports members with resources to recruit and maintain electrician talent.
Want To Learn More?
If you want to learn more about electrical applications and technologies, The Refrigeration School has trade school programs that can equip you with the necessary skills and expertise. Call us today at (602) 607-0024 to learn more about our Electrical Applications program.
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