One of the stable career paths you can explore if you’re looking for a secure career for the long-run is anything within the trade industry. From plumbers to construction workers, these jobs are always going to be relied upon for generations to come.
Another one of those is to become an electrician. Whether you know someone in the family who is an electrician or the career path has always been something you’ve wanted to pursue, this guide will lay out all the key skills and knowledge you’ll need to succeed in this career path.
Essential Education for Electricians
So what are some of the essential education requirements for electricians nowadays? Let’s first explore the essentials so you can tick off all of the below to get a rung on the career ladder.
High school diploma or GED
A formal education is important, even though, for a career like this one, attending a university isn’t really necessary.
A candidate will only really need a high school diploma or GED to begin electrician training or an apprenticeship program.
Foundational subjects
Strong performance in foundational subjects is also handy to have. A strong performance in maths and science, for example, is essential for calculations. It’s also helpful for understanding electrical principles like Ohm’s Law.
Consider a focus in algebra, geometry, trigonometry in math, and physics and electrical theory in science.
Trade school/Vocational programs
Many aspiring electricians will attend a technical or trade school program in order to gain foundational knowledge, alone with hands-on lab experience, before starting their apprenticeship.
This can provide an advantage for the individual to secure an apprenticeship and may also count towards the required classroom hours.
Continuous learning
The electrical field is one that, like so many others, is constantly evolving with new technologies. From smart homes to renewable energy and automation, it’s important that updated certifications and an effort to attain ongoing education are crucial for career advancements.
Building Skills through Hands-On Experience
As part of an electrician’s role, a lot of the skills are built in the early days through hands-on experience, and even the most experienced will still encounter new and complex situations that continue to build their skills further.
It’s the practical experience that’s the cornerstone of an electrician’s training. Therefore, there are a number of ways in which these skills can be built.
Apprenticeship programs
Lasting between four and five years, these programs combine paid, supervised, and on-the-job training with classroom instruction. Apprentices will often work alongside experienced journeymen, building practical skills and confidence by applying theory to real-world scenarios.
On-the-job training
This sort of practical experience helps expose apprentices to diverse tasks from pulling cable to terminating wires and troubleshooting malfunctions. Every day is likely to be different from the next in its challenges and experiences.
Skill development
Hands-on learning helps to develop manual dexterity, a systematic approach to problem-solving, and hand-eye coordination.
Understanding Electrical Codes and Regulations
Adherence to codes and regulations is essential for safety and legal compliance within the USA. There are a number of electrical codes and regulations to be aware of. These include:
- National Electrical Code (NEC) – Electricians should have in-depth knowledge of the NEC, which is the industry standard for safe electrical installation and wiring.
- Local and state regulations – In addition to the NEC, electricians will also need to be familiar with state and local building codes, which vary by jurisdiction, too.
- Licensing – Most states nowadays require electricians to be licensed to work legally. That means passing an exam that covers electrical theory and code requirements.
Tools of the Trade for Electricians
There are a number of tools and testing equipment that are essential and tools of the trade for electricians in general.
Common hand tools include pliers, wire strippers, screwdrivers, conduit benders, and cable cutters. Power tools are useful to have, too.
Testing and diagnostic equipment help to identify problems and ensure the proper function of electrical systems. As well as that, PPE is important too, including insulated gloves, safety glasses, hard hats, and arc-rated clothing.
Importance of Safety Practices in Electrical Work
Safety is paramount, especially when it comes to conducting electrical work of any kind. There are many inherent hazards of working with electricity.
OSHA standards should be followed by electricians, including the proper use of PPE and safe work practices. Following rigorous tagout and lockout procedures to de-energize circuits and equipment before maintenance is critical to preventing accident start-ups or electric shock.
Being able to risk assess environments and electricals, like overloaded circuits and frayed cords are beneficial to avoid accidents and injuries from occurring. As well as all that, First Aid and CPR are useful to be trained in, too.
All of these key skills and knowledge will help you become the best electrician possible in your career. You can also follow our course guides for states to find best electrical courses in New York or other US states.
