Electrician Training Through Apprenticeship Programs

If you are interested in a career working with electrical systems for residential, commercial or industrial businesses, working as an electrician is the right job for you. Unlike other specialized trades or professions, the prerequisites, training and background education needed to become an electrician take place mostly outside the classroom. In other words, vocational schools and community colleges alone are not enough to qualify you for licensure as an electrician. You will also need to enroll in an electrician apprenticeship program to receive proper training.

What Is Electrician Apprenticeship Program?

An electrician apprenticeship program allows future electricians to receive training and hands-on experience under the supervision of a qualified journeyman electrician. These apprenticeship programs will provide both classroom instruction with on-the-job training. Certain states require the appropriate training through an approved apprenticeship program before an electrician license will be granted. One of the benefits of an apprenticeship program is they are often paid apprenticeships. This allows future electricians to earn while they learn. Wages are predetermined and disclosed during the application process.

For more information on finding an electrician apprenticeship program near you, visit the National Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee (NJATC). Apprenticeship programs are typically approved by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) and/or The National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA).

What Are The Prerequisites?

The prerequisites for an apprenticeship program will depend upon your location. For most electrician apprenticeship programs throughout the United States, you will need to meet the following minimum requirements:

• You must be at least 18 years of age.
• You must hold either a high school diploma or a General Equivalency Diploma (GED).
• You must have completed at least one year of high school algebra.
• You must be drug free.
• You must be in the right physical condition to perform the job functions of the trade.

Once you have met the minimum requirements to enter the apprenticeship program, you may be required to pass a qualifying examination or aptitude test. These tests typically cover reading comprehension and algebra.

The cost for an apprenticeship program may vary depending upon the books required for classroom education, and the tools required for on-the-job training.

Are There Specific Fields I Can Specialize In?

When entering an apprenticeship program, you may be given the option for a specific area of expertise. These specialty areas will provide training for specific types of electrician work:

• Inside wireman: An inside wireman apprenticeship program will teach you the skills and proper techniques for installing power, lighting and other electrical equipment inside of commercial and industrial buildings.
• Outside lineman: As an outside lineman, you will be responsible for electrical lines used to transport power from a power plant to business and residential areas.
• Residential wireman: A residential wireman works with electrical systems found in single-family and multi-family residential homes and buildings.
• VDV installer technician: In this specialty area, you will learn to work with electrical components used in telephones, computer networks, control systems, security centers and video distribution systems.

What Can I Expect While On The Job And In The Classroom?

While working under the supervision of an experienced electrician, an electrician apprentice can expect to work on various wiring systems and the distribution of electrical lights, power, heat, radio and other electrical systems. This work can be performed in residential, commercial or industrial buildings. In some cases, apprentices will also work with lighting and traffic signals found on roadways.

In the classroom, you will learn a range of skills and safety techniques in real world applications. Classroom topics typically cover:

• Job safety
• Equipment use
• Residential, commercial and industrial wiring
• Electrical theory
• Blue printing
• Voltage testing
• Electric circuits
• Regulations set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
• National Electric Code (NEC)

Final Notes

Students at vocational schools and community colleges offering courses in electrician training can obtain certification and later join an apprenticeship to fulfill licensing requirements. Some companies may start these apprentices at a higher level of training. Associate’s and bachelor’s programs approved by the NJATC are available for those interested. More information can be obtained at the NJATC website.

Most apprenticeship programs take up to 4 years to complete. Upon successful completion, they should have the required hours of experience necessary to apply for the appropriate license. Once an application has been accepted, electricians must typically pass a final examination to obtain their license.