Last updated on January 20th, 2021 at 09:03 pm.
If you’re interested inbecoming an electrician apprenticethen you’re in the right place. Becoming an electricianis an excellent career choice, especially for those who want to get to work right out of high school.
With a growing shortage of skilledelectrical workers its a great time to starttraining to be an electrician.
Table of Contents
- Why You ShouldBecomeElectrician Apprentice
- What Does it take to Become an Electrician Apprentice?
- What’s the Job Description of an Electrician Apprentice?
- What Kind Electrician Apprentice Do You Want To Become?
- Residential Apprentice
- Inside Wireman Apprentice
- The 3 Electrical Apprenticeships You Need To Know About
- What To Expect When You Start An Electrical Apprenticeship
- Electrician Trade Schools – How Are They Different FromApprenticeships?
- More Electrician Apprentices Are Needed In The Workforce
- Before You Become An Electrician Apprentice Remember…
Why You ShouldBecomeElectrician Apprentice
Becomingan electrician hasgreatbenefits such as:
- Learning a life skill
- Working with your hands
- Usingproblem solving skills
- Career progression – Apprentice Electrician, Journeyman Electrician, Master Electrician, Foreman, General Foreman, Project Manager, Estimator
- Possibly start your own company
What Does it take to Become an Electrician Apprentice?
Now, wanting to become an electrician and being able toare two different things. Some people join the trade before realizing that they’re not cut out for it or they just don’t like it.
By working as an apprentice, you’re actually training as an electrician. This is called on-the-job training or OJT.
Here are a few items that will help you understand what will be required while working as an apprentice.
Are you comfortable with:
- Using hand and power tools?
- Climbing ladders and working without a fear of heights?
- Working in small or tight spaces?
- Working outside inthe summer and winter?
Are you able to:
- Be reliable to your employer?
- Be atwork on time?
- Work by yourself or as a team?
- Be flexiblewhen daily tasks change?
These may seem like very basic details – and they are – but you’d be surprised at how many people don’t realize what it takes to be a successful apprentice. Afterworking ortraining as an electrician for a few days youshould know ifyou want to make this a career.
To get started in the trade you need toenroll in an electrical apprenticeship or electrical training program. There are differences between the two which I’ll talk aboutlater.
What’s the Job Description of an Electrician Apprentice?
What exactly does an electrician apprenticedo? As an apprentice training to be an electrician, you’ll learn the in’s and out’s of the electrical trade and what it takes to be an electrician.
As an electrician apprentice, you’ll learn to install, maintain, and repair electrical systems in either home, businesses, and manufacturing plants. This all depends on what part of the trade you get into.
Yourmost important role as a newapprentice is to assist the journeyman electrician. Electricians do a lot more than just pulling wire, installing plugs and lights, and replacing bad breakers. There’s a mechanical side to the electrical trade too.
Take a look at some of the things you could learn as an apprentice. Some of these items are specialized and you may or may not be exposed to them.
- Learning how to readblueprints, schematics, and wiring diagrams
- Gathering appropriate material for daily tasks
- Installing conduits (tubes that connect electrical devices) using a hand, mechanical, or hydraulic bender
- Install new wire in existing systems or repairing old wiring
- Learn about installing fire alarm, security, lighting control, data/telecom, and energy management systems
- Assist with mounting panel boards, transformers, switchgear, transfer switches, and other various types of equipment
- Troubleshooting and repairing systems
To read more about the electrician job description clickhere.
What Kind Electrician Apprentice Do You Want To Become?
Residential Apprentice
As a residential electrician apprentice, you’ll install wiring, switches, plugs, CAT 5, RG-6 cable (TV), electrical panels, services, and troubleshoot electrical problems in homes and apartments.
You’ll learn how to operate heavy-duty drills with auger bits that chew through 2×4 studs allowing pathways for conductors to the locations indicated on the blueprints.
Let’s not forget ditch digging. How else do you think underground electrical systems get put in place?This is the least fun part of being an apprentice but every journeyman electrician has done it.
There’s obviously more to it than digging but you should understand what you could be getting yourself into – no surprises!
Duties for residential electrician apprentices can include:
- Installing Fire Alarm Systems
- Establishing Temporary Power during Construction
- Establishing Grounding Systems
- Installing New Wiring and Repairing Old Wiring
- Installing Receptacles, Lighting Systems, and Fixtures
- Troubleshooting and Repairing Electrical Systems
Residential work is a fast pace environment, especially in new construction. It’s not uncommon to have the majority of a house wired (minus plugs and switches) in 2-3 days!
Some apprentices start working with contractors that specialize in remodeling. This type of work isn’t as fast-paced because the home is usually occupied and care must be taken to prevent damage.
This is a great niche to get into because of all the home automation upgrades going on right now. The abilityto learn about existing and new technologies could help you start your own business once you’re licensed.
Most residential programs are around 2 to 3 years in length. So if you’re looking to jump right into the trade and become licensed this is your fastest route.
Inside Wireman Apprentice
An “inside wireman” or “commercial electrician” works on the non-residential side of the electrical trade. Commercial buildings are usually schools, gas stations, and basically any other building besides a house.
If you’ve ever driven by construction sites you’ve seen the environment where a majority of the trade works. New construction takes a lot of manpower and since electrician apprentices are cheaper than a journeyman, this is a hot spot for newbies.
There’s a crazy amount of skills you can learn as an inside wireman. The exposure to all types of systems is staggering and can sometimes be overwhelming.
But if you’re the kind of person who likes to be challenged then this could be a good fit for you.
Duties for an inside wireman and what you’ll be exposed to are:
- Planning and Initiating Projects
- Establishing Temporary Power during Construction
- Establishing Grounding Systems
- Installing Service to Buildings and Other Structures
- Establishing Power Distribution within a Project
- Planning and Installing Raceway Systems
- Installing New Wiring and Repairing Old Wiring
- Providing Power and Controls to Motors, HVAC, and Other Equipment
- Installing Receptacles, Lighting Systems, and Fixtures
- Troubleshooting and Repairing Electrical Systems
- Installing and Repairing Traffic Signals, Outdoor Lighting, and Outdoor Power Feeders
- Installing Fire Alarm Systems
This may seem like a lot, and it is, but you have to understand that you won’t learn all of this at once. Being ready to learn something new each day is a must when starting as a new first year apprentice.
Testing is usually done before starting up a new electrical installation to make sure there won’t be any surprises. This is a great time to ask questions and watch how equipment and circuits are checked off as safe or ready to be energized.
Depending on the project you’re working on, the pace can vary. If the contractor is under pressure to finish the job soon you’ll see a lot of hustle to get things done quickly.
Apprenticeships are usually 4 to 5 years in length. This depends on where you get your training and the type of curriculum the apprenticeshipuses.
Many inside wiremen move into industrial work such as manufacturing, water treatment plants, automobile factories, and other industrial businesses because of their knowledge of specialized equipment.
If you find yourself wanting to work on industrial systems,yourresponsibilities could include:
- Performing preventive maintenance on equipment
- Replacing equipmentor parts such as wiring, fuses, circuit breakers, coils, switches
- Use specializedmeters to troubleshoot and analyze problems
- Troubleshooting variable speeddrives.
- Usingprogrammable logic controllers.
The 3 Electrical Apprenticeships You Need To Know About
There are different routes you can take to become an electrician apprentice but one of the best ways to get started is the join an electrical apprenticeship.
Here are highlights of the three electrical apprenticeships you shouldbe familiar with – IBEW, IEC, and ABC.
- Union – IBEW/NECA
- Partnered with National Electrical Contractors Association
- IBEW represents approximately 750,000 active members and retirees
You can learn how to join an electrician apprenticeship through the Electrical Training Alliance.
- Non-Union
- IEC is the national trade association for merit shop electrical and systems contractors.
- 3,000 member companies in 53 chapters throughout the USA
You learn how to become an electrician apprentice through theIEC electrical apprenticeship.
- Non-Union
- ABC valuesfree enterprise within the construction industry by promoting the merit shop philosophy.
Click here to learn how to become an electrician apprentice throughthe ABC electrical apprenticeship.
What To Expect When You Start An Electrical Apprenticeship
Electrical apprenticeship programscan vary in length – typically 2to5 years long.
For the inside wireman program, each electrician apprentice receives a minimum 8,000 hours of on-the-job training in the electrical industry with the supervision of a journeyman electrician.
Apprentices will also receive700 to 900 hours of classroom instruction over the courseof the program.
Sometimes apprentices will complete the requirements for the electrician licensing exam before school is complete.However, theystill have to meet the apprenticeship requirements to graduate.
Instructors have typically retired electricians, working electricians, or have specialized experience in the trade. They provide real-world experience by using on-the-job situations in relation to schoolwork.
Everyapprenticeship is independent and has its own set of guidelines for enrollment and scheduling classes.Classes can beoffered either twice a week at night, during the day, one day a week, or in weekly sessions.
The apprenticeship you choose to attend will provide the minimum amount of hours of academic education the state licensing agency requires for electrician apprentices to obtain their licenses.
Electrician Trade Schools – How Are They Different FromApprenticeships?
Electrician trade or vocational schools are different than electrical apprenticeships. Electrician trade schools are for-profit and may or may not have affiliations with trade or contractor associations. This means they may or may not help you get a job after you finish their program.
Some electrician trade schoolsare designed to be completed within 1 to 2 years. Being so short, they don’t meet the state hourly training requirements to get your electrician license. This means that once you complete the course, you’re probably going to have to get more training – which could mean more money.
Most trade schools do not have any minimum requirements to enroll and students have options for financial aid to help cover tuition costs. The type of instruction you receive will differ between schools – either online-only, hybrid (online / classroom), and classroom.
Courses are available for students seeking to earn a certificate or an associate’s degree in the electrical field (examples: Certificate of Competency or AAS in Electrical Construction).
The mathematics, electrical theory, and mechanical skills taught throughout the coursesare designed to teach you skills to gainemployment, and in some cases prepare you for the licensing exam.
Make sure you talk with a career adviser and ask for student references prior to enrollment to help you decide if a trade school is right for you.
In my opinion, I would stay away fromtrade schools. They don’t typically offer a full training program that allows you to finish or graduate as a licensed electrician.
More Electrician Apprentices Are Needed In The Workforce
Skilled tradesmen are reaching retirement age and leaving the workforce before they can be replaced. Worker shortages are common in areas where mega-projects are grabbing most of the manpower; leaving local contractors struggling to find skilled labor.
In 2011 Mike Rowe – advocate for the skilled tradesmen, host of Dirty Jobs, and founder of Mike Rowe Works Foundation (mrWF)– testified before Congress about the lack of workers available for blue-collar jobs.
Mike Rowe said
Right now, American manufacturing is struggling to fill 200,000 vacant positions. There are 450,000 openings in trades, transportation and utilities. The skills gap is real, and it’s getting wider. In Alabama, a third of all skilled tradesmen are over 55. They’re retiring fast, and no one is there to replace them. Alabama’s not alone.
Mike isn’t the only one with this line of thinking.
David Hardt, the new president of the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA), stated that,
some ECs (electrical contractors) are already turning down jobs because they can’t find enough qualified electricians to do the work. All signs point to shortages of skilled electrical workers intensifying in the near future.
He also points out that due tomarket growth and demand,“we will need a net increase of nearly 100,000 electricians within the next three years.”Becoming an electriciancan lead toa very rewarding career.
Before You Become An Electrician Apprentice Remember…
This profession requires hard work, taking the initiative to learn, and the determination to succeed.The multipleskill sets that an electrician must learn is what makes him or her the most valuable commodity to the trades.
Make sure the route you’re taking is going to take you where you wantto be in this profession.Researching apprenticeships or trade schools in your area is a mustbefore getting started.
If you have any questions about becoming an electrician apprentice be sure to leave a comment. EAHQ is here to help.
FAQs
What do I need to become an electrician apprentice? ›
Doing a course may help you get an apprenticeship or trainee position. Relevant courses include: Level 2 Diploma in Access to Building Services Engineering (Electrical) Level 2 and Level 3 Diploma in Electrical Installation.
Do I need AM2 to be an electrician? ›The AM2 is aimed at “new entrants” to the industry such as an apprentice or trainee. If you are an experienced electrician (practicing operative) you DO NOT need to take your AM2.
How long does it take to become a qualified electrician? ›Generally, apprenticeships take three years to complete and will involve one day a week at college and four days within a related job position. However, many colleges offer two-year fast-track options for advanced students, as well as part-time study, which could take much longer.
How do I become a certified electrician UK? ›- Complete your General Certificate of Secondary Education. ...
- Become a domestic electrical installer. ...
- Gain experience in a trainee position. ...
- Complete college courses or an NVQ course. ...
- Become a qualified electrician. ...
- Choose an area of specialisation.
The electrician apprenticeship process requires time spent on the job and in-school training. An electrician trainee must complete a four-year program, including 6,000 workplace hours and 1,200 in-school hours of training.
What is Level 3 electrician? ›The Level 3 Electrical Installations Diploma (2365) is aimed at those who have already completed the Level 2 electrical installations diploma, and would like to continue to become a qualified Electrician in the Domestic, Commercial or Industrial sector and does not already have an Electrical Apprenticeship or a job ...
Can you sit an AM2 without NVQ? ›If you are at the stage in your Electrical career to be undertaking AM2, it is likely that the only qualifications that you may not have are Inspection and Testing or NVQ level 3.
Can I do my AM2 without NVQ? ›Who's it for? The AM2 should be taken by electrotechnical apprentices who are training against the Apprenticeship Framework, those undertaking the JIB Mature Candidate Assessment and those following the Level 3 NVQ who are not apprentices.
Is the AM2 exam hard? ›While the AM2 test is challenging, candidates have access to some useful resources so they can measure their readiness before putting themselves forward to do the assessment.
Is 40 too old to become an electrician? ›While some electricians start their training immediately after high school graduation, others (like you) look to this field as a second or even third career later in life. No limit exists to learning. This means you can learn the trade as an 18-year-old or a 48-year-old.
Can I train to be an electrician at 40? ›
The answer is a big fat 'YES'! It's not just that becoming an Electrician at 40 is merely possible for you. In fact, in many ways, your odds are much better than others. Because you have many benefits over your younger counterparts for becoming an Electrician at 40.
Is being an electrician hard? ›Con: Electrician work can be physically demanding
This is true of many construction trades, and electrician is no exception. Be prepared to crawl into some small dark spaces, up onto roofs, and do a lot of standing, bending, and reaching overhead. Electricians work on their feet and are always on the move.
Electrical Installations technology. Installation of wiring systems and enclosures. Understand how to communicate with others within building services engineering.
How much does an electrician charge per hour UK? ›Electrician Cost Per Hour
The average range of an electrician is roughly £35 – £60 per hour. However, some may quote for as low as £20-25 per hour. These will most likely exclude VAT at 20%. Most electricians will have a minimum project fee that ensures that very small jobs are still worth an electrician's time.
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The areas in the UK with the biggest shortages of electricians.
You are unlikely to get the first Apprenticeship you apply for and sometimes it might take many applications for you to be matched with the right company. Try to keep motivated and be relentless in your pursuit for your new career.
What happens after IBEW apprenticeship interview? ›After your interview, we place you on the ranked list of eligible-to-hire applicants. Holidays, economic conditions, and the demand for apprentices in the electrical industry also affect this process.
Do you have to be good at maths to be an electrician? ›To be an electrician requires you have to be able to make calculations relating to electrical design. It is important to have a good understanding of sums, algebra, geometry and trigonometry. Working with Electrical can be hazardous when miscalculations occur.
Is a Level 3 electrician fully qualified? ›The level 3 NVQ Electrical (2357-44) is for electrical improvers who have previously completed their level 2 and 3 Diploma in Electrical Installations (2365) or equivalent older qualifications and are now in their final stages of becoming a qualified Electrician.
What is Level 4 electrician? ›Level 4 Award in the Design and Verification of Electrical Installations (2396) This level 4 qualification is aimed at electricians with experience across a wide range of electrical installations and with a thorough and detailed grasp of the Wiring Regulations and considerable experience of inspection and testing.
Is Level 3 a qualified electrician? ›
The Level 2 qualification is designed for new entrants to the industry, providing them with the basic skills and experience they need. The Level 3 qualification is aimed at those who have already completed the Level 2 qualification or with some relevant experience and knowledge of the industry.
Do you need NVQ Level 3 to be an electrician? ›You may also need the level 3 NVQ to: Obtain the status of “Electrician” with the JIB. If you wish to join them or work for an Electrical Contracting firm that is a member of the JIB. Obtain a JIB Gold ECS card.
What does an electrical apprenticeship involve? ›The Electrician Apprentice assists with and completes maintenance work orders on electrical equipment. This includes testing malfunctioning equipment, identifying defects, troubleshooting, repairing equipment and replacing defective parts.
What electrical qualifications do I need UK? ›Electrician (qualified)
An electrician is generally someone who has completed a 3-4 year apprenticeship and holds a Level 3 technical and vocational qualification or Level 3 Diploma.
2365 Level 3 Course Duration & Scheduling:
The 2365 Course consists of 33 Days of theory and practical training over an 2.5 month period or 6 month period depending on which option you choose. Practical Assessments and Online multiple choice exams are also completed during this time.
Pricing. £945.00+VAT.
Does a NVQ expire? ›Does an NVQ expire? Once an NVQ qualification has been achieved, they do not expire. Much like a GCSE or a degree, once you have completed your NVQ, you do not need resit or renew your qualification. However, certain cards such as the CSCS card, which require NVQs to obtain, do.
What is Level 4 electrician? ›Level 4 Award in the Design and Verification of Electrical Installations (2396) This level 4 qualification is aimed at electricians with experience across a wide range of electrical installations and with a thorough and detailed grasp of the Wiring Regulations and considerable experience of inspection and testing.
What should a first year electrical apprentice know? ›A first-year electrical apprentice is responsible for various electrical installation tasks including installing raceways, pulling wire, mounting equipment, installing and completing finished electrical products such as lights and switches and more.
What is an electrical apprentice called? ›Also called electrician trainees, electrician apprentices learn their trade under a skilled electrician. They may work in public or private sectors, learning how to use the equipment, read blueprints, and work alongside a construction crew.
What are the duties and responsibilities of a apprentice? ›
Being responsible
Apprentices must be diligent and punctual, They must also behave in a responsible manner in accordance with the requirements of health and safety, safeguarding, Prevent and quality and diversity legislation relating to the apprentice's responsibilities as an individual.
Become a fully qualified electrician
Successful completion of the Level 2 and Level 3 Diploma, combined with work experience as part of a course or apprenticeship, opens the door to your career as an electrician.
Electrical Installations technology. Installation of wiring systems and enclosures. Understand how to communicate with others within building services engineering.
Is it illegal to do electrical work without a license UK? ›A 'non-qualified' person can still carry out notifiable electrical work as long as Building Control are informed – but if you fail to do this and the work is found to be unsafe, it can lead to a hefty fine.
What is a Level 2 qualification? ›Level 2 qualifications are: CSE - grade 1. GCSE - grades 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4 or grades A*, A, B, C. intermediate apprenticeship.
Do all electricians need 18th edition? ›The 18th Edition course is essential for all electricians working in the UK and training is highly recommended to ensure that all installers have a thorough understanding of the new regulations. The 18th Edition is also one of the most recognised qualifications by employers.
What level is electrician apprenticeship? ›Electrical Installation and Maintenance - Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship.