Electrician Apprenticeship
Are you looking for a new career? If you are, you should consider being an electrician. The first step into entering this career is to be an electrician’s apprentice. In this article, I will let you know what being an electrician apprentice entails and how to obtain one.
So, What Exactly is an Electrician’s Apprenticeship?
An electrician apprentice is a trainee who works under a licensed journeyman. In some states, an apprentice is required to shadow an apprentice for certain amount of hours, but all involve in taking accredited training classes.
Qualifications for an Electrician Apprentice
Each state has their own rules, and you should check them to ensure that you are qualified in your state. However, I listed some basic ones below:
- at least 18 years old
- be a high school graduate or equivalent
- passed 1 year of algebra
- a high score on initial aptitude scores
- effective communication skills
- make logical and rational decisions
What is required as an Electrician Apprentice?
Each year an electrician apprentice is required 2000 hours of training on the job and 144 hours of in class learning. There are the minimum required by Department of Office of Apprenticeship. Your state may require more, so it is best to check with your state what is necessary.
What do you Learn as an Electrician Apprentice?
The classes you take will teach you theoretically on how things work and give you some hands on experience. You will take the theory you learn in the morning, and you will apply it to the projects you work on. You will also learn about the safety and legal aspects of being an electrician. But you will learn the most while working on projects assigned by your mentor hands on. Here are skills you will learn.
- learning how to install outlets and conduits
- learn how to wire residential houses
- learn the safety of electrical wiring
How Much Will I Earn as an Electrician’s Apprentice?
According to Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average electrician hourly wage is between $20 and $30 an hour, but as an apprentice you will only make 30%-50% of that. Your pay will depend on the program you choose and the type of electrician you choose to become.
After 4 or 5 years of being an apprentice, you will finally have the necessary training to take the test. You will no longer be a electrician apprentice but finally a journeyman electrician. You will no longer after to work under anyone. Good luck on your career.