Careers in Electronics by Tracy Brown Hamilton

Author:Tracy Brown Hamilton
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: The Rosen Publishing Group, Inc
Published: 2019-06-29T00:00:00+00:00

Working in a makerspace in addition to taking business, math, and science courses can significantly assist you in developing the skills you need. Working in collaboration with a team of other makers will help you become a better communicator and troubleshooter. The opportunity to work with different tools and equipment will give you an edge in real-world experience and give you the chance to think on your feet to come up with solutions to issues in a real situation, rather than a hypothetical one in a textbook.

HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT EDUCATION PATH

After high school, there are various educational paths— besides the four-year college path—you can follow. The basic requirements before you get started are that you are at least eighteen years old, have earned your high school diploma or equivalent, and can pass an aptitude test— which covers subjects such as algebra, electrical concepts, process and signal flow, and electrical sequences. Most often, it’s required that you pass a substance abuse test.

Most electricians follow an apprenticeship that usually runs for four to five years. Apprentices get technical training (usually at least 114 hours) and must complete 2,000 hours of on-the-job training. Electrical technicians, however, usually pursue a two-year associate’s degree at a vocational school or community college in areas such as electrical technology or electrical and computer engineering technology. In some cases, earning a certificate in an accredited program is sufficient.

The technical training for electricians, which takes place in a classroom environment, covers everything from electrical theory to blueprint reading, math, electrical code requirements, safety measures, and even first aid. Some courses offer specialized training, such as working with fire-alarm systems or elevators.

Once the apprenticeship is completed, you are qualified to work independently, although each state does have its own licensing requirements. These licensing tests include questions relating to the national electrical code as well as state and local codes. You can learn about these by contacting the electrical licensing board in your region or state. As safety and electrical codes change over time, additional continuing education courses may be required to ensure you are up-to-date.

HOW TO GET AN APPRENTICESHIP

Finding an apprenticeship is a required step to becoming an electrician. There are three main apprenticeship programs in the United States that provide paid, on-the-job training for future electricians. More information about them is available at the Electrician Apprentice Headquarters website.

The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Apprenticeship Program is an apprenticeship program organized by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and the National Electrical Contractors Association. The program offers several training tracks, including outside lineman, inside wireman, sound and communication technicians, and residential wireman.

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