Electrical Technician Training Courses
Written by Michael Purser | Edited by Nate Bortz
Electricians and electrical technicians have a bright job outlook. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, licensed electricians make an average of $61,590 per year, and their employment is expected to grow by 11% over the next 10 years, almost double the projected U.S. average.
With the demand for electricians growing, now is the perfect time to get licensed. This article describes some general information for you to review as you learn about becoming an electrician.
The Road to Your License
Each state has its own requirements for earning your electrician license. But they tend to have a few things in common.
Many states require that you pass a knowledge test. These exams usually evaluate your understanding of local regulations, code standards and safety principles in addition to fundamental skills.
Almost all states require that you demonstrate suitable experience working in the field. Some states measure experience in hours, years of employment or even dollar value of completed projects. In some areas, specific engineering degrees or other university education may substitute for some of the required experience.
One of the best ways to build your knowledge and get experience is by working under the supervision of an experienced professional. To do that, you can apply for an electrical apprenticeship.
Becoming an Apprentice
To get trained in electrical work, an apprenticeship offers a quality, practical education. A typical apprenticeship lasts about four or five years and includes classroom instruction and hands-on experience under an experienced mentor.
Apprenticeships are offered by local professional groups and may involve industry groups like the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) or the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW). You will need to apply to an apprenticeship in the same way you would a college or trade school.
Like licenses, apprenticeship requirements vary. Nearly all of them require that you be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or GED, complete certain math classes and pass an exam like the Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee (JATC) Electrical Aptitude Test.
But before you make the multi-year commitment of becoming an apprentice, you should find electrical training courses that will provide an entry-level understanding of hazards and concepts associated with the trade.
Online Training Courses
OSHA Education Center offers several online courses that can serve as an introduction to your electrical technician training program or simply keep you safe while working on jobsites with heavy machinery or other energized equipment. Whether you are pursuing a career as a licensed electrician or just want to enhance your safety preparation, these courses are the perfect way to expand your skills.
Electrical Certificate Course
This primer course briefly introduces major safety regulations in energized systems. Learn the basics of grounding, switches, switchboards, enclosures, operating equipment over 600 volts and other electricity hazards in construction jobsites.
Electrical Safety
When improperly used, electricity can be dangerous. Electrocution is one of OSHA’s “Focus Four Hazards” that causes fatal incidents in the construction industry. You can prevent serious injury or death from electric shock with our electrical safety course. Learn how electricity works and how it contributes to workplace hazards. Discover proper safety precautions to minimize hazards when working with live circuits.
Electrical Safety and Lockout/Tagout
One of the best ways to prevent serious injuries in the workplace is through a clear lockout/tagout procedure. This safety course details procedures designed to prevent unexpected startups and discharges of stored energy. Learn how to use proven techniques to guard and ground live circuits before work.
Start Today!
America’s need for licensed electricians is only going to grow, especially as the country prepares to embark on a major electric vehicle charging network project. You can take advantage of America’s need for more electricians by starting your electrical training program today.