Becoming an electrician apprentice is a required step to becoming a licensed electrician in most states. During an electrician apprenticeship, you learn under an experienced electrician. This gives you the skills and knowledge needed to do electrical jobs. Here are the steps you can take to become an electrician apprentice:
Meet the Electrical Training Requirements
You must have a high school diploma to enter an electrician apprenticeship program. Because electrical work requires math skills, taking algebra in high school is a big help. Additional math and physics courses can help you better understand the principles of electricity. Most apprenticeship programs require trainees to pass the Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee aptitude test. Other skills that apprenticeship programs for electricians may assess include:
- Physical fitness
- Problem-solving
- Attention to detail
- Effective communication
- Ability to work under a team
- Basic knowledge of electrical tools
- Dexterity
- Ability to read electrical diagrams and identify color
Research Electrician Apprenticeship Programs
When researching electrical training programs, look for one that teaches you the fundamentals of electrical work while allowing you to gain practical experience. Apprenticeship programs offered by unions connect learners to member contractors. This will enable you to earn as you train. These programs also include a specified amount of classroom hours per year where you get a solid foundation for your electrician career.
When researching electrical apprenticeship programs, look for one certified by the US Department of Labor (DOL). Certified electrical apprenticeships adhere to DOL requirements. You will be a nationally recognized electrician at the end of your training. Once you identify a suitable training program, find out the program requirements. Most programs only require a high school transcript showing your graduation date, a GED certificate, and a valid driver’s license. You must take an assessment test before enrollment and may have to pay an application fee. You can use QR code to make payments.
Prepare for Your Apprenticeship Interview
Some contractors interview apprenticeship applicants to determine whether they fit their companies well. Your chances of a successful interview are higher if you prepare beforehand. Update your resume and application letter, and research the company to understand its values and work policies. At the interview, discuss your interest in an electrician career and your commitment to the apprenticeship program.
Potential employers also want to know what value you bring to their businesses. When answering interview questions, highlight the qualities that make you a good candidate for the apprentice position. The interview is also an opportunity to ask questions and learn more about the training program. It helps to note down what you want to ask and practice your response to possible interview questions to feel more confident during the interview.
Begin Your Apprenticeship
Once accepted into an electrician apprenticeship program, you undergo a few years of training, during which you receive on-the-job training and classroom instruction. You work alongside experienced electricians gaining hands-on experience in various aspects of electrical work, such as wiring, installation, and diagnosing electrical problems. You also learn electrical safety protocols to help you do electrical work safely.
Other things you can expect to learn during your apprenticeship include the following:
- Reading blueprints and diagrams for electrical plans
- Testing electrical components and devices using various testing devices
- Inspecting electrical systems
- Following the National Electric Code and other state regulations when doing electrical work
Trainers often teach electrical basics at the beginning of your apprenticeship, then gradually incorporate more complex tasks as you refine your skills. You should be able to do various construction, repair, and electrical maintenance tasks after training.
Get Your License or Certification
Once you complete your training, you must sit for the journeyman electrical exam to test your grasp of everything you learned in your apprenticeship. The exam tests your understanding of the National Electric Code, electrical safety practices, building codes, and other electrical concepts. You must also prove that you completed your required classroom and on-the-job hours during your apprenticeship. Once you pass the exam and prove you met all the apprenticeship requirements, you become a certified journeyman electrician.
Start Your Electrician Career
If you are interested in a career in electrical work, you can get started on training right after high school. Attending an electrician apprenticeship allows you to gain the skills and experience for electrical work. You can start your career as an apprentice, earn your license and certificate, and move up the ranks to become a contractor with a private electrical company.
