Electricians are proud men and women who literally keep our country running. You’re excited to get started, but you want to know, specifically, how hard is it to become an electrician?
First, we’ll provide some intro information about how people become electricians—the various training options people have.
Then we’ll take a look at the different aspects of the job—the easy parts, and the difficult parts—and then we’ll talk about the one topic everybody dreads: the math. Search Electrician Programs
Becoming an electrician can seem daunting, but with commitment and perseverance it is an achievable goal for many. While the training required is rigorous the payoffs of joining this in-demand, hands-on trade make the effort worthwhile. So how difficult is the journey really?
The Challenges
Transitioning into the electrical field presents some clear challenges. But none of them are insurmountable if you have the drive to succeed. Here are some of the main difficulties you may face:
Long Training Period
It takes time and dedication to become a qualified electrician. While the exact training time varies, you can generally expect:
- 4-5 years of full-time, paid on-the-job training as an apprentice
- Approximately 144 hours per year of classroom education
That amounts to a total of 576-720 hours of theory lessons. So in total, you need around 8,000 hours of combined work experience and class time to reach journeyman status.
This lengthy training period requires commitment. But on the plus side, you earn as you learn during your apprenticeship.
Demanding Course Content
The classroom portions of electrician training cover complex topics like electrical theory, codes, safety practices, and electrical calculations You must absorb a lot of technical knowledge Strong math skills are particularly essential, as you’ll frequently use algebra, geometry, and trigonometry.
Some people struggle with the more academically rigorous aspects of the curriculum. But taking your time and utilizing all available study aids can help conquer the hurdles.
Physical Demands
Electrical work involves a lot of hands-on tasks, including:
- Climbing ladders and scaffolding
- Pulling cables
- Lifting heavy equipment
- Working while kneeling or crouching
You must be physically fit to meet the demanding nature of the job. People with back problems or other physical limitations may find the work too strenuous.
Safety Pressures
Electricians risk electrocution, burns, and falls. It’s crucial to strictly follow safety protocols. Apprentices also face pressure to perform risky tasks before they are properly trained.
Maintaining constant vigilance is key to avoiding injuries on the job. And don’t let others pressure you into doing anything unsafe.
The Rewards
While becoming an electrician poses some challenges, it also offers many advantages that make the rigorous training worthwhile:
Strong Job Opportunities
The job outlook for electricians is excellent. The number of positions is projected to grow 8% from 2020-2030, faster than the average for all occupations. And many current electricians are approaching retirement age.
Qualified candidates who complete apprenticeship programs should have no problem finding employment. The demand is there.
Good Salaries
Electricians earn attractive wages. The median salary is over $56,000 per year. With overtime, six-figure incomes are possible.
Solid pay makes the hard work more rewarding. And wages continue to increase as you gain more experience.
Varied Work
Every day brings new tasks and environments. Electricians work on:
- Construction sites
- Homes
- Businesses
- Hospitals
- Factories
Routine office work is not for you in this trade. The days fly by while completing hands-on, engaging projects.
Job Stability
Electrical issues never go away. Licensed electricians will always be integral for:
- Constructing new buildings
- Renovating existing structures
- Providing emergency repairs
Recessions may slow construction, but the demand for maintenance and repair remains constant. Once established, electricians enjoy stable careers.
Opportunity to Progress
With further experience and training, you can advance to roles like:
- Master electrician
- Project manager
- Safety inspector
- Engineer
The learning doesn’t stop at journeyman level. Ambitious electricians can move up the ladder.
Making It Rewarding
Becoming an electrician has its difficulties. But taking the right approach can lead to a satisfying career that offers security, good wages, and meaningful work. Here are some tips to make the training process more rewarding:
Choose the Right Program
A top-notch apprenticeship program that provides ample hands-on practice makes all the difference. Review different sponsors in your area and ask current apprentices about their experiences before committing.
Study Consistently
Don’t wait until just before exams to cram. Set aside regular time each week to review material from class. Consistent studying prevents you from getting overwhelmed.
Ask Questions
No matter how basic the question, never hesitate to ask journeymen, instructors, or classmates for clarification. Identifying weak points early on helps prevent future struggles.
Practice Safety
Make safety your top priority. Never take risky shortcuts to get a job done faster. Preventing injuries ensures you stay healthy and productive.
Join Support Groups
Bond with classmates and identify mentor figures who can provide encouragement. Having a strong support network helps during demanding periods.
Visualize the End Goal
When frustrations arise, focus on why you wanted to become an electrician. Keep the end goal in mind, knowing the sacrifices will pay off.
The Bottom Line
Becoming an electrician requires dedication, hard work, and a willingness to learn. The education is demanding, and the field’s physical nature adds challenges. Safety pressures also create constant stress.
However, the financial rewards and job stability make the demands worthwhile for those with the commitment to see it through. Apprentices who adopt the right mindset can successfully graduate to rewarding careers.
While not easy, becoming an electrician is very achievable for those who combine preparation, determination, and common sense. With the right approach, reaching journeyman status can be a realistic goal. The opportunities in the trade make conquering the challenges a worthy endeavor.
Is An Electrical Apprenticeship Difficult?
As far as training goes, apprenticeships are unparalleled. There is simply no better way to learn the electrician trade than completing an apprenticeship over four years. You will work side-by-side people who will answer all of your questions, give you instruction when you need it, and share their experience with you.
There are many folks who say that an apprenticeship is better than college, and it’s easy to see why: at the completion of the apprenticeship, you will know EVERYTHING you need to know. The hardest thing will be actually getting an apprenticeship. You may have to wait a while. There are many, many people who want to become electricians, and apprentice positions are numbered.
Also, the exam for the apprenticeship can be difficult. It requires a great deal of math, and if you’re unfamiliar with it, you can fail the exam and kiss the apprenticeship goodbye.
There’s one other thing that can be challenging: at just over four years, the apprenticeship is a LONG training period (so it’s a good thing you get paid as you move through your apprenticeship!). So, yes, it takes a while to become a fully licensed journeyman electrician. You have to have your act together, or be able to get it together. But many electricians believe that it’s worth it.
If you have more questions about apprenticeships, take a look around the site—we’ve answered a lot of the questions that people have.
The National Electrical Code
In the United States, electricians use a guidebook called the National Electrical Code (NEC). The code is incredibly dense—more than 1,000 pages—so you’ll just get introduced to the main ideas presented in the book. You’ll actually learn about the NEC over the course of your entire apprenticeship (which we’ll talk about here).
The 5 Reasons Being An Electrician Sucks
How long does it take to become a journey-level electrician?
Depending on your state licensure requirements and school, this might include about two years of vocational school and 4,000 to 8,000 hours of on-the-job training to become a journey-level electrician. If you want to advance to a higher level of licensure, you might pursue additional on-the-job hours.
How long does it take to become a licensed electrician?
Becoming a licensed electrician can take some time. Most apprenticeship programs require 4 years to complete. That includes 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and over 500 hours of classroom instruction. (State and local requirements vary.) The IBEW apprenticeship takes 5 years to complete.
Should I go to a trade school to become an electrician?
Regardless of whether you decide to attend a trade school to complete your training or not, you must finish an apprenticeship to become a licensed electrician. You can find an apprenticeship several ways to include: Through a trade school: Trade schools typically offer apprenticeship and job placement opportunities.
Do you need a high school diploma to be an electrician?
Earn a high school diploma or the equivalent Before pursuing a career as an electrician, you’ll need to earn a high school diploma or the equivalent. Though a majority of the job relies on specific skills related to the industry, there are plenty of academic concepts that electricians utilize daily.
