How do I start my electrical career?

Question

Zippia Team · Accepted Answer

To start your electrical career, it is best to find a local program to become an apprentice electrician. You often take an entrance exam and go through an interview to get into an apprentice program that hires based on need in your area.

Typically you are matched with an employer that allows you to work in the field while attending classes. This means you earn as you learn.

To move up to the journeyman level, you need to acquire the necessary work experience to take the certification exam. To apply for a journeyman electrician's license, you must have at least 7,000 hours of work experience and between 500-1000 hours of classroom experience.

If you have graduated high school, or have a GED, you can start your career as an apprentice. Even later in life, people in their 30s and 40s will start a career in the trades and still receive various benefits from the work.

Another route available to start a career in electrical work would be as an electrical construction technician or industrial electrical technician. These programs last 4-9 months and can get you positioned in the field as you decide to advance further.