Do you want to switch careers? Do you think the electrical field the right option for you? If you work in an office job, food service, retail, or another industry, take a look at what you need to know about electrical training as your next career.
You Won't Sit Behind a Desk
Are you tired of sitting in a cubicle day after day? If you currently work in an office or similar job, a career as an electrician is a complete change. As an electrician, you can get up, get out, and get active. While some electrician jobs keep you in one place, many offer employees the chance to constantly move from job to job. This means you'll have new scenery, a new work environment, and new people to meet several times each day.
You Can't Immediately Start a New Job
Some career changes can happen almost instantly. But a switch from a non-electrical field to a job as an electrician takes time. Provided you already have a high school diploma or an equivalency (GED), you'll need to start at an electrical trade school. The school should provide you with the basic knowledge you need to move on to your new career. This includes basic circuitry and wiring, safety, electrical theory, and math.
The specific amount of time you need to spend at an electrician trade school depends on the program, how many courses you take at one time, and your career goals. Along with classroom-based courses, you also need plenty of hands-on practical training.
You Can Get Paid to Learn
After you complete electrician training courses, you'll start an apprenticeship program. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), electricians need to complete four to five years of apprenticeship. This may include 2,000 hours of training per year. Some apprenticeship programs will also count the training hours you gain through school.
While you will need to use your own money, use scholarship money, or take out loans to pay for the classes you take, an apprenticeship experience won't cost you extra money. Instead of paying to train as an apprentice, most of these programs will pay you.
You Will Have a Career with Room to Grow
Do you feel stuck in your current job? As an electrician, you'll have room to grow. Again, you'll start out as an apprentice. After this on-the-job training, you'll have the chance to work your way up into a supervisory role. Some seasoned electricians even choose to start their own companies and become their own boss.
For more information, contact an electrician trade school in your area.
