3 answers
Santiago
Student
1
Question
Updated
1744 views
What degrees does an average electrician need to get a job?
I’m an 8th grader middle schooler and I would like to be an electrician when I grow up,I want to know if the gear they use is safe and if they need any specific degrees. What kind of training do they go through. Do they connect any specific things such as lots of devices together or if they get electrocuted often. I hope a professional can reply to this.
3 answers
Akanksha Katiyar
Engineer
1
Answer
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Akanksha’s Answer
Hi,
The average electrician typically starts with a high school diploma, often does some vocational training, but most importantly completes a 4–5 year apprenticeship before obtaining a license. College degrees may offer advantages but are far from essential. The core of the profession is practical, hands-on learning and experience.
The average electrician typically starts with a high school diploma, often does some vocational training, but most importantly completes a 4–5 year apprenticeship before obtaining a license. College degrees may offer advantages but are far from essential. The core of the profession is practical, hands-on learning and experience.
Thank you for your time this will definitely help me know more and look into my future.
Santiago
Richard A. (Tony) Eckel
49
Answers
Updated
Richard A. (Tony)’s Answer
Santiago,
There are lots of great vocational schools to get the electrical basics, as well as community colleges, but Apprenticeships are almost always required to get a license to work in a particular community. Both of the prior answers covered the basics.
However, the military is also an option. I was in the US Navy as an Aircraft Electrician (Generators, power systems, instruments, flight controls), and there are also SeaBees (Construction Battalion) opportunities as well as shipboard electrician ratings that include direct electrician training and some of the best experience you will get as a beginning electrician. The combination of military discipline, solid technical training, and practical experience will go a long way to getting an apprenticeship, especially with a utility or line maintenance company.
Finally, a college education is NOT a bad option, especially if you want to own your own electrical business. Trade schools are out there as well as union shops that can help you in your area if you can get a sponsor(you didn't indicate the area you are from). In New York state, the licensing requirements vary depending on whether you're in a big city (tough regulations) or more rural areas (simple/lax).
As for work:
Most electricians in new construction run basic wiring between de-energized switch/electrical boxes and install circuit breakers and power panels in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. Lineman are just what it says; installation and repair of power lines and substations for power generation and distribution utilities. Electricians also get employed in industrial/manufacturing/computer facilities to wire production machinery and assembly lines.
Gear:
The danger is real; half the training is "safety". However, if it wasn't as safe as it is, there would be a higher demand for new electricians (lol)!
Finally - I can't count the times I have been "shocked" in my electrician career (it only lasted eight years when I got an engineering degree), but I never messed with anything over 220VAC (which will HURT). The big power guys have a much different environment where a shock will at minimum injure you, if not kill outright. Electricity is one of those things that will let you know in no uncertain terms that you violated the rules!
Take care and don't touch the hot wire!
There are lots of great vocational schools to get the electrical basics, as well as community colleges, but Apprenticeships are almost always required to get a license to work in a particular community. Both of the prior answers covered the basics.
However, the military is also an option. I was in the US Navy as an Aircraft Electrician (Generators, power systems, instruments, flight controls), and there are also SeaBees (Construction Battalion) opportunities as well as shipboard electrician ratings that include direct electrician training and some of the best experience you will get as a beginning electrician. The combination of military discipline, solid technical training, and practical experience will go a long way to getting an apprenticeship, especially with a utility or line maintenance company.
Finally, a college education is NOT a bad option, especially if you want to own your own electrical business. Trade schools are out there as well as union shops that can help you in your area if you can get a sponsor(you didn't indicate the area you are from). In New York state, the licensing requirements vary depending on whether you're in a big city (tough regulations) or more rural areas (simple/lax).
As for work:
Most electricians in new construction run basic wiring between de-energized switch/electrical boxes and install circuit breakers and power panels in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. Lineman are just what it says; installation and repair of power lines and substations for power generation and distribution utilities. Electricians also get employed in industrial/manufacturing/computer facilities to wire production machinery and assembly lines.
Gear:
The danger is real; half the training is "safety". However, if it wasn't as safe as it is, there would be a higher demand for new electricians (lol)!
Finally - I can't count the times I have been "shocked" in my electrician career (it only lasted eight years when I got an engineering degree), but I never messed with anything over 220VAC (which will HURT). The big power guys have a much different environment where a shock will at minimum injure you, if not kill outright. Electricity is one of those things that will let you know in no uncertain terms that you violated the rules!
Take care and don't touch the hot wire!
Thanks, this is a lot of information and I will take this to help me know more about electricians thank you for your time.
Santiago
Karin P.
Lecturer, Academic Advisor, Career Coach
1091
Answers
Göttingen, Lower Saxony, Germany
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Hi Santiago,
Electrician is a great job with good job prospects. To qualify as an electrician, you'll need a high-school diploma. There is no college degree required, but you can get an associates degree at many Community Colleges or Technical Schools. For your practical training, you need to do an apprenticeship which can be 3 to 6 years with an experienced electrician. You'll train on the job and get paid for it! How cool is that?
You'll have to check the licensing requirements for different stages of qualification for your state.
Your tag says "engineer", so you may have aspirations to get a college degree later? Becoming an electrician can be a very good start on this path and possibly give you an income while you attend college. And engineers value practical experience.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/what-degree-does-electrician-need
https://www.servicetitan.com/blog/electrician-license-requirements
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/electricians.htm
https://www.esfi.org/how-to-become-an-electrician/
Electrician is a great job with good job prospects. To qualify as an electrician, you'll need a high-school diploma. There is no college degree required, but you can get an associates degree at many Community Colleges or Technical Schools. For your practical training, you need to do an apprenticeship which can be 3 to 6 years with an experienced electrician. You'll train on the job and get paid for it! How cool is that?
You'll have to check the licensing requirements for different stages of qualification for your state.
Your tag says "engineer", so you may have aspirations to get a college degree later? Becoming an electrician can be a very good start on this path and possibly give you an income while you attend college. And engineers value practical experience.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
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