2 answers
ABRAHAM
Student
Naples, Florida
1
Question
Updated
657 views
What steps should I take in high school if I want to become an electrician?
I’m interested in becoming an electrician in the future. What classes, training programs, or apprenticeships should I look into now to prepare for this career?
Login to comment
2 answers
Folayemi Adebayo
Software Engineer
15
Answers
Grambling, Louisiana
Updated
Folayemi’s Answer
Hi Abraham!
On the academic side, focus on math especially algebra and geometry since electricians use these constantly, and take physics if your school offers it as it builds a strong foundation for understanding how electricity works. If your school has a vocational or career and technical education program, that is where you want to be — many offer electrical or trade related courses that give you hands on experience early.
Outside of school, look into pre-apprenticeship programs in your area as some are available to high school students. Organizations like the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers also offer apprenticeship programs after high school that combine paid on the job training with classroom instruction, which is the most common pathway into becoming a licensed electrician. Getting a part time job or shadowing a local electrician is also a great way to build real world exposure and industry connections early.
The trades are in high demand right now so you are choosing a career with strong job security and solid earning potential — you are on the right track.
On the academic side, focus on math especially algebra and geometry since electricians use these constantly, and take physics if your school offers it as it builds a strong foundation for understanding how electricity works. If your school has a vocational or career and technical education program, that is where you want to be — many offer electrical or trade related courses that give you hands on experience early.
Outside of school, look into pre-apprenticeship programs in your area as some are available to high school students. Organizations like the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers also offer apprenticeship programs after high school that combine paid on the job training with classroom instruction, which is the most common pathway into becoming a licensed electrician. Getting a part time job or shadowing a local electrician is also a great way to build real world exposure and industry connections early.
The trades are in high demand right now so you are choosing a career with strong job security and solid earning potential — you are on the right track.
Roger Chance
Risk management attorney
16
Answers
Orlando, Florida
Updated
Roger’s Answer
If you haven't yet, take an electronics course if your school has one. You'll learn the basics about current flow, grounding, components, etc. If your school or school system has vocational training, see about electrician training. You'll need to learn the National Electric Code NEC, and safety rules and practices - VERY IMPORTANT; this can be dangerous work. Youtube is a great resource for all of that. I'd check the IBEW - International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers - website, too. That's the electricians' union, which depending where you live, you may have to join or you may choose to join it. I'm sure that website will be able to guide you how to prepare for a career as an electrician.
It's not my job anymore, but I have been both an electronics technician and an electrician many, many years ago, and as you may know a journeyman electrician typically works with "big stuff" - structure wiring, conduits (pipes - which you'll learn how to shape and bend), breaker panels, transformers, etc. There's also work done in the ground, too. But it's important to understand electronic devices that you may have to install or change out - typically referred to as low voltage.
It's interesting work, can be fun and rewarding, but a lot of it is WORK, but enjoyable. The world needs tradesmen and you'll be earning a good living while a lot of your buddies are paying huge student loans (not knocking college, lol. I have multiple degrees, myself.)
Good luck!
Find the IBEW website (probably ibew.org)
Search youtube or tiktok for videos
It's not my job anymore, but I have been both an electronics technician and an electrician many, many years ago, and as you may know a journeyman electrician typically works with "big stuff" - structure wiring, conduits (pipes - which you'll learn how to shape and bend), breaker panels, transformers, etc. There's also work done in the ground, too. But it's important to understand electronic devices that you may have to install or change out - typically referred to as low voltage.
It's interesting work, can be fun and rewarding, but a lot of it is WORK, but enjoyable. The world needs tradesmen and you'll be earning a good living while a lot of your buddies are paying huge student loans (not knocking college, lol. I have multiple degrees, myself.)
Good luck!
Roger recommends the following next steps: