4 answers
Owen
Student
Elyria, Ohio
4
Questions
Asked
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Are there any high school classes that would help in my pursuit to becoming and electrician?
I am a high school student who is looking at becoming an electrician after graduating. I would like to know if there are any classes you would suggest taking to help me better prepare myself for when I go into the industry? #technology #electrician #high-school
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4 answers
Joseph Neilson
Radiation Detection Physicist
193
Answers
England, England
Updated
Joseph’s Answer
Different types of electrician will need slightly different skills, depending whether you're working with domestic wiring, or more industrial and specialised electrical jobs.
All electricians will need a good understanding of the basic electrical concepts. I'm not familiar with the education system in your area, but if your school offers an electronics class (some do, some don't), that's the most obvious starting point. If not, don't worry; the bits you really need will likely also be covered in mathematics and physics classes. You'll need an excellent understanding of potential, current, power, resistance, inductance etc; the differences between them and how they relate to each other. You'll also need the mathematical skill to rearrange and calculate them; take classes to build and practice your algebra skills.
Most electricians, especially for domestic work, are usually pretty practical and hands-on; so you'll want to do as many practical classes as you can. Don't worry if the options you have don't seem immediately relevant, it's just about gaining practical problem-solving, spatial awareness, and precision work kinds of skills. Woodwork and metalwork classes are great, but anything practical will help; whether it's product design, robotics, or anything like that.
As you get into more industrial kinds of electricians, other concepts become important too. Electromagnetism, frequency, etc. In a lot of Alternating Current work, being able to think in terms of frequency instead of time is key, and some advanced mathematics is helpful such as complex numbers and control theory, so if that's a direction you might be interested in, try to take as much advanced mathematics as you can.
All electricians will need a good understanding of the basic electrical concepts. I'm not familiar with the education system in your area, but if your school offers an electronics class (some do, some don't), that's the most obvious starting point. If not, don't worry; the bits you really need will likely also be covered in mathematics and physics classes. You'll need an excellent understanding of potential, current, power, resistance, inductance etc; the differences between them and how they relate to each other. You'll also need the mathematical skill to rearrange and calculate them; take classes to build and practice your algebra skills.
Most electricians, especially for domestic work, are usually pretty practical and hands-on; so you'll want to do as many practical classes as you can. Don't worry if the options you have don't seem immediately relevant, it's just about gaining practical problem-solving, spatial awareness, and precision work kinds of skills. Woodwork and metalwork classes are great, but anything practical will help; whether it's product design, robotics, or anything like that.
As you get into more industrial kinds of electricians, other concepts become important too. Electromagnetism, frequency, etc. In a lot of Alternating Current work, being able to think in terms of frequency instead of time is key, and some advanced mathematics is helpful such as complex numbers and control theory, so if that's a direction you might be interested in, try to take as much advanced mathematics as you can.
Douglas Lemmo, P.E.
Consultant, Owner at Power Generation Consulting Services
132
Answers
Bridgewater, Massachusetts
Updated
Douglas’s Answer
Hi,
You did not say what type of electrician you want to be, but in general being an electrician is a great career choice. My advice would be to go to a vocational school if that is at all possible. If that isn't possible, I would suggest math classes, physics classes, and if your school offers them, CAD or design classes.
Good Luck,
Doug
You did not say what type of electrician you want to be, but in general being an electrician is a great career choice. My advice would be to go to a vocational school if that is at all possible. If that isn't possible, I would suggest math classes, physics classes, and if your school offers them, CAD or design classes.
Good Luck,
Doug
Allison Stilley (she / her)
Senior Solutions Engineer
4
Answers
Durham, North Carolina
Updated
Allison’s Answer
Physics and mathematics will be the most typically offered classes you should have access too. Additionally, anything in electronics, digital logic, or something similar would be fantastic. Some high schools have programs that partner with local trade schools and community colleges. I’d investigate those to see if you can access education, especially as a junior and senior, that is more specialized.
I also agree that contacting local businesses about apprenticeship, internships, or part time jobs is a great idea. If you can find a couple of local electricians, you may be able to build a relationship that leads to “on the job” training and education. Additionally, volunteering in your community can also connect you to a network of local folks who can expose you to professional opportunities. Personally, I found interning to be substantially more applicable than the academic education I received when honing my career. High school provides incredibly important fundamentals, and you need it. Ultimately your goal is to get to more specialized education, some of which you’ll want in a professional setting in addition to the academic.
Contact local businesses about apprenticeship
Investigate co-operative education programs with local trade schools / community colleges
Volunteer in your community to help build your network
Aim for as much physics and math in high school as you can
I also agree that contacting local businesses about apprenticeship, internships, or part time jobs is a great idea. If you can find a couple of local electricians, you may be able to build a relationship that leads to “on the job” training and education. Additionally, volunteering in your community can also connect you to a network of local folks who can expose you to professional opportunities. Personally, I found interning to be substantially more applicable than the academic education I received when honing my career. High school provides incredibly important fundamentals, and you need it. Ultimately your goal is to get to more specialized education, some of which you’ll want in a professional setting in addition to the academic.
Allison recommends the following next steps:
Malissa Kagarice
Sales Executive
3
Answers
Kansas City, Missouri
Updated
Malissa’s Answer
Honestly, I would proactively reach out to electrical shops or companies where you live. I would ask for an apprenticeship or something similar. That would be your best option for hands on experience.
I've worked with several electric companies and they're always looking to support people right out of highschool or sooner if possible.
Find contacts via google or linkedin
Call then followup with an email
Just go for it
I've worked with several electric companies and they're always looking to support people right out of highschool or sooner if possible.
Malissa recommends the following next steps: