Becoming an electrician is a rewarding, and a secure job along with having a decent pay scale. One may wonder what the best way to become an electrician is. There are many ways to become an electrician if you have the desire, and the drive. Some of the programs are funded; some you get paid while you learn, and others you enter the classroom format.
You will want to make sure that the way you choose will let you get the required training, and class room instruction, to meet the requirements of the area or state you live in so you are prepared to take the examination to get your license. Not all courses get you prepared to go to the next level, so you have to do your investigation.
Here are the ways that you can start a great career being an electrician:
The Best Ways to Become an Electrician
Apprenticeship
When you decide to go this route, you will work under a licensed electrician for the required time in the area you will be licensed. You will learn everything you need to know for the state examination. This is usually a paid position. There is Union sponsored apprenticeships and State sponsored apprenticeships; which are hard to get into. Some of the areas of expertise are learning outside lineman, inside wireman, VDV installer; low voltage and data lines and residential wireman.
Military
There are programs in the military that will give you the training you need to come out and have a career being an electrician. There are different aspects that you are trained in depending on which branch of the military you are in. In the Army you will get instruction in electrical boxes and switches, and you will learn the electrical codes. In the Navy you learn about high voltage above, and underground. The Marines help you learn about electrical generation equipment and maintenance and flood light set maintenance. The Air Force has a training program as well.
Job Corps
This is a program for young adults from 16 to 24 years of age. This program is free for low income people, and there are even housing and insurance coverages while they are training.
Online Electrician Program
This program type will give you all of the classroom experience that you will need. You will have to seek some hands on training with an experienced and licensed electrician to finish you training. This is a good way for busy people to learn the skills needed at home.
College Courses
This is by far the best way to become an electrician. You will get professional class room instruction that will get you more than prepared for the state exam. You will need to add your hands on experience, but the courses at a college or trade school will get you prepared for the unique challenges that electricians face.
Being an electrician is a career that will continue to be in high demand in the future. With the housing industry slowing down, there will still be plenty of work. There is always updates, improvements and replacements to be done with older homes and businesses. This will be a solid investment with a great return.