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How To Get Started In The Electrical Trade.

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How To Get Started In The Electrical Trade.

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Publisher. (2021, September 10). How to get started in the Awesome Electrical Trade. trade. Retrieved January 31, 2022, from https://www.trade-schools.net/trades/how-to-become-an-electrician

SUMMARY OF ARTICLE: This article provides a general overview of the path that people must take when entering into the electrical trade. It proposes the six basic steps to get started and explains each in detail.

MATTHEW'S REFLECTION: This article was chosen because it may be helpful for those considering going into the electrical trade. It describes step by step how to get started in the electrical field straight out of high school. It also lists the types of requirements, what you would learn in technical school, and has links that answer a lot of questions so it can help you determine if this field is right for you. It explains how to apply for an electrical apprenticeship under a company and how some companies will even pay for your schooling. If this is something that interests you, there is even a link at the bottom of the article to find a school near you.

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Trade Schools Home > Trades > Electrician > How to Become an Electrician

Here's a general overview of how to become an electrician when you're starting from scratch: First, make sure that you've earned a high school diploma (or the equivalent such as a GED). Next, take the optional (but recommended) step of completing a pre-apprenticeship electrician-training program at a local trade, technical, or vocational school. After that, apply for an electrician apprenticeship and, if required, register as an electrician apprentice or trainee in your state. Complete your four- or five-year apprenticeship under the guidance of a master or journeyperson* electrician. Finally, if required, get your electrician license or become certified in your state and/or municipality, which may involve passing an exam.

Those are the basic steps to becoming an electrician. Of course, it's wise to look into each of those steps in more detail so that you know exactly what to expect. After all, confidence is an important trait to develop, especially while learning to be an electrician. The more you know, the greater your confidence will be as you move forward. And electrician careers are worth the attention. They often provide reliable and meaningful ways to earn good wages and benefits.

How To Become An Electrician In 6 Steps

1. Earn a high school diploma or equivalent

This step is essential. You may not be able to progress any further until you can show that you've successfully completed high school or earned a GED or other type of equivalency certification. It's one of the most basic educational requirements that you'll need to meet before you can become an electrician.

If you're still in high school, choose your courses carefully. Algebra and trigonometry are important, since such math is used by electricians to measure wiring lengths, determine the angle of a circuit, and calculate the force of an electrical current. In addition, you may want to pay special attention to subjects like physics and English. Shop and mechanical drawing classes are also helpful. After all, being an electrician requires knowing how to read technical documents and understand basic scientific concepts.

If you are an adult who didn't complete high school, it's possible to earn your high school diploma online. This is a convenient way to take care of this crucial first step.

2. Consider getting pre-apprenticeship training at a trade school or vocational college

Electrician programs at trade schools, technical institutes, and career colleges provide a more comfortable introduction to this trade. They can help you gain the foundational expertise you'll need.

You'll be able to learn about the National Electric Code, workplace safety, electrical theory, and many other things that can give you a head start on other people who may apply for the same apprenticeships. Most trade school programs even include hands-on training and regular classroom instruction. That way, you'll have a solid footing when you pursue the next step of the process.

3. Apply for an apprenticeship

You can get an apprenticeship as an electrician by researching opportunities and applying as soon as you're ready. After all, you never know how many other people might be applying for the same apprentice jobs, so it's good to get a jump on them if you can. In fact, having a sense of urgency may be one of the most essential aspects of knowing how to become an electrician apprentice.

You may be able to find a local apprenticeship through the United States Department of Labor or by exploring newspaper classifieds and online job boards. In addition, electrical apprenticeship openings periodically become available through organizations such as:

You may need to pass a basic aptitude exam as part of the application process. The exam will most likely test your reading comprehension and ability to perform simple arithmetic and first-year algebra. In addition, you will need to pass a job interview. And you may need to meet specific physical requirements, pass a drug test, and demonstrate a certain level of mechanical aptitude.

That's why many employers recommend getting some basic electrical training before applying for the apprenticeships they sponsor. Trade and vocational schools specialize in helping students get up to speed on what they'll need to know to succeed during the application process.

4. Register as an electrician trainee or apprentice in your state (if required)

Some states, such as California and Texas, require electrical apprentices to register before being allowed to work on actual job sites. It's generally a straightforward step since it only involves filling out a form and potentially paying a small fee. But every state has its requirements, so be sure to check with your state's licensing, labor, or consumer affairs department.

5. Complete your apprenticeship

This step is the heart of the whole process. Your apprenticeship will combine on-the-job training with online and classroom courses. You'll be mentored and supervised by a master or journeyperson electrician throughout four to five years of training. And you'll get paid an hourly wage.

Along the way, you'll study essential concepts and receive practical job-site experiences related to a typical electrician job description. For example, you'll get the opportunity to practice and learn about aspects of the trade such as:

Reading construction blueprints and technical diagrams for electrical plans

Installing, repairing, and maintaining electrical wiring, lighting fixtures, electricity distribution equipment, and various control systems

Making sure that all work complies with the National Electric Code as well as state and local regulations

Testing and inspecting electrical systems and components for problems by using special devices

You'll perform very basic tasks at the beginning of your apprenticeship. But you will gradually get to carry out more and more complex tasks as you refine your skills and practical understanding of relevant concepts. By the end of your apprenticeship, you will likely be capable of performing a full range of construction- and maintenance-related electrical work at the journeyperson level.

6. Get licensed or certified in your state and/or municipality (if required)

One of the most important things to understand when exploring how to become a licensed electrician is that every state sets its own standards. In most states, you need a license to be a qualified electrician. Some states (such as Illinois and Pennsylvania) don't license electricians at the state level; however, some towns and cities within those states do have licensing requirements.

So it's essential to contact your state and the municipalities you plan to work in. Ask them if you need a license to perform electrical work. In some cases, you may need a license to work as an employee of an electrical contractor. In other cases, you may not need a license unless you plan on starting your own electrical business.

In locations that do require a license, you may have to pass an exam that tests your understanding of the National Electric Code, various electrical concepts, safety practices, and local laws and building codes. You will probably also have to prove that you have completed a certain amount of relevant classroom instruction and practical training under the supervision of a licensed journeyperson or master electrician.

Learn more about how to get an electrician's license in your region below.

Abundant Opportunities for Electricians in Clean Energy

The clean energy sector offers some of the best job prospects for electricians in the coming years. A 2021 report from the American Clean Power Association projects that by 2030, the 40,000-plus job openings for electricians will outnumber the qualified professionals available to fill them.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' job outlook data reveals that wind and solar energy jobs are among the country's top 20 fastest-growing career areas. For the period between 2022 and 2032, employment of solar photovoltaic installers is projected to increase by 22%, and the number of wind turbine technician jobs is expected to increase by a whopping 45%.** Both roles involve specialized electrical work, plus other duties depending on the position.

To put these numbers in perspective, the projected employment change for all occupations is 3%, and 6% for electricians for the same period. America, along with much of the rest of the world, is working toward transitioning more and more energy production to renewable sources. This push has created and will continue to generate huge demand for both solar and wind energy careers. If you're interested in joining the field of environmental technology, starting your training as soon as possible can help you capitalize on the demand sooner.

Many electricians will work on solar and wind power equipment, along with other types of electrical work in various settings. This is generally the best option for those who prefer to keep the focus on the electrical work itself. For those who want to do electrical work specific to solar panels, plus other duties related to this form of energy production, training at a solar energy school is worth looking into. Similarly, suppose your interest in wind energy technology goes beyond the related electrical work. In that case, a wind turbine technician training program at a trade school could offer the most direct path to the right career fit for you.

FAQs on Electrician Training and Careers

How Long Does It Take to Become an Electrician?

You can train as an electrician in as little as seven months through a trade school program. However, it usually takes between five and six years to become a journeyman electrician. That's because after completing a vocational program, your actual apprenticeship may last about four or five years. You may sometimes have to wait a few weeks or months for an apprenticeship opportunity to become available since spots are sometimes limited in some regions. However, you may be able to shorten your apprenticeship by getting credit for some of the classroom hours from your pre-apprenticeship program.

What Education Do You Need to Become an Electrician?

At a very minimum, you need a high school (or equivalent) education. But if you genuinely want to succeed, you'll benefit from focusing extra on specific subjects such as math and science during your high school studies. And you may want to pursue at least a small amount of post-secondary education to give yourself the sturdiest foundation you can.

That's because, when it comes to becoming an electrician, education requirements don't vary that much. Regardless of your particular path, you'll need to study and understand subjects such as:

Reading

Simple mathematical arithmetic using fractions, whole numbers, decimals, and integers

Basic algebra

Geometry, including ratios and proportions

Units and measurements

Basic trigonometry

The physics of electricity

Electrical power distribution

Blueprint reading

Electrical safety

The National Electric Code

Electrical components like conduit, panels, switchboards, motors, controllers, generators, and transformers

Grounding systems and overcurrent devices

Tools, materials, and job site management

Testing and problem solving

During your vocational training and apprenticeship, the classroom curriculum at your trade school for electrician training may vary slightly from what you would study at a different school. However, most schools will emphasize some combination of the subjects above.

How Do You Get an Electrician's License?

It depends on your location and where you plan to work. Licensing requirements vary from state to state and from municipality to municipality. Some states have multiple levels of electrician licensing, whereas others have no licensure requirements. In addition, those states that do require licensure tend to have multiple pathways for attaining it.

That said, the most common way to get electrician licensure is to complete a specified number of hours of classroom instruction and supervised real-world training and then pass an exam. For example, according to California's Department of Industrial Relations, this is how to become an electrician in California if you don't have any prior experience:

Register as an electrician apprentice or trainee

Complete at least 720 hours of relevant classroom instruction through a state-approved school (can be part of an apprenticeship)

Acquire at least 8,000 hours of supervised on-the-job experience from a certified electrician (can be part of an apprenticeship)

Pass the state certification exam

In New Jersey, the process is similar. However, you do not need to pass an exam to earn certification to practice as a journeyperson electrician. A licensing exam is only required if you want to own an electrical contracting business. So here's what the state's Division of Consumer Affairs says you need to become an electrician in NJ:

Complete at least 576 hours of classroom instruction

Accumulate at least 8,000 hours of practical on-the-job experience that involves installing, repairing, or altering electrical wiring

Texas provides another example of how the licensing requirements differ from state to state. There, a license is required for anybody who carries out electrical work. You must also register as an apprentice before training on an actual job site. But the state breaks the trade into multiple levels, each with different requirements. For instance, the state's Department of Licensing and Regulation says that this is how to become an electrician in Texas (at some of the most common levels):

Residential wireman: Complete 4,000 hours of supervised on-the-job training under the guidance of a licensed residential wireman or master electrician and pass an exam

Journeyman electrician: Acquire 8,000 hours of supervised on-the-job experience under the direction of a master electrician and pass the required exam

Master electrician: Accumulate 12,000 hours of supervised on-the-job training as directed by an already-licensed master electrician, maintain a journeyman license for a minimum of two years, and pass the appropriate exam

Again, not all states require licensure. But it is essential to contact your state and the towns and cities you want to work in to determine your requirements. Discover how to become a certified electrician in your region by accessing the tool on The National Occupational Licensing Database website.

How Hard Is It to Become an Electrician?

Plus, you'll probably have a lot of support throughout your training. And you'll begin slowly developing your skills and understanding of the trade over time. So, becoming an electrician may not be nearly as challenging as you may think.

However, not everyone puts in the necessary work or stays consistently committed. As a result, they may not be able to earn their license on the first try. So you'll need to study and practice regularly to move ahead and attain your goal of becoming a licensed journeyperson electrician. But if you commit to the journey and stay focused, then you may just exceed your own expectations.

How Much Does It Cost to Become an Electrician?

The cost of becoming an electrician varies enormously. According to the U.S. Department of Education, in the 2021-22 school year, the cost of pre-apprenticeship training at a trade school ranged from $1,246 to $44,820 or more. There are many ways to bring those costs down with scholarships, grants, and other types of financial aid.

Apprenticeship fees can be charged per year. However, many apprentices have their tuition paid by their employer, so you may not be out of pocket for these expenses. Plus, you earn a wage while you complete your training.

What Is a Typical Electrician Salary?

People in the electrical trade often earn good incomes to ensure that our homes, schools, businesses, and industrial buildings stay safely powered. Electrician earnings, however, usually come in the form of hourly wages as opposed to yearly salaries. In 2022, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median hourly wage of electricians in the U.S. was $28.96, which means electricians make about $60,240 a year for full-time work.** Some electricians eventually earn pay as high as $49.18 or more per hour. Of course, pay often varies significantly from region to region.

Also, keep in mind that as an electrician apprentice, you make about half of a fully qualified electrician's wage to start. As you acquire more skills and expertise, you gradually earn pay raises.

Become an Electrician

Many trade schools and technical colleges offer convenient programs that make it easy to learn how to become an electrician and get the skills you need to work in this worthwhile trade.

* While we acknowledge that the term "journeyperson" correctly refers to any gender of tradesperson, we have chosen to also include the more commonly used term "journeyman" and use the terms interchangeably.

** Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/. Some careers listed may be part of a combined occupation profile (visited September 6, 2023).

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How to Get Started in the Awesome Electrical Trade

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Becoming fully qualified in this dependable trade involves six key steps. Get the details on how to become an electrician and achieve your goal.

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The Different Types of Electricians and What You Should Know. (n.d.). Retrieved January 31, 2022, from https://eliteforcestaffing.com/types-of-electricians/.

SUMMARY OF ARTICLE: This article describes the different types of electricians. It then goes on to explain the different certification levels and specializations that exist.

MATTHEW'S REFLECTION: This article does a great job at describing all of the different types of electricians and the specific jobs that each type would be working on. Some of the types include industrial, commercial, and residential electricians. It also gives helpful information on how much one would be making on average working as an electrician. Each of the jobs listed is covered in-depth and gives a lot of information so that it would be helpful to someone interested in becoming an electrician.

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What Different Types of Electricians Are There Based on Specialization?

Within the two primary categories of electrician hierarchy, there are many different electrician fields. Different types of electrician jobs will also require unique skills and certifications. These fields include:

These types of electricians work with manufacturing systems and large, complex machinery - with some technicians focusing on security and lighting systems.

As a commercial electrician, you might also be called upon to assist in designing and planning electrical systems during the construction of new buildings. If you're the type of person to take on additional challenges, this would be ideal for you - the job frequently includes having to navigate public safety concerns and local electrical codes.

Other maintenance responsibilities include testing, troubleshooting, and diagnosing problems with equipment.

An auto electrician specializes in cars and other automotive vehicles, and are responsible for the electrical systems within these vehicles that are vital for their safe operation.

To be an auto electrician, you would need an in-depth understanding of vehicle diagnostics, allowing the proper inspection of drivetrain systems using performance electronics. Technicians also use these devices for official motor vehicle certification.

Job Training , Licensing, Safety and Pay

In the United States electrician licenses are issued at the state level , with all states recognizing the three types of certifications. It's important to know that licensing requirements may vary state-by-state. You can check out the requirements for your state .

Electricians can be exposed to injury and must take precautions through safety training like . Electricians are also required to receive on-the-job training on work safety, with employers taking the necessary precautions to minimize the risk of injury. These can include:

Electric work conditions will vary depending on the specialization and can be physically demanding, often involving lifting supplies and tools while climbing ladders.

Some electricians must climb scaffolding, as well as bend and kneel frequently to make connections in cramped locations. Depending on your specialty, prepare to spend most of your days in dirty and loud work sites.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics , electricians had a median annual salary of $55,190 in 2018. This included a mean hourly wage of $28.50. The best-paid 25% made $472,780 while the lowest-paid 255 made $41,260. The best states based on types of electricians and their salaries are New York, Alaska, Illinois, and Hawaii.

The best-paying metropolitan areas in the US are San Francisco, New York, Chicago, and San Jose. Industries with the highest wages for electricians are natural gas and real estate.

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The Different Types of Electricians and What You Should Know

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Electricians work in a wide range of professional sectors that specialize in design, maintenance & repair. Read about the different types of electricians today.

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What Is a Journeyman Electrician And What Do They Do?

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What Is a Journeyman Electrician And What Do They Do?

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How to become a journeyman electrician: Step by step guide ... (n.d.). Retrieved January 31, 2022, from https://www.zippia.com/journeyman-electrician-jobs/

SUMMARY OF ARTICLE: This article explains what a journeyman electrician is and what they do. It also describes how to become a journeyman electrician and provides a link to search for job openings.

MATTHEW'S REFLECTION: This article was chosen because it contains specific information about what a journeyman electrician does and provides a link if the reader wishes to learn more. It contains valuable statistics about the salaries available and about the growth of job opportunities in this field. The article then describes the type and how much education one needs to become an electrician and how it varies between the individual. The article concludes with a list of the top five employers that are hiring and a link to their job listings.

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What is a Journeyman Electrician

If you are familiar with Pokemon game, you can think of a journeyman electrician as a second stage equivalent in the three stages of growth evolution. Akin to Charmeleon before Charizard. Journeyman electricians have undertaken thousands of hours in hands-on training and obtained formal apprenticeship certification.

Their primary role revolves around the maintenance and installation of electrical systems, both in residential and commercial areas. Day-to-day duties include assessing electrical blueprints, repairing electrical equipment, performing maintenance tasks on power distribution lines, and conducting electrical wiring installations. They also train apprentices and compile work performance logs.

Employers require a minimum high school diploma for this role, with the remaining training happening on the job itself. The salary of a journeyman electrician is on average $26 per hour and fits individuals who are technical oriented, enjoy doing hands-on work, and have a high competency in performing systems diagnosis.

There is more than meets the eye when it comes to being a Journeyman Electrician. For example, did you know that they make an average of $26.32 an hour? That's $54,742 a year!

Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow 10% and produce 74,100 job opportunities across the U.S.

What Does a Journeyman Electrician Do

When it comes to the most important skills required to be a Journeyman Electrician, we found that a lot of resumes listed 26.4% of Journeyman Electricians included Electrical Systems, while 11.6% of resumes included Hand Tools, and 7.0% of resumes included EMT. Hard skills like these are helpful to have when it comes to performing essential job responsibilities.

Learn more about what a Journeyman Electrician does
How To Become a Journeyman Electrician

If you're interested in becoming a Journeyman Electrician, one of the first things to consider is how much education you need. We've determined that 14.6% of Journeyman Electricians have a bachelor's degree. In terms of higher education levels, we found that 2.7% of Journeyman Electricians have master's degrees. Even though some Journeyman Electricians have a college degree, it's possible to become one with only a high school degree or GED.

Choosing the right major is always an important step when researching how to become a Journeyman Electrician. When we researched the most common majors for a Journeyman Electrician, we found that they most commonly earn High School Diploma degrees or Associate Degree degrees. Other degrees that we often see on Journeyman Electrician resumes include Bachelor's Degree degrees or Diploma degrees.

You may find that experience in other jobs will help you become a Journeyman Electrician. In fact, many Journeyman Electrician jobs require experience in a role such as Electrician. Meanwhile, many Journeyman Electricians also have previous career experience in roles such as Apprentice Electrician or Electrical Foreman.

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Journeyman Electrician Career Paths

As you move along in your career, you may start taking on more responsibilities or notice that you've taken on a leadership role. Using our career map, a Journeyman Electrician can determine their career goals through the career progression. For example, they could start out with a role such as Foreman, progress to a title such as Superintendent and then eventually end up with the title Project Superintendent.

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Journeyman Electricians in America make an average salary of $54,742 per year or $26 per hour. The top 10 percent makes over $71,000 per year, while the bottom 10 percent under $42,000 per year.

Find Your Salary Estimate

How much should you be earning as an Journeyman Electrician? Use Zippia's Salary Calculator to get an estimation of how much you should be earning.

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Journeyman Electrician Demographics

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12 Journeyman Electrician RESUME EXAMPLES

Some places are better than others when it comes to starting a career as a Journeyman Electrician. The best states for people in this position are Alaska, Washington, California, and Minnesota. Journeyman Electricians make the most in Alaska with an average salary of $82,239. Whereas in Washington and California, they would average $74,748 and $71,977, respectively. While Journeyman Electricians would only make an average of $71,118 in Minnesota, you would still make more there than in the rest of the country. We determined these as the best states based on job availability and pay. By finding the median salary, cost of living, and using the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Location Quotient, we narrowed down our list of states to these four.

Total Journeyman Electrician Jobs:

2.15

Location Quotient is a measure used by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) to determine how concentrated a certain industry is in a single state compared to the nation as a whole. You can read more about how BLS calculates location quotients here

Total Journeyman Electrician Jobs:

2.37

Location Quotient is a measure used by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) to determine how concentrated a certain industry is in a single state compared to the nation as a whole. You can read more about how BLS calculates location quotients here

Total Journeyman Electrician Jobs:

1.64

Location Quotient is a measure used by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) to determine how concentrated a certain industry is in a single state compared to the nation as a whole. You can read more about how BLS calculates location quotients here

Full List Of Best States For Journeyman Electricians

How Do Journeyman Electrician Rate Their Jobs?

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Journeyman Electrician Videos

A Day in the Life of Jordan, Apprentice Electrician at Suncor Energy

A Day in the Life of an Apprentice Electrician - Full Version (Two Thirty Volts)

Becoming a Journeyman Electrician FAQs

Yes, electricians get paid well, with a median salary of $56,900 per year, or $27.36 per hour. Electricians are paid the highest out of all the trades. The pay structure for electricians varies greatly based on where you are in your program.

The job starts at the apprentice electrician level, where you are paid as you learn. Starting, you can expect to earn between $10-$20 hourly. The journeyman level pays $20-30 hourly, and the master electrician can earn upwards of $30 an hour, leading to an annual income between $55,000 to $90,000.

Electricians are paid differently based on the field they are working in. There are residential, commercial, and industrial electricians. Here are some examples of specialties and differences in pay:

A lineman earns $55,000 working in the outdoors on powerlines

Solar installers earn $65,000 installing photovoltaics (PV)

Automation technicians earn $78,000 programming and repairing electrical systems for industrial processing or manufacturing

Harsh environments correlate with some of the highest national average salaries. Alaska's average is $91,000 for electricians, with Wyoming and Montana also showing high averages at $69,000. New York and Illinois are at $56,000.

Most electricians belong to a union. The Brotherhood of Electrical is a union that represents 775,000 workers and retirees in the electrical industry and is dedicated to fair wages and helping to bring in two to three times over what electricians can make on their own.

Considering the work's expertise, training, and risk, the union ensures electricians are compensated correctly.

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Journeyman Electrician Resumes

Designing and figuring out what to include on your resume can be tough, not to mention time-consuming. That's why we put together a guide that is designed to help you craft the perfect resume for becoming a Journeyman Electrician. If you're needing extra inspiration, take a look through our selection of templates that are specific to your job.

Job Sites

Electrical Construction

Schematic Diagrams

Control Panels

Job Specifications

Control Systems

Local Codes

Identification Card

Electrical License

VFD

Journeyman Electrician 2019 - Present

Installed Electrical wiring, conduits, panels and switch gears Assisted Journeyman Electrician.

Maintain 85% plus readiness rate on HVAC equipment.

Install conduit, mc, wiring, lighting control panels, boxes, and doing tasks as needed.

Helix Electric

Las Vegas, NV

Install conduit, disconnect, panels, transformers, fixtures.

Assembled outdoor electrical panels according to blueprints instructions with the use of power hand tools and shop machinery.

Trouble shooting through print reading PLC Logic and control wireing.

Journeyman Electrician 2014 - 2017

Follow all OSHA regulated Safety Protocols.

Readied and assembled electrical wiring, equipment and fixtures, using specifications and hand tools.

Read blueprints and schematic diagrams.

Read blue prints, used a variety of hand tools, worked safely by OSHA standards.

Executed conversion of main breaker panels to sub panels and wired HVAC equipment.

Install electrical conduit * Install new electrical services * Install wires for electrical components * Electrical installations made per NEC

Some College Courses Electrical Engineering Technology 2008 - 2008

San Francisco State University

San Francisco, CA

Journeyman Electrician 2017 - Present

Trouble shoot equipment using laptop, plc's, hand tools and prints.

Design and building of electrical systems in commercial lease spaces per city ordinances and codes.

Associate's Degree Electrical Engineering Technology 2008 - 2010

Southern Illinois University Carbondale Carbondale, IL

Journeyman Electrician 2012 - Present

Hooked up Main Switch (25000 amp)Built meter loops and electrical servicesReplaced and hooked up all kinds of ballast1.

Lead journeyman: read, understand blue prints, teach apprentices proper practices and NEC rules, coordinate with other trades.

Install, repair, maintain and upgrade electrical systems and equipment.

Installed electrical systems into new construction projects Installation of communication systems Modification and repair of systems

Electrician/Mechanic 2010 - 2012

Performed electrical installations and repairs in residential, commercial and industrial applications.

Installed electrical systems into new construction projects Installation of communication systems Modification and repair of systems

Installed and built electrical panels, computer hubs, electrical circuits and fire alarm circuits.

Sample of job sites, university of ILL, Chicago campus, Lincoln park pre - school.

Electrical Journeyman 2005 - 2010

Wayne J. Griffin Electric * Boston, MA

Install electrical equipment, fabricate conduits, terminate electrical panels.

Installed and repaired electrical systems, apparatus and electronic components of industrial machinery and equipment

Assist with the installation of electrical systems and assist in maintaining Electrical systems, and Operation of extendable boom 10,000 lb.

Repair Install VFD power supplies.

Transformers Gear Boxes Safety Meetings General Contractors MC Control Systems PLC Panel Boards Job Orders Control Panels

Some College Courses Electrical Engineering Technology 2005 - 2005

Northeastern University * Boston, MA

Employment History

Journeyman Electrician 2019 - Present

Specialized in residential, commercial, and industrial electrical service work.

Wired panel boxes, made connections for lights and installed covers.

Assist in the day-to-day functions of laying out PVC and rigid pipes for Underground electrical work.

Education

Some College Courses Electrical Engineering Technology 2015 - 2015

University of North Carolina at Greensboro Greensboro, NC

General Construction Construction Sites Hand Tools Electrical Construction Proper USE Identification Card Electrical Systems Control Panels Basic Knowledge Appropriate Locations

Journeyman Electrician 2020 - Present

Trace and diagnose malfunctions with hand tools and test equipment such as multi-meters.

Involved in the wiring and repairs at a nuclear facility.

Connected wires to circuit breakers, transformers, or other components Reason for Leaving: began attending seminary.

Residential Electrician 2018 - 2020

Reviewed architectural plans with contractors to facilitate project understanding in performance of electrical connections for pool equipment, and wind turbines.

Read and interpret blueprints and coordinate electrical construction work.

Saved employer $250,000 by rebuilding several gas burner systems, instead of purchasing new equipment.

Terminated variety of wire in: DCS cabinet, breaker panels, control devices, instruments, transformers and switchgear.

Place conduit inside designated partitions walls and other canceled areas, following blue prints, specifications and local codes.

Helper/Apprentice (Part-Time) 2018 - 2018

Use hand tools to install receptacles, switches, lighting fixtures, etc.

Utilized variety of power and hand tools.

Some College Courses Electrical Engineering Technology 2018 - 2018

Phone (400) 555-2536 Address Huntsville, AL

E-mail hpierce@example.com

Northrop Grumman · Huntsville, AL

Install equipment and cabling on new construction nuclear powered aircraft carriers.

Install new systems and repair old systems in overhaul nuclear powered aircraft carriers.

Installed and energized breakers, transformers, switchgear, disconnects and automatic transfer switches.

Ford Motor Company · Dearborn, MI

Installed transformers, piped and wired in home runs for machinery.

Install electrical circuits according to provided blueprints in compliance with the 2011 NEC.

KUKA Systems Corporation North America · Dearborn, MI

Assemble lighting fixtures using hand tools and power tools.

Trouble shooting Plc programs(Allen Bradley)

present] I assist journeymen run wire, install conduit and prep commercial buildings with electrical boxes.

Perform maintenance and replacement of electrical installations, motors, transformers and other electrical equipment.

MC

Engineering Drawings

Transformers

Electrical Construction

Hand Tools

New Installations

Control Systems

Heavy Equipment

Layout

Assist Electricians

Some College Courses Electrical Engineering Technology

Henry Ford College · Dearborn, MI

Build a professional resume in minutes using this template.

Learn How To Write a Journeyman Electrician Resume

At Zippia, we went through countless Journeyman Electrician resumes and compiled some information about how to optimize them. Here are some suggestions based on what we found, divided by the individual sections of the resume itself.
View Journeyman Electrician Resume Examples And Templates

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How to Become A Journeyman Electrician: Step by Step Guide And Career Paths

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If you are familiar with Pokemon game, you can think of a journeyman electrician as a second stage equivalent in the three stages of growth evolution. Akin to Charmeleon before Charizard. Journeyman electricians have undertaken thousands of hours in hands-on training and obtained formal apprenticeship certification.

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Licensed Electrician Requirements; Journeyman Electrician Specialized Training. Trusted Pros. (n.d.). Retrieved January 26, 2022, from https://trustedpros.com/articles/electrical/licensed-electrician-requirements-journeyman-electrician-specialized-training

SUMMARY OF ARTICLE: This article explains a wide variety of services that licensed electricians offer. It provides details on the steps one must take in order to become a licensed electrician and the tests that candidates must pass in order to become a certified electrician.

MATTHEW'S REFLECTION: This article was very informative and explained the electrical apprenticeship program that one must experience in order to become prepared to take the journeyman electrician's exam. It clarifies the information that will be covered on the exam and why this information is important. This article offered a friendly reminder to remain knowledgeable on individual states' requirements. It also cautioned that if one fails to renew their electrician's license, it will be terminated.

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by James, P. (2017, June 3). How to become a journeyman electrician. ElectricianAuthority.com. Retrieved January 31, 2022, from https://www.electricianauthority.com/how-to-become-a-journeyman-electrician/

SUMMARY OF ARTICLE: This article discusses how to become a journeyman electrician. It also explains what skills one will acquire through the training and the exam that will test their knowledge.

MATTHEW'S REFLECTION: This article went beyond providing information on how to become a journeyman electrician. It contains a link to the average salaries of journeyman electricians. On that page, it contains additional links on how to become journeyman electricians according to each state. At the bottom, it contains further information about advancing your career as a master electrician and average salaries for that position.

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What Is A Journeyman Electrician?

Journeyman electricians are tradespeople who have completed their 2 to 4 year apprenticeship and are able to work as fully qualified licensed electricians.

As experienced contractors they are able to charge full-price for their services and can make up to $30/hour depending on the position. Some of the tasks that a journeyman electrician needs to perform on a regular basis include installing lighting fixtures, running wires through walls, maintaining and repair their electrical equipment.

If you are still interested, let's find out how someone can become a journeyman electrician?

How To Become A Journeyman Electrician

The first step in becoming a journeyman electrician is to begin an apprenticeship program with a local electrician guild, union, or trade/technical school.

During a 2 to 4 year electrician training program trainee electricians will assist more experienced contractors at work sites and learn valuable skills and know how. They will learn how to properly install things like circuit breakers and lighting fixtures as well as learning how to run wire through walls and how to work safely and effectively at a construction site.

Trainees will also be instructed on electrical theory and practices in a classroom setting. Being an electrician sometimes requires a lot of precise calculations so it's important to have a strong grasp of math and algebra if you want to become a journeyman.

Journeyman Electrician Exam

After successfully completing an electrician apprenticeship program you'll be able to take an electricians license exam which will qualify you to become a licensed journeyman electrician. The Journeyman exam is designed to test an applicants' ability to perform tasks that would be required of them as a fully licensed electrician.

The exam also tests the applicants' knowledge of relevant laws and regulations pertaining to electrical work including codes important to their jurisdiction. Each state differs in the exact content of their exam so it's a good idea to talk to your master electrician about what will be expected of you. You can also find out a great deal by visiting your state's government website.

Once a trainee has passed the license exam, and pay the fees, they will be a recognized journeyman electrician able to apply for positions that require a qualified electrician. It's important to know that even once someone has become a journeyman electrician the compliance doesn't end there. You must continue training and educating yourself about building codes and regulations.

This continuing education is mandatory is most US states. Rules for electricians, the changing regulations, and practices are continually evolving so it's a good idea to stay on top of it and attend courses as well as seminars after you've become fully licensed.

After Becoming A Journeyman Electrician

The next step on the electrician career ladder, once you've become a journeyman, is to become a master electrician. To take the master exam you will typically need to have either 7 years of electrician experience or have completed a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering which can take 4 years. These requirements differ in each states.

Alternatively, you could specialize in one of the many niche areas of electrical work including auto, mechanical, marine, etc.
Find out how much Journeymen electricians earn in salary on average.

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How To Become A Journeyman Electrician | ElectricianAuthority.com

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Everything you need to know about how to become a journeyman electrician. Training, education, apprenticing, and more!

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The Differences Between Lineman and Wireman Electricians and The Apprenticeship Programs Available.

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The Differences Between Lineman and Wireman Electricians and The Apprenticeship Programs Available.

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By, byAjah_Excel, & Ajah_Excel. (2021, November 19). How to become a journeyman electrician in 2022: Programs, cost, salary, licenses. World Scholarship Forum. Retrieved January 31, 2022, from https://worldscholarshipforum.com/how-to-become-a-journeyman-electrician/

SUMMARY OF ARTICLE: This article argues that the electrical trade is growing much faster than many other occupations. It discusses the differences between being a journeyman lineman and a journeyman wireman. It also has links to the different journeyman apprenticeship programs available.

MATTHEW'S REFLECTION: I chose to include this article because it described the differences between being a linesman and a wireman. Once someone decides to become a journeyman electrician they are going to have to decide which avenue to take. Based on their choice, their everyday duties will vary greatly and this article does a great job at describing this. This article also described the top three apprenticeship programs available and provided links to start each of those programs.

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Electrical faults occur spontaneously. Most times, fixing them requires an expert with experience. Over time, journeymen electricians have helped solve this problem. And you can learn how to become a journeyman electrician in order to serve your community.

According to Electronics Hub, the most common causes of electrical faults include joint failures of cables and overhead lines, and failure of one or more phases of the circuit breaker, and also the melting of a fuse or conductor in one or more phases.

While we can't stop certain faults from occurring, we can prevent others. A good start will be procuring quality materials that hardly wear out.

This article will basically show you how to become a journeyman electrician. However, it will also highlight key areas of this job description and the demands. The table of content below can give you more insight into what you will learn from this article.

Who Is A Journeyman Electrician?

A journeyman electrician is a professional with quality knowledge of installations and repair of electrical systems whether light bulbs, transformers, etc.

As professionals, their job demands a strong level of attention to detail. You need to be meticulous so you never get two wires entangled and ultimately cause a fire.

Before you can become a journeyman electrician, you must undergo a series of training. On the other hand, if you're considering this job title, you will know why you should start your training immediately.
Read more: What Does a Computer Technician Do? Job Description ...
Why Become A Journeyman Electrician?

A lot of people invest time to make decisions when it comes to choosing a career. Generally, we can agree that no one wants to make a mistake in that area.

As important as data is and can help you, a lot of things change with time. For example, the emergence of drones signaled the end of a cameraman and a helicopter capturing happenings/events.

Truth be told; the growth of technology in the world is tied to electricity. The current range of electric cars in production will need charging at certain points. Hence, a terminal will be installed and this has to be done by a journeyman electrician.

We can go on and on talking about different ways electricity will influence the world but we would only be wasting time. There's a lot of prospects ahead when you choose to become a journeyman electrician.

How Long does it take to become a Journeyman Electrician?

Due to the nature of the job that journeymen electricians do, a lot of questions remain unanswered. Unlike other programs with a stipulated timeline, the pathway to becoming a journeyman electrician is different.

Instead of attending an academic institution, you attend apprenticeship training. In this training, you get practical experience in electrical systems and their processes.
Read more: 13 Best Electrician Trade schools in the World
Generally, it takes about 6-7 years to fully become a journeyman electrician.

What is the Salary and Job Outlook of a Journeyman Electrician?

Journeyman electricians work hard. In fact, their work is so technical that it demands a lot of time and rapid attention. We can call them surgeons of electricity.

Working so hard demands a good paycheck for these professionals. According to Indeed, the average salary for a Journeyman Electrician is $27.69 per hour in the United States. Furthermore, they get compensation of $10,500 per year.

On the other hand, BLS projects employment of electricians is projected to grow 8% from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. Homes and businesses continue to require wiring, and electricians will be needed to install the necessary components.

Are you still wondering how and why you can become a journeyman electrician?

What Are The Career Paths Of A Journeyman Electrician?
Read more: 13 Best Electrical Engineering Schools in the World | 202 1
The work of a journeyman electrician is vast. Hence, there are different branches wherein you can specialize as a journeyman electrician.

The two branches of the journeyman electrician career include:

How To Become A Journeyman Electrician

Becoming a journeyman electrician demands a lot of practical skills. It isn't something you necessarily study as you practice more.

So, now we have established that you can now learn how to become a journeyman electrician. The process includes:

Becoming a journey electrician demands that you start and complete an apprenticeship program.

This apprenticeship course is a pratical and theoretical training with about 700-1,000 hours of classroom work. Generally, you spend about 5-6 years in this supervised on-the-job training.

For a lot of people, they prefer getting an electrician diploma or associate degree which can make up for the classroom work. The only thing they would have to focus on would be the on-the-job training.

A lot of institutions can offer you a journeyman electrician apprenticeship program. However, we will discuss that in the later part of this content.

After you have completed your apprenticeship program, you would have to get your license as well. Without a license, you cannot effectively practice as a journeyman electrician.

The licensing for this career path differs state by state.

For instance, to qualify for the competency examination, Texas demands its candidates for a journeyman lineman license to have up to 7,000 hours of training through an apprenticeship program (approved by the Department of Labor) or close to 4 years of experience working as a journeyman lineman in either an electric utility, electrical cooperative, municipally owned utility, or as an electrical contractor.

In the same vein, applicants for a journeyman electrician license in Coloradohave to possess at least 8,000 hours (earned in no less than four years) of electrical construction wiring experience for lights, heat, and power. Notably over 3,000 of those hours must be in commercial and/or industrial work.

So, you can see that licensing requirements differ but its still vital for effective practice.

After you have gotten your license, how far you go is wholly your choice.

You have to consistently seek to be better in your profession by learning from your senior colleagues, researching and attending trainings/workshops.

The more you practice, the more you learn and grow.

What Are The Journeyman Electrician Apprenticeship Programs?

A good number of institutions offer apprenticehip programs for individuals who want to learn how to become journeymen electricians.

However, there are three outstanding institutes among the lot. And they include:

FAQ on How to Become a Journeyman Electrician

Is being a electrician easy?

What is the highest level of electrician?

What's the difference between master electrician and journeyman electrician?

What are the different levels of an electrician?

You can't rely on the excuse that you don't know how to become a journeyman electrician. Neither can you say you don't know what it takes to become one.

In everything, you must understand that action is everything. So, get into an apprenticeship program today to start a great career.

Author's Recommendations

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How To Become A Journeyman Electrician In 2022 | Programs, Cost, Salary, Licenses

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Electrical faults occur spontaneously. Most times, fixing them requires an expert with experience. Over time, journeymen electricians have helped solve this problem. And you can learn how to become a journeyman electrician in order to serve your community.

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The Differences Between Working Commercially or Industrially As An Electrician.

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The Differences Between Working Commercially or Industrially As An Electrician.

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Hawkins, T. (2021, January 21). What is a journeyman electrician (and how to become one)? Electrician Apprentice HQ. Retrieved January 31, 2022, from https://electricianapprenticehq.com/what-is-a-journeyman-electrician/

SUMMARY OF ARTICLE: This article explains that journeyman electricians can either work in the commercial or industrial fields and the skills they will acquire by working in each. It goes on to discuss the differences between a journeyman electrician and a master electrician and how a journeyman electrician could further his career by becoming a master electrician.

MATTHEW'S REFLECTION: This article is important because it describes the differences between working as an electrician in the commercial and industrial fields. It explains the job duties and working conditions of each. Depending on which field one chooses, the variety and complexity of tasks and job sites will vary. The article also goes on to describe the differences between being a journeyman electrician and a master electrician and how to further one's career.

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A journeyman electrician is a trained, skilled, and adaptable tradesman. They have spent years under the direction of another journeyman or master electrician learning about the electrical trade.

A journeyman can install and maintain multiple types of electrical systems found in homes, apartments, and facilities such as high rise condominiums, strip malls, schools, hospitals, wastewater and manufacturing industries.

This includes installing and or replace new lighting and lighting control systems, receptacles, motors and motor controlling equipment, heating equipment, and building automation systems that control the operation of all of a facility's energy usage.

How To Become A Journeyman Electrician

The first step to becoming a Journeyman electrician is realizing that you're making a great career choice. The old views of an electrician visiting houses in overalls, cigarettes hanging out of their mouth, and untied shoes are no longer relevant.

Every Journeyman electrician begins his or her career as an electricians' apprentice. An apprentice is an entry-level position for someone with the desire to become an electrician.

Journeyman Electrician Apprenticeship Programs

The , , and ABC electrician apprenticeships offer three, four, and five-year programs that focus on building a solid foundation on electrical theory, electrical construction, blueprints, wiring schematics, the National Electrical Code (NEC), electrical safety, and more.

Apprentices receive on-the-job training as well as regular classroom education throughout their apprenticeship.

Towards the end of training apprentices have accumulated enough hours - either 4,000 or 8,000 (depending on program) - required to test for their Journeyman electrician license.

Journeyman electricians typically fall into one of three specialties: Residential, Commercial, and Industrial

Commercial Electricians

Commercial electricians or Inside Wireman work on a construction job site or for a company's service department.

Working in service means responding to customer's immediate needs for electrical repairs or installations (which means you may be a lone wolf and you get a service van).

Every day can be different.

On Monday they could be inside installing a lighting control system in a high-rise building and Tuesday it's on to installing conduit (pipe) in a ditch on the outside of the building to bring in power for a transformer.

They are responsible for but not limited to:

Compliant with local, city, state, and national electrical codes

Properly reading blueprints, schematics, and wiring diagrams

Gathering appropriate material for daily tasks

Installing conduits using a hand, mechanical, or hydraulic bender

Install new wire in existing systems or repairing old wiring

Providing power and controls to motors, HVAC, and other equipment

Installing fire alarm, security, lighting control, data/telecom, and energy management systems

Mounting panel boards, transformers, switchgear, transfer switches, and other various types of equipment

Troubleshooting and repairing all systems (VERY IMPORTANT!)

If you're a great worker and deliver constant results, you may become a foreman.

Foreman is responsible for delegating tasks to crews, ordering materials, working with other trades, reviewing electrical plans, maintaining a safe working environment, and more!

There's also a pay increase with this position, typically 5% of Journeyman's wages.

An industrial electrician is a licensed Journeyman or Master electrician who specializes in the knowledge and skills related to the installation and maintenance of electrical equipment found in industrial environments.

These individuals are employed by maintenance departments of factories, plants, mines, shipyards, oil and gas rigs, as well as platforms, and other industrial environments. They may hold specific certifications on the equipment they maintain.

An industrial electrician may be responsible for but is not limited to:

Understanding how the facility's electrical system operates under normal and emergency conditions

Performing preventative maintenance on variable frequency drives (VFDs), motors, pumps, generators, etc.

Installing or repairing faulty equipment, wiring, or control devices

Troubleshoot equipment failures using a variety of meters

Ability to read blueprints, schematics, and diagrams

What is the Difference Between a Journeyman and Master Electrician?

A master electrician is an experienced and highly skilled electrician. Master electricians' can supervise, serve as a foreman, and pull electrical work permits. In most states, master electrician's are permitted to open their own electrical company.

To become a master electrician you must have worked enough hours to take your state's or municipality's master electrical exam.

In most states the requirements are a combined total of 12,000 hours - the average is 2,000 per year - and 2 years working as a journeyman

Once you meet the requirements - 12,000 hours - you'll need to study for the exam. Preparatory courses are available for purchase online or in book stores or check your local library for study material.

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What is a Journeyman Electrician (And How To Become One)? - Electrician Apprentice HQ

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A journeyman electrician is a trained, skilled, and adaptable tradesman. They have spent years under the direction of another journeyman or master electrician learning about the electrical trade. A journeyman can install and maintain multiple types of electrical systems found in homes, apartments, and facilities such as high rise condominiums, strip malls, schools, hospitals, wastewater and manufacturing industries.

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Everything You Need To Know About Obtaining an Electrician License in Pennsylvania.

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Everything You Need To Know About Obtaining an Electrician License in Pennsylvania.

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“Pennsylvania Electrician License: Everything You Need to Know.” Housecall Pro, https://www.housecallpro.com/working-in-the-trades/electrician-licensing/pennsylvania/.

SUMMARY OF ARTICLE: This article describes the different types of electrical licenses that are required in Pennsylvania. It also itemizes the basic requirements for each type of license and provides links to valuable resources.

MATTHEW'S REFLECTION: This article gave lots of important information on the requirements for the electrical trade in Pennsylvania and since this is where we are located, I thought it is important to include it. It also gives information on the several types of electrical licenses offered in PA. Some of those licenses include electrician apprentice license, journeyman electrician, and electrical contractor. The article also tells you how long each of the licenses usually lasts.

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Pennsylvania Electrician License: Everything You Need to Know | Housecall Pro

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Learn how to get a electrician license in Pennsylvania and start your own electrician business.