The route to become an electrician most commonly starts with an electrician apprenticeship. Every state has its own guidelines and laws for the training and licensing of electricians. If you are considering becoming an electrician, make sure you know what your state requires. Generally, you can expect to go through some kind of apprenticeship to start your career in electrical work. There may also be a requirement for classroom learning, but the hands-on guided training as an apprentice is an essential part of learning how to do this work safely and effectively.
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Electrician Apprenticeship Program Admission Requirements
Electrical apprenticeship positions can be highly competitive, and you will want to ensure you have the qualifications to stand out prior to applying. First of all, applicants for apprenticeship need to show a willingness to work and should be 18 years of age or older. You will also need to establish a basic aptitude for the trade and may need to take an exam to prove it. Apprentices often need to travel to job site locations, so a valid driver’s license is preferred. In addition, a high school diploma or equivalent is a required prerequisite.
In some cases, you can increase your potential to become an apprentice by acquiring training at a local trade school or community college. These programs may even match students with an apprenticeship position as a part of the program itself or upon graduation. If an apprenticeship is a part of the training, you may be able to continue with the same company once you have graduated, if you have shown an ability to learn and provide appropriate assistance on the job site. It should also be noted that even if the program you are considering does not include an apprenticeship, having knowledge of the trade before applying will accelerate your options.
How an Electrical Apprenticeship Works
An apprenticeship is a kind of training used in several types of careers, including electrical work. There are many skills, as well as foundational knowledge, that you need in order to do this job. Because there are potentially dangerous consequences of not being prepared to do electrical work, being taught in a hands-on way by experts is the best way to learn how to be an electrician.
To become an electrical apprentice, you will need to either apply to a union or non-union apprentice program or find a master electrician willing to hire you for training. Applying to a program is the most popular way to access and complete an apprenticeship. Most programs last four to five years, but you will be earning a salary while you train and learn. Electrician apprenticeship programs include full-time work and training as well as several hours per week of classroom learning.
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Authorized Duties of an Electrical Apprentice
So, what types of tasks should an electrical apprentice expect to perform on the job? Because an apprenticeship is four to five years of continuous learning, you should expect your job duties to evolve. A good apprentice should expect to gain more and more responsibility as their training progresses.
As you begin working as an apprentice, you will be learning the basics of the trade and, as such, may spend a good portion of the day hauling equipment and fetching tools while you assist a master electrician or journeyperson on the job. Each job will be an opportunity to gain new skills, which you will eventually be able to perform more independently once you have shown an appropriate level of competence. As your skills and knowledge base grows, your supervisors will assign you more tasks and allow you to learn more advanced skills.
As an apprentice, it is your responsibility to learn as quickly as possible to help the master or journeyperson complete the jobs for which they are being paid. It is essential to remember that you are being paid to provide assistance as you learn your trade. Therefore, you will need to be diligent in your studies and become proficient with the basics of the job. These include being competent with the tools of the trade, understanding the terminology that’s used, producing work that meets code, complying with company policy, providing a sufficient quantity of work and maintaining professionalism at all times.
The specific duties of an apprentice electrician can include:
- Assisting the master electrician or journeyperson in any task
- Installing circuits and conduits
- Installing electrical panels
- Reading blueprints and schematics
- Knowing and applying knowledge of local building codes
- Installing and repairing all parts of residential and commercial electrical systems including wiring, conduits, receptacles, switch boxes, lighting and any alternative electrical parts
- Testing electrical equipment, which will require knowledge of continuity, voltage, resistance and current
- Installing, repairing and replacing motors, transformers, AC/DC motors and drives, relays, starters, hydraulic electric controls and gas-electric controls
- Performing preventative maintenance of electrical systems
The above-listed duties can vary depending on where you become employed. For instance, some companies may specialize in residential construction, while others work primarily in commercial construction. In addition, companies may have specific niches in which they work, like solar power. If you are able to, you should choose an employer whose specialties will help you meet your career goals.
Union Apprenticeships
The Electrical Training Alliance, a collaboration between the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and the National Electrical Contractors Association, sponsors local Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committees (JATCs). To find a union apprenticeship, you have to apply with a JATC. Most states have several of these, and once you complete a program you will become a union member, responsible for paying dues and benefitting from collective bargaining.
Electrical JATCs can be competitive, and the requirements for being accepted usually include a high school diploma or GED, a passing grade in algebra, a driver’s license and a passing score on a basic skills exam. Union apprenticeships usually include between 8,000 and 10,000 hours of job training and experience and 500 to 1,000 hours of classroom time.
Non-Union Apprenticeships
If you are not interested in a union job, you can apply for a non-union electrical apprenticeship offered through a trade or professional organization: the Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) or Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC). There may be more variation in these programs, but generally they have similar admittance requirements, including a high school diploma, a passing score on a math and reading test, and a driver’s license. The hours spent training and working and in the classroom are similar to those for union apprenticeships.
Post-Secondary Electrician Programs
Many young people hoping to become electricians go straight from high school to an apprenticeship program, but there is an alternative: You can choose instead to complete a certificate or two-year degree program in electrical technology at a community or technical college. This can give you the foundational knowledge and help you decide if a career as an electrician is something you really want to pursue.
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If you do want to go ahead with it, you’ll still need to find an apprenticeship. With a degree or certificate and your classroom learning done, it may be easier to find a master electrician to apprentice with, without going through a union, IEC or ABC program.
Electricians are in high demand right now and will continue to be for years to come. It takes a lot of skills to be able to do this job safely, which is why the apprenticeship process is so important. Before you take the step to secure one, make sure you understand what it entails and that you are ready to commit to the four to five years the apprenticeship will take to complete.
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FAQs
What is the best way to find apprenticeships? ›
- GetMyFirstJob - search today.
- Find City & Guilds apprenticeships.
- National Apprenticeship Service (NAS)
- Keep content relevant to the apprenticeship you are applying for!
- List your qualifications and work experience, and how they have led and prepared you towards applying for this apprenticeship.
- Don't include hobbies and interest at the point, because this needs to be included in your CV.
- Organize your answers for maximum impact. ...
- Prepare ahead of time by reviewing your work experience. ...
- Practice your interviewing skills! ...
- Get some sleep. ...
- Dress for success. ...
- BE ON TIME. ...
- Do your best to reduce fidgeting during the interview.
- research the apprenticeship and the organisation.
- practice by doing a mock interview.
- check where and when the interview is.
- get to the interview early.
- dress appropriately and stay focussed.
- ask questions if you don't understand.
From April 2022 the NMW is: Apprentice £4.81 an hour. Age 16-17 - £4.81 an hour. Age 18-20 - £6.83 an hour.
Is it hard to find an apprenticeship? ›You are unlikely to get the first Apprenticeship you apply for and sometimes it might take many applications for you to be matched with the right company. Try to keep motivated and be relentless in your pursuit for your new career.
How do you answer why do you want an apprenticeship? ›I want this particular apprenticeship for three reasons, the first reason is that it will enable me to work within an industry that I am passionate about; the second reason is the apprenticeship will allow me to learn a huge amount whilst developing new skills and qualities; and finally, you are an organization that ...
How do I stand out when applying for apprenticeship? ›Include your previous work experience
Having an attractive CV that clearly lists your achievements will make you stand out from other candidates. In your application and interview (if you get to this stage), the best way to demonstrate your competence is to relate past experiences to the skills in question.
- Make your application specific to the apprenticeship. Don't be tempted to copy and paste the same answers for every application. ...
- Apply for a position appropriate for you. ...
- Pay attention to detail and review your application form. ...
- Stand out from the crowd.
- Tell me more about yourself? ...
- What is your greatest strength? ...
- Why did you leave your job? ...
- Why do you want to work here? ...
- Why should we hire you? ...
- What are your goals? ...
- What can you do for us that others can't do?
What questions will I be asked in an apprenticeship interview? ›
- What will my day-to-day duties include?
- How many other apprentices are there in the business? ...
- Can you tell me more about the team I'll be joining?
- Do you have any former apprentices in your team who are now full-time members of staff?
- Why did you decide to become an electrician?
- How would your boss describe you?
- How many years have you worked at each level?
- What are the most crucial safety guidelines for electricians?
- What would you do if you noticed a coworker doing something unsafe?
How Long Do Apprenticeship Interviews Last – Don't bring your stop watch with you because this will vary massively on the company that will be interviewing you. Most interviews can last between 20 minutes to 1 hour.
Is it OK to wear nice jeans to an interview? ›For males, it is recommended to wear khakis or nice pair of jeans (darker wash, no holes and not faded) and a nice button down or polo to an interview. Moreover, women can still lean towards a nice pair of jeans and top but it is also recommended to wear slacks and a nice top or casual dress.
How many hours do apprentices work? ›Apprentices should work for a minimum of 30 hours a week, and a maximum of 40. Time spent off the job at a college or in training is included. Part-time apprenticeships can be agreed by your employer, at a minimum of 16 hours per week. For example where apprentices have caring responsibilities.
Do apprentices get sick pay? ›Are apprentices entitled to sick pay? Providing you meet the relevant criteria, you are entitled to statutory sick pay (SSP) as an apprentice.
How many hours is full-time? ›Definition of Full-Time Employee
For purposes of the employer shared responsibility provisions, a full-time employee is, for a calendar month, an employee employed on average at least 30 hours of service per week, or 130 hours of service per month.
The Govt will fund 90% of the cost of the apprenticeship training, and the employer (the school) funds the remaining 10%. The Government has announced the list of training providers who have the funding to deliver apprentices for non-levy paying employers.
Can you get an apprenticeship without qualifications? ›In a nutshell, yes you can! There are a number of apprenticeship schemes out there that you can apply for even if you don't have any qualifications. So if you're wondered and thinking, “I failed my GCSEs”, don't worry – a fantastic career could still be available to you. There are different levels of apprenticeships.
Is Level 3 apprenticeship hard? ›Advanced Apprenticeship entry requirements vary by employer but are likely to be reasonably challenging. First and foremost, because Advanced Apprenticeships are Level 3, employers will want you to have a minimum of five GCSEs at grades 9-4, or equivalent.
Why do I want to be an electrician? ›
Career opportunities
As an electrician you will experience the opportunity for advancement in your career. After starting as an electrician, hard-working and committed Electricians can become promoted to Electrical Engineer, Contract Manager and even Electrical Design Engineer within their company and field.
You are fit for the job and capable of delivering excellent results. You possess skills that are unique, and likely unteachable, which makes you an above average candidate. You'll be an asset to the company and a perfect fit for the team.
How do you introduce yourself in an apprenticeship? ›- Introduce yourself.
- Identify your goal or purpose.
- Describe your relevant experience, ability to contribute, and uniqueness.
- Wrap it up.
- Engage the person with a question.
- Follow up.
- Practice, practice, practice...then practice some more.
Are there any drawbacks to applying for more than one Apprenticeship? Whilst there is technically no limit on the number of applications you send in, it is advisable that you limit yourself. By applying to too many places, there is a high chance that you could end up losing track of who you have sent CV to.
How many apprenticeships can you apply for? ›From Level 2 through to Degree apprenticeships and with so many career pathways and training opportunities available, TfL will help you transform your future and we'll be with you all the way. You can only apply for one apprenticeship scheme per year.
How do I write a cover letter for an electrician apprenticeship? ›I would love the chance to bring my knowledge to the Electrician Apprentice position at P&P Electronics. I know I am an outstanding candidate and that you'll find my skills to be in order. I hope you'll reach out to arrange an interview to further discuss my qualifications for the Electronic Apprentice position.
What skills do you gain from apprenticeships? ›- I wish that I had been an Apprentice! ...
- Key Skill 1 – Communication Skills. ...
- Key Skill 2 – Problem-solving. ...
- Key Skill 3 – Negotiation. ...
- Key Skill 4 -Strategic Thinking. ...
- Key Skill 5 -Team working. ...
- Key Skill 6 – Saying NO. ...
- Key Skill 7 – Resilience.
- Carefully review the job posting and research the company's website. ...
- List your contact information at the top of the document. ...
- Greet the reader and introduce yourself. ...
- Explain your skills and achievements relevant to the position. ...
- Remind them why you're best for the position.
- Why do you want to work in the electrical industry?
- What do you know about our electrical company?
- Why are you looking for a new job?
- What previous experience and/or training makes you qualified for this particular electrician job?
After your interview, we place you on the ranked list of eligible-to-hire applicants. Holidays, economic conditions, and the demand for apprentices in the electrical industry also affect this process.
What is your greatest weakness sample answer? ›
Correct Example: My greatest weakness is time management. I have always been very detail-oriented, so it sometimes takes me longer to finish a project than I initially think it will. This is why I started using time-tracking software in my last job.
Does an apprenticeship guarantee a job? ›The majority of people do stay with the same employer, and while there's no guarantee you'll be kept on, apprentices often go on to work their way up the corporate ladder with further training and promotions.
What employers look for in an apprentice? ›- Honesty. ...
- Problem-solving skills. ...
- Communication & Interpersonal skills. ...
- Flexibility. ...
- Work well with others. ...
- Work ethic. ...
- Determination and persistence. ...
- Motivation.
Be honest and succinct with your responses. Tell the truth in as positive a manner as possible, and don't discuss things or events in a negative fashion. Long answers are less effective than concise responses and tend to make interviewers suspicious.
Why should we hire you answer best? ›Show that you have skills and experience to do the job and deliver great results. You never know what other candidates offer to the company. But you know you: emphasize your key skills, strengths, talents, work experience, and professional achievements that are fundamental to getting great things done on this position.
What are 10 most common interview questions and answers? ›- Tell me about yourself.
- What attracted you to our company?
- Tell me about your strengths.
- Tell me about your strengths.
- Where do you see yourself in five years?
- Tell me about a time where you encountered a business challenge?
An electrician is a tradesperson specializing in electrical wiring of buildings, transmission lines, stationary machines, and related equipment. Electricians may be employed in the installation of new electrical components or the maintenance and repair of existing electrical infrastructure.
What are the best apprenticeships in the UK? ›- British Army.
- Royal Navy.
- BT.
- Royal Air Force.
- Department of Work and Pensions.
- Clarkson Evans.
- Mitchells & Butlers.
- RSM.
- IT apprenticeship.
- Carpentry apprenticeship.
- Electrician apprentice.
- Engineering apprenticeship.
- Management apprenticeship.
- Logistics coordinator.
- Shift supervisor.
- Solar installer.
- England – gov.uk.
- Scotland – apprenticeships. scot.
- Wales – gov. wales.
- Northern Ireland – nidirect.gov.uk.
What is the minimum wage for a 16 year old apprentice? ›
£6.83 per hour 18 - 20 yrs old. £4.81 per hour - under 18 yrs old.
Which apprenticeship pays highest UK? ›In a nutshell, yes you can! There are a number of apprenticeship schemes out there that you can apply for even if you don't have any qualifications. So if you're wondered and thinking, “I failed my GCSEs”, don't worry – a fantastic career could still be available to you. There are different levels of apprenticeships.
What are the most fun apprenticeships? ›- Chocolatier. Want to put the yummy filling in truffles? ...
- Wig-maker. ...
- Crime Scene Photographer. ...
- Power Station Maintenance. ...
- Digital Journalist. ...
- Formula One Engineer. ...
- Diamond Setter. ...
- Equine Dentist.
Apprenticeships are not age restricted. As long as you are above the age of 16 you are eligible for an Apprenticeship. There is a common misconception that to be an Apprentice you must be between the ages of 16-25. However, this is not true.
What is the most popular apprenticeship? ›- Business Apprenticeship (Advanced Level 3) – 436 applications.
- Data Apprenticeship (Higher Level 4) – 412 applications.
- Finance Apprenticeship (Higher Level 4) – 404 applications.
- Cyber Security Degree Apprenticeship – 380 applications.
...
Occupations with apprenticeships
- Boilermakers.
- Carpenters.
- Electricians.
- Elevator installers and repairers.
- Glaziers.
- Insulation workers, mechanical.
All wages (including superannuation, allowances and fringe benefits) paid to apprentices and trainees are liable for payroll tax. However, you can claim a payroll tax rebate on wages paid to approved apprentices and only new entrant trainees.
Can you do a 1 year apprenticeship? ›It can take between one and 6 years to complete an apprenticeship depending on which one you choose, what level it is and your previous experience. It's funded from contributions made by the government and your employer.
How long is an apprenticeship? ›Apprenticeships take 1 to 5 years to complete depending on their level.
How many hours do apprentices work? ›
Apprentices should work for a minimum of 30 hours a week, and a maximum of 40. Time spent off the job at a college or in training is included. Part-time apprenticeships can be agreed by your employer, at a minimum of 16 hours per week. For example where apprentices have caring responsibilities.
Do apprentices get sick pay? ›Are apprentices entitled to sick pay? Providing you meet the relevant criteria, you are entitled to statutory sick pay (SSP) as an apprentice.
Do apprentices get paid weekly? ›Whether you are enrolled in an apprenticeship programme, you are paid regularly. Are apprenticeships paid weekly? Money would be paid to you monthly or weekly, and you would pay tax and national insurance.