As an outside wireman or journeyman lineman, you work on all of the electrical lines that connect power generation to the power meter. In this role, you spend more time outside, such as fixing the wiring on poles and towers. As an inside wireman or inside journeyman, you maintain the electrical systems inside a building. The term “journeyman” is often a level of license that is followed by the next level “master electrician. ” There are many areas in this profession, such as industrial wiring, factory wiring, as well as wiring data, alarm and telecom systems. The field is full of opportunities.
In the United States, the overall income range is between $37K and 81K. The firm you work for has a huge impact on your overall salary, as well as geography and your level of work experience. If you are at the top end of earners in this profession, you may benefit from bonuses and profit sharing. [5] X Research source Starting pay for a first year apprentice is usually not too much more than minimum wage.
If you are a woman in the electrical trade, you may want to be mindful of favoritism. Female electricians report that it is important to know when to accept or turn down help from male colleagues. You can lose respect if you accept too much help.
You can study for the GED at a local community college, which might have online courses for this purpose. [9] X Research source To get your GED, you will need to take the exam or test that is administered by your local state.
You do not need any special qualifications to be an electrician’s helper. It is expected that helpers have a basic working knowledge of electrical safety, hand tools and electrical construction methods. As a helper, will you to learn to identify the large assortment of tools and materials in the electrical trade. Wage increases come with progression to 2nd, 3rd and 4th year helpers.
You can learn about electrical codes, electrical theory and workplace safety, amongst other topics, at an electrician program. One of the advantages of completing an electrician program is that you will be better prepared for the tests and interview process involved in becoming an apprentice. The technical school training can be obtained after high school, or as part of the high school curriculum in a vocational/technical high school. The IBEW (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers) offers paid training for a limited number of interested candidates. IBEW training is typically 4 years in duration, but may also vary by local area. [12] X Research source Most branches of the U. S. armed forces provide paid training and generous benefits to those that choose this career path at the time of enlistment.
You can find an apprenticeship through The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), The National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA), or Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC). Be sure to choose an apprenticeship where you’ll be paid on payroll. Otherwise, the hours you work may not count toward your license. [14] X Expert Source Jesse KuhlmanMaster Electrician Expert Interview. 30 June 2020.
For the IBEW inside wireman and limited energy technician apprenticeship programs, you have to do an aptitude test focused on basic math and reading. The math portion consists of 33 questions that you have to answer in 46 minutes. The reading part consists of 36 questions that you have to answer in 51 minutes. [16] X Research source If your apprenticeship program requires an aptitude test, you should prepare by brushing up on your basic math skills. Most people who fail say they wished they had spent more time studying for the math part of the exam. [17] X Research source If you fail the aptitude test for an IBEW apprenticeship, you will have to wait at least six months before doing it again. [18] X Research source If you are female or a minority, your local trade union should be eager to find you an apprenticeship, since they are trying to build a more diverse workforce. [19] X Research source Although there are increased training opportunities for female electricians, it can still take up to a year to get accepted into an apprenticeship.
In many places, you can only take the test to get your journeyman license after completing a certain number of school hours as well as working as an apprentice for a certain number of hours. [22] X Expert Source Jesse KuhlmanMaster Electrician Expert Interview. 30 June 2020.
Some regions do not require an exam. The specific number of work and study hours varies substantially by region. In California, you need to have registered as a trainee, completed 720 hours of classroom time, 8,000 hours of on-the-job experience and passed a state certification exam. If you live in the province of Ontario, you’ll need to do the Certificate of Qualification exam. [24] X Research source Licensing assures employers and the public of a minimum level of competency.
Some jurisdictions, such as New Jersey, do not require an exam as part of the licensing process. [25] X Research source Use of the electrical code book may or may not be permitted during the exam. Obtaining aides for the particular type exam offered can be a wise investment.
In some states, like New York, cities administer the licensing exams. If you live in one of these states, you’ll need to contact the city licensing board to find out about exams. While there are locations that have no licensing, many others require multiple licenses such as state, county or city license(s). Many licensing authorities require that a minimum amount of documented time has been spent working in the trade to be eligible for license examination. It is not uncommon for 6,000 to 8,000-hour minimum time requirements. Examples of documentation include tax information (W-4) or pay stubs, school transcripts (if claiming time spent attending a technical school), etc.
You could also take a course or program that focuses on business in the trades.
