What to Do Before You Become an Electrician

In my experience as a master electrician and electrical trainer/instructor, the electrical industry can be broken down into five main sectors, which can then be divided into subsequent sub-sections. You must understand how all of these parts are “segmented” to find the career path that fits your goals, lifestyle, and economic vision. 

When pursuing a career in the electrical field, keep in mind that all electricians aren't necessarily created equal. Some require more education and training than others, and that’s okay. The more education you obtain in this industry early on, the more value you will bring to your organization. Finding a company willing to compensate you for your worth will not be hard once you establish yourself as an invaluable asset through hard work and dedication. Before jumping into this business, however, consider the five most common types of electricians and their sub-divisions:

• Residential Electricians (new construction, retrofit/remodel, or service/maintenance/repair)
• Commercial Electricians (new construction, retrofit/remodel, or service/maintenance/repair)
• Industrial Electricians (new construction or service/maintenance/repair)
• Lineman Electricians (installation or service/maintenance/repair)
• Automation/Instrumentation Electricians (installation or service/maintenance/repair)

Begin with the end in mind 

Some electricians prefer to work in continually changing environments. Do your research in advance to determine which one of these subsets might suit you best. You should also clearly understand the expected salaries and wages electricians earn based on their industry, years of experience, and skillsets. This type of information is readily available on employment websites such as Indeed or from government statistic databases like the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

As you study to become an electrician, it's essential that you select a sector that suits your individual goals and aptitude. Experiment with as many types of electrical work environments as you can; don't pigeon-hole yourself into just one landscape. Always push yourself, adapt, and change with every new work experience you can get yours hands on.

Work your resources

Research your career path by reading independently and watching videos online to grasp basic electrical concepts. Obviously, nothing beats learning in a classroom with other students, but first do your research before you spend any money. This approach allows you to form and prepare questions about subjects that may seem complicated — and also helps remove any myths early in your career before you start working with others.

Find a school, mentor, or teacher who can explain electrical subjects to you in a way that makes sense; finding a field-experienced electrical instructor who actively or previously worked in the trades would be a bonus. These are the people who can share insight and guide you along your future professional path. If no one in your immediate social circle is an electrician, get creative — find one on your own. Don't be afraid to introduce yourself to strangers; a receptionist or office administrator at a local electrical construction company, for example, might be able to help you find helpful resources that could provide vital information to get you started. Electricians love to talk about what they do, so don't be bashful when you meet one. Ask questions, and remember: This is all free information!

Sidebar: A Day in the Life

Don’t get me wrong. I don't want to downplay what we do in the electrical field on a daily basis, but electrical work isn't rocket science. However, that doesn’t mean the responsibility that goes with it isn’t extraordinarily significant. An electrician must have the keen ability to execute redundant tasks with precision in an environment that continuously changes day in and day out. The safety of others (personnel) and the protection of property depend on it. 

Electricians must be alert at all times, monitoring the activities of those around them and the preciseness of the tasks they’re executing. They also must track overall production hourly, daily, and weekly. To say accountability is key would be an understatement. In fact, those new to the trade should avoid unproductive distractions at all costs (like texting friends throughout the day, staring at Instagram posts, or managing new relationships). 

The best electricians always push the project forward by setting and achieving daily goals because their job depends on it. And they don't stop when something becomes really hard; they're inquisitive, they pursue a remedy for any problem set before them, and — if it's beyond their knowledge base — they seek wise counsel. The bottom line comes down to a simple mantra: The decisions you make throughout the day ultimately impact your company's profit margin so choose your steps wisely. 

In the end, the future is in your hands. Whether or not you settle on a career as an electrician, choose your career wisely, and enjoy the ride. As Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, "Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail."

For more information on the educational costs associated with becoming an electrician, read my previous column on “Four Common Sense Reasons Your Child Should Become an Electrician.”

De Loach, a master electrician and electrical trainer/instructor, is the founder of The Academy of Industrial Arts (www.taia-school.com) in Philadelphia. With more than 30 years of experience in the field, he will be writing regular exclusive content for E-Train and can be reached at [email protected].