Find Schools offering Electrician Degree Programs

• Electricians specialize in electrical wiring of buildings and other structures.
• Job opportunities are expected to be good for electricians with the right experience and training.
• All electricians must complete a technical vocational program, along with an apprenticeship program that lasts between four to five years.

What does an electrician do?

Every time you turn on the lights or open a refrigerator to grab a cold drink, you're benefiting from the skill of an electrician. An electrician is a professional who specializes in electrical wiring of buildings and other structures. Some are employed by construction companies, or electrician companies, while others are self employed. The work of an electrician involves very detailed work manipulating electricity, which can make for a dangerous job. Many are required to work on construction sites, where the conditions can be cold and unkept, and all require the use of their hands to do intricate wire work. Electricians can choose to specialize in many specific types of electrical work such as, new house wiring, maintenance wiring, or landscape architecture wiring.

What are the career opportunities for electricians?

Job opportunities are expected to be good for electricians with the right experience and training. Most are employed by a construction company or a small electrical contracting company, though many choose to contract themselves out as independent electricians.

What education is needed to become an electrician?

In order to be employed as an electrician, a professional must first complete a technical program, along with an apprenticeship program that lasts between four to five years. An apprenticeship program is one that combines on-the-job experience with classroom instruction. Often, apprenticeship programs are sponsored by an electricians' union and workers can actually get paid while they are learning the trade. The completion of an apprenticeship program qualifies most electricians to do many different types of work. Beyond having the right education and experience, the skills needed to become an electrician include manual dexterity, eye-hand coordination, physical fitness, and a good sense of balance. In most areas, electricians are required to become licensed after their formal training is completed. Experienced electricians often advance into jobs as site supervisors or project managers.

How much money does an electrician make?

Electricians?salary depend on the number of years in the field. An apprentice level electrician makes anywhere between $24,000 and $30,000 a year. Entry level electricians make an average of $39,000 a year and more experienced electricians can make a yearly salary up to $65,000.

What are the leading schools offering programs in Electrician?