With traditional four-year college degrees taking individuals more years to complete, more students are now opting to go to trade schools and apprenticeship programs to become employment-ready after training.
One of the most lucrative options is being an industrial electrician, providing numerous job opportunities and a competitive salary once you get your license. That said, becoming a licensed industrial electrician can be a challenging feat.
This article will explore what an industrial electrician is and how to become one.
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Industrial Electricians: Who Are They?
An industrial electrician is a skilled laborer trained in supplying, maintaining, and installing electrical wiring systems in commercial and industrial buildings. Depending on the needs of their clients or employers, an industrial electrician may find themselves working on construction job sites, industrial plants, commercial solar energy farms, warehouses, or directly working with clients.
Industrial electricians can repair or maintain electrical equipment and keep up with the job’s physical demands. They should also be well-versed in all national, state, and local electrical codes to ensure their safety and others.
Man, an electrical technician working in a switchboard with fuses. Installation and connection of electrical equipment. Professional uses a tablet.
How To Become An Industrial Electrician?
To help you pursue a career in this field, here are six steps worth considering:
Determine Your Qualifications
To start your journey to becoming an industrial electrician, you must first know if you’re qualified for the job. While qualifications may differ depending on your location, the basic requirements to pursue an industrial electrician career include having a high school diploma or passing the GED test, being in good physical condition, and having the necessary experience and license.
Depending on your locality or state, there may be other requirements you need to meet.
Finish A Relevant High School Course
Generally, the minimum education requirement to be an industrial electrician is a high school diploma or its equivalent. That said, if you’re a high school student aspiring to be an industrial electrician, you need to take a course that will prepare and expose you to electrical principles, including mathematics, physics, mechanical drawing, chemistry, and workshops.
Also, if you’re interested in starting your own business in the future, consider courses in business management, accounting, and entrepreneurship. You can also join high school clubs that can provide you with more experience and knowledge. In addition, you can gain exposure to the field and more experience by volunteering for organizations. Most local community colleges and vocational schools offer special programs for high school students.
Obtain An Associate Degree Or Certificate
Community colleges and technical school offer certificate and associate degree programs that will train you in the fundamentals of industrial electrical power systems. A certificate program can be completed in just a year or less, while an associate degree may take up to a few years since it also includes general education courses.
Depending on the program content, you’ll also learn about electrical theories and drafting, wiring techniques, reading blueprints, and electrical code via a mix of classroom and lab courses.
Apply For Apprenticeship
Most aspiring industrial electricians are required to complete an apprenticeship program. An apprenticeship program is where they learn their trade and the necessary skills to pursue the career.
Generally, an apprenticeship can take up to five years to finish. Students may also need to complete 144 hours of classroom lessons or technical training. Fortunately, the credits you earned with a certificate program or an associate degree can be applied toward the requirement. Also, you’ll need at least 2,000 hours of on-the-job training under the supervision of a licensed industrial electrician.
Pro tip: Find industry-sponsored apprenticeships to help save costs and ensure quality training. Depending on where you live, your state or country may have a list of organizations as sponsors for industrial electrician apprenticeship programs.
Get Licensed
Industrial electricians must pass a state licensure test after completing an apprenticeship program. Consult the licensing body in your area to determine the requirement. Also, make sure to study well for the exam, which includes a test on electrical knowledge and theory and the National Electrical Code.
Pursue Continuing Education
Once you pass the licensure exam, you’re now a full-fledged industrial electrician. That said, education doesn’t end in getting a license. You need to take continuing education courses and training programs to stay updated with industry changes and new procedures and materials.
Final Words
As the business world’s reliance on energy sources arises, so does the need for skilled industrial electricians. This powerful career puts one of the necessities of humans in your hands and places you in one of the world’s most in-demand occupations.
We hope the above guide can help you understand what steps to take to become a licensed and certified industrial electrician.
