Future electricians can't be afraid to get their hands dirty. Training
involves a classroom education coupled with on-the-job training.
Possible routes students can take include a college program or an apprenticeship
(union or non-union).
Louisiana Technical College trains students in residential, commercial
and industrial wiring. Its program is five terms, five days a week over the
course of three months.
Jerry Turcotte used to be an electrical instructor there. He says graduates
can start out as helpers.
The Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH) says that helpers can learn the
trade informally by working for experienced electricians.
Turcotte says classes vary from the beginner level -- including basic
electricity where students learn how electricity is produced -- to advanced
classes in residential wiring. The school even has a simulation house
where students practice their craft.
Students take an entrance test -- focusing on reading and math -- before
starting the program. Those who score below the accepted criteria are given
remedial instruction.
Turcott says if you want to work in the union, you must be accepted
into the union before going through their apprenticeship program. Those
programs are generally five years, he says. Students work 40 hours per week
and take classes one night a week.
Non-union apprenticeship programs are similar but much shorter in
length, he says. They generally take about two years.
"In the classroom, apprentices learn blueprint reading, electrical theory,
electronics, mathematics, electrical code requirements, and safety and first
aid practices. They also receive specialized training in welding and communications
and fire alarm systems," says the OOH.
High school classes in math, science and shop will help you prepare.
In most places, you'll need to be licensed, says the OOH. That generally
requires passing an exam that covers electrical theory, the National Electrical
Code, and local electric and building codes.
There are some expenses beyond what a student spends on tuition. These
include books and small tools.
Links
Occupational Outlook Handbook
For more information related to this field of study, see: Electricians
IEC's Electrical Apprentice Programs
Train to become an electrician
How Three-Way Switches Work
Electrical info from How Stuff Works