Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
According to money.usnews.com, the average salary for an electrician is about $56,900 a year. On top of being lucrative, this career field is also in high demand. No matter where you live, trained electricians should be needed.
Before you can start, however, you will need to get your education by enrolling in an electrical training program. There are many different courses, and not all are built the same. Some may offer different classes than others, for example.
Before enrolling, you should also look at a college’s reputation and graduation rate. Continue reading to learn more.
Consider the Length of the Program
Even if a career training program only offers a handful of courses, you still need to ask how long it could take to graduate. The length of the classes may vary depending on the subject matter.
Talk to the program administration to discuss specific dates. Be sure to ask about part-time and full-time courses to decide what option will work best with your schedule.
You also have to consider your budget. The longer the program, the more money you’ll spend on courses.
Avoid Distance Learning
While you can save money by taking online courses, there’s only so much you can learn about becoming an electrician from behind the keyboard. You should need to get your hands dirty at some point.
That is why you should stay away from programs that are online only. You may want to take hybrid electrician training if it is challenging to find time in your busy schedule to come into the classroom daily.
These programs may allow you to receive some education online and get the necessary practical experience.
What Courses Should the Program Offer?
Programs should provide a good mix of the fundamentals of electricity, safety, OSHA standards, hands-on learning, theories, code requirements, and residential and commercial wiring. You will likely also need to take some basic math classes.
If you are going into a program hoping to specialize, that may take extra high-level training classes. Your school advisor can keep you on the path toward your goals.
Look at The School Reputation
Unlike previous students, no one can give you inside knowledge of an electrical training program. However, reviews can tell you about the quality of a program’s classes and instructors.
Google and Facebook reviews are excellent places to start. Some schools even have comments from previous students on their websites.
Visit the Facility
During your junior and senior years of high school, it is recommended that you take a tour of the colleges you’re interested in. This will allow you to peek into classrooms, look at dorm rooms, and sample the food in the cafeteria.
You may also get the chance to ask the administration any burning questions. If the school you are interested in doesn’t offer tours, you may be able to ask questions via email.
Degree Options
If you are like most people, your overall goal is to become a licensed electrician. If you meet the other requirements, you can do that, whether you have a trade school diploma or a bachelor’s degree from a four-year university.
The school can tell you what degree or certificate you can receive from their electrical training program and let you know what you can do with it.
You Get What You Pay For
Regarding trade school programs, you get what you pay for. Again, even though you can save money by doing classes online, it’s not always a good idea. You may not gain as much in-depth knowledge at a trade school.
Most degree programs take at least a year to complete. Any school that claims it can get you licensed faster should raise a few red flags.
Your certificate may be worthless if you don’t know how to apply the knowledge you learned. While an inexpensive program that only focuses on safety and theory can teach you a lot, you also need hands-on training.
Accreditation
Accreditation is a school’s promise to give you a good education. Schools can only get accreditation if they meet certain quality standards.
If qualified, you must enter an accredited trade program or school to get financial aid. Some employers might only accept your degree or certification from an accredited school.
Graduation Rate
A school’s graduation rate is the percentage of students who graduate with degrees. If the rate is only 30%, that doesn’t bode well. This means that for every 100 students enrolled, only 30 will complete their program.
If you attend such a school, you may struggle to meet your career goals.
Financial Aid Options
Between tuition and books, going to school can be expensive. Most programs have financial aid options you can use if you qualify. You can get this information by talking to the college administration.
Again, if the program is accredited, you may be able to receive government assistance if you qualify.
Choose the Right Electrical Training Program for You
There are many steps to becoming an electrician. The first and most important one is to receive the best education possible.
Look for an accredited electrical training program that offers informational and hands-on courses. When searching for the right school, consider the program length, graduation rate, financial aid options, and reputation.
You might not if other students didn’t get anything out of the program.
Are you interested in starting your career path? Visit here to learn more about InterCoast Colleges’ accredited electrician training program.
Make a plan to review one code a day. Then, create flashcards to help yourself learn the code. Brain science has proven that repetition is a key component of learning and remembering over time.
Individuals who take the InterCoast Colleges’ Electrical Training Program may be qualified to sit for the Journeyman examination. After students complete their courses, they should be able to qualify to take the exam and then complete their required hours. Once they’ve done this, students qualify to apply for their electrical license.
The Short Steps to Becoming an Electrician
Becoming an electrician takes time and concentration. With the right program, you can find yourself with a new, rewarding career. Some shorter programs offer the appropriate basic classes.
You can change your career plans today. Assess your personal skills and abilities, find the right program, and begin studying.
Are you interested in a career change? If so, contact us. We offer quality programs that may give you the edge to start your new career as an electrician.
