5 Requirements You Must Meet to Start an Electrician Apprenticeship Program

Becoming an electrician allows you to fill one of the biggest needs in the construction and industrial fields. An apprentice program offers a blended learning experience in which you gain both memorized knowledge and hands-on experience at the same time for faster growth as a professional. Before applying to one of the major apprenticeship programs, make sure you meet these basic requirements for becoming an electrician.

High School Diploma

There are some basic educational prerequisites for all electrician training and certification programs, and apprenticeships are no exception. All of the major programs require you to have a minimum of a high school diploma or a GED in order to enroll. In a few states and for some programs, these requirements are waived if you can show proof you completed certain math classes during high school or college. A two-year college degree is encouraged by some apprenticeships, but it's rarely a requirement. Most programs will accept apprentices with any kind of two-year degree, not just one related to electrical work or construction.

Entrance Tests

Once you've submitted your GED, diploma, or transcripts, you must still pass a written exam to prove you're prepared for the challenges of an apprenticeship. If you need extra help with math or reading skills, it's better to start with courses at a technical or trade school before joining a program that puts you on the job from the beginning. Anyone who doesn't pass the test the first time is given a second chance after a few weeks or months so they can polish up their skills before trying again. Interviews are also involved in some apprenticeship programs.

Physical Ability

Since apprenticeships teach you the fundamentals of being an electrician in a hands-on way, it's necessary to have physical strength and endurance before starting the program. Residential electricians tend to spend a little less time crawling through cramped spaces and climbing scaffolding than inside wire technicians, but all types of electrical tasks require physical ability. It's worth it to invest in a gym membership and to do both cardiovascular and strength building exercises for at least a few weeks before starting your apprenticeship so you don't fall behind or injure yourself.

Age Requirements

Apprenticeship programs are designed for people who are at least 18 because there is some risk involved in doing physical labor like electrical work. Some states allow 17-year-olds to participate with proper insurance and waivers, but this is still up to each union or apprenticeship organizer to determine for themselves. Many trade schools accept younger students with GEDs or other educational credentials, so it's possible to start learning at 16 and have a better foundation for starting an apprenticeship at 18.

Algebra Familiarity

Electrical work is primarily a physical job, but there is a surprising amount of reading comprehension and algebra involved in everyday tasks. Reading plans, determining safe combinations of wiring and other components, and much more relies on your ability to understand the math behind electrical concepts. Passing a year of high school algebra or a semester of the same at a college is the only way to waive the requirement for a diploma or GED in many states.

If you're struggling with math but are dedicated to the idea of becoming an electrician, consider tutoring to specifically build your knowledge of algebra and electrical formulas. You may not even need to enroll in a local trade school or college course to get the help you need if you can find a private tutor. Many schools also offer classes that are open to the public so you can learn in a group setting without going through the entire enrollment process.

To learn more about the process, visit resources like http://hvac-tech.com.


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