Complete high school courses such as math, English, physics and even mechanical drawing and electronics, according to CollegeBoard.com. These classes will prepare you for college-level training to become an electrician, which will make you eligible to pursue an electrical license.
Decide where you want to complete an apprenticeship in the electrician industry. Look for programs that are sponsored by individual electrical contracting companies or local chapters of organizations such as the National Electrical Contractors Association, the Independent Electrical Contractors Association or Associated Builders and Contractors. Local unions of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers also sponsor programs, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. In addition, consider learning the trade informally by serving as a helper to a licensed electrician while completing electrician training courses at a vocational/technical school, according to WorldWideLearn.com. Electrician certificate programs are common at the college level and typically last one year.
Apply to get into the apprenticeship program or electrician school of your choice. Programs typically require you to be 18 years old and have a high school diploma or GED. You also might have to pass an admission test that requires to demonstrate mastery of math and English skills, according to ULinks.com.
Be prepared to spend 144 hours in the classroom and 2,000 hours in the field each year for four to five years if you enroll in an apprenticeship program. Learn blueprint reading, electrical safety, math and electrical code requirements. Also, practice installing wiring using hand and power tools, and use equipment such as voltmeters to test your connections. Focus on your main area of interest, whether that is commercial or residential electrical work completed by construction electricians, or whether it is industrial electrical work completed by maintenance electricians, according to Education-Portal.com.
Apply to take the required examination that leads to an electrical license in your state. Be ready to demonstrate your understanding of state/local electric and building codes, electrical theory and the National Electrical Code to obtain your electrical license. In addition, plan to complete continuing education courses to keep your license.