* Apprenticeship: This is the most common route. It involves on-the-job training combined with classroom instruction. The length of an apprenticeship varies, but it's usually around four to five years.
* Trade school/vocational school: Some electricians attend a trade school or vocational school for a shorter period (often one to two years) to gain foundational knowledge before beginning an apprenticeship. This is not always required.
Therefore, the answer is zero years of college is needed to become an electrician; apprenticeships and vocational training are the primary pathways.