Becoming an Electrician is a long-established career path with many benefits, including high earning potential and access to a wide range of employment opportunities. However, it’s also a highly demanding job that requires a high level of skill and commitment.
Electrical engineers are in charge of the creation, installation and maintenance of all sorts of electrical devices and systems, from power generators to compact GPS units. They are responsible for overseeing the design process, conducting tests and repairs, creating digital models using CAD software and improving upon various aspects of the products they work on. Additionally, they must ensure that the products they produce – whether an entire facility or an individual component – are in accordance with industry and regulatory standards.
Preparation for a career as an electrician begins in high school, with the focus on excelling in upper-level math and science classes. Students should also look into extracurricular activities such as coding boot camps, robotics teams and audiovisual clubs that can help them develop the necessary skills. In addition, they should consider taking college-level engineering courses, and looking for a program that is accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology.
For those who are unable to commit to the full college-degree route, completing an apprenticeship with an established electrical engineering firm is also an option that can provide them with training and experience to become a licensed electrician. Once they’ve completed their studies and obtained their license, they can then start applying for jobs in the electrical industry.