Are you interested in becoming an electrician, but not sure where to begin?
If you like physical, hands-on work that relies on understanding complex details and problem solving, becoming an electrician may be right for you. Electricians install, maintain and repair electrical power, communications, lighting and control systems in homes, businesses and factories.
There are several steps to becoming an electrician, from choosing an educational program to completing the licensing requirements depending on state regulations to begin working. Once prepared and ready to begin seeking employment as an electrician, electrician’s assistants, or electrical apprentices, there are many available options in the electrical industry, including commercial or residential work. Once you’ve gained experience, you may choose to become a master electrician or independent contractor.
Here’s the main steps you’ll need to complete to start your career as an electrician.
Find the Right Electrician Trade School
If you’re interested in becoming an electrician, trade school can be a great first step. Delta Technical College (DTC) offers an Industrial, Commercial & Residential Electrician Program to teach you the skills necessary to gain entry-level employment as an electrician, electrician’s helper or electrical apprentice.
The Electrician Program provides hands-on training and classroom instruction on the following:
- Basic electrical theory,
- Mathematics,
- Wiring
- Load calculations
- Motors
- Electrical controls
- Field and shop safety
- Electrical Theory/NEC/Grounding
- Meters/Lighting/Blueprints
- Electrical Mathematics/Conduit Bending
- Conduit Bending/Terminations/Standby Systems
- Overcurrent Protection/3 Phase Distribution/Load Calculation
- Motors/FA Systems/VDV/Controls
- And more!
After completing the electrician program, you will be prepared for electrician licensing exams and/or entry-level employment as an electrician, electrician’s assistant or electrical apprentice.
The Electrician Program at DTC is just 7 months, so you can enter the workforce in less than a year. This program is offered at the Horn Lake, MS and Ridgeland, MS campuses, and daytime and evening classes are available. Class schedules vary by campus.
Obtain Your Electrician’s License
In Mississippi, electrician licenses are issued at the local level, there is no statewide license. If you wish to become an electrical contractor, there is a statewide license that you must obtain from the MSBOC.
In Tennessee, you can become a Limited License Electrician through the State government. You will need to pass an electrician test and then you will be allowed to work on projects that have a value of under $25,000. This license will allow you to work within a single municipality.
If you wish to work around the State of Tennessee, it is best that you obtain an Electrical Contractors License that allows you to work anywhere within the state. This license requires you to pass the same written exam as the LLE.
Start Your Electrician Career
Once you have completed the above steps, you will have taken the necessary steps to prepare for employment as an electrician. Electricians often work full-time, and they may work evenings and weekends. There is potential for self-employment as an electrician, especially if you choose to set up your own business in residential construction. This may allow more flexibility and scheduling. According to the BLS the largest employers of electricians are:
- Electrical contractors and other wiring installation contractors (65%)
- Self-employed workers (8%)
- Manufacturing (6%)
- Government (3%)
- Employment services (3%)
Take the First Step at DTC
If you think a career in the electrical industry is right for you, the (I/C/R) Electrician Program at Delta Technical College can help you get the training you need in less than a year!
Get started today by contacting the Admissions Team or schedule a tour of your local campus.
SOURCES
- https://www.housecallpro.com/electrical/licensing/mississippi/
- https://www.msboc.us/contractors/reciprocity/
- https://www.tn.gov/commerce/regboards/lle/who-needs-a-limited-licensed-electrician–lle–license-.html
- https://www.tn.gov/commerce/regboards/contractor/how-to-become-a-licensed-contractor.html
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/electricians.htm#tab-3
