Education and Training

• Electricians need at least a high school diploma or GED equivalent to begin the necessary training for the career. Apprenticeship programs are available that teach new electricians everything they need to know about the job. Organizations such as the Associated Builders and Contractors, the Independent Electrical Contractors Association, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, and the National Electrical Contractors Association sponsor these types of programs. A typical apprenticeship lasts four years and requires both classroom instruction and hands-on training. Apprentices study a wide range of topics, including blueprint reading, electrical theory, building codes, mathematics, and safety procedures.
  
  

Licensing

• All electricians must be licensed to work in the state they plan to work in. Specific requirements vary according to each state, but all states require electricians to be licensed. Candidates typically must pass a state-approved examination testing their knowledge of electrical theory, the National Electrical Code and state building codes. Electricians who work in the public sector, with bridge, tunnel, highway and government building electrical systems, for example, usually need a separate license. Master electricians typically need seven years of experience and a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering to obtain this type of license.
  
  

Skills and Background

• Electricians need to have the necessary skills and background for this career. Candidates should have strong eyesight, including good color vision to be able to identify different colored wires accurately. Hand-eye coordination, physical fitness, manual dexterity and a strong sense of balance are also important. Electricians also need to be at least 18 years old before they begin training. They may also need to pass a preliminary aptitude test that predicts their ability to handle the demands of the job. Employers also like to see solid work history when hiring a new electrician.
  
  

Career Advancement

• Electricians can advance their career by taking continuing education classes, gaining experience and acquiring new skills. Electricians need to stay up-to-date on the latest industry technologies if they are to remain competitive. Those with lots of experience can become supervisors, electrical inspectors and owners of their own contracting business. These positions may require additional coursework in business administration. The Bureau of Labor Statistics also says that electricians who want to advance should be able to communicate effectively in both English and Spanish.