Are you ready to change careers? If electrical training is a route you want to consider, take a look at what you need to know about electrician trade school and the top reasons to pursue this career.
Are There Jobs in the Electrical Trade?
Is your career change decision based on the availability of jobs? If your current line of work doesn't offer room to grow or you can't find a meaningful position, the electrical field will give you hope.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the electrical field is projected to grow at a much faster than average rate of 10 percent between the years 2018 and 2028. This equals the addition of 74,100 jobs for electrical trade school grads.
Does Electrical Work Pay Well?
Along with the job growth rate, the average pay is another reason to consider a career in the electrical trade field. In 2019 the median pay for an electrician was $56,180 per year or just over $27 per hour, according to the BLS. While this doesn't mean you're guaranteed a starting salary in the mid-'50s, it does show the financial potential of this field.
Do You Need a Degree to Work as an Electrician?
If a four-year college isn't appealing, you're in luck. You won't need to get a bachelor's degree to work as an electrician. Electrician certification typically requires the completion of a technical or trade school diploma/degree program. This includes classroom instruction and hands-on practical training. You may need to complete labs, internships, or an apprenticeship.
Can Anyone Become an Electrician?
Provided you have a high school degree (or equivalency) and the desire to learn, you can become an electrician. Whether you're young, old, a parent, a man, or a woman, you can start a second career in this field. With the growth opportunities, this field is wide open for anyone willing to put in the work and become a professional.
Again, you'll need to complete electrician training courses before you can work as a professional. Don't worry if you have no prior electrical experience. While some knowledge or hands-on expertise can help you as a career contractor, you won't need this to start school.
If you're not sure what specific qualifications you need to start an electrical training course, discuss the requirements with your school of choice. The school's staff will guide you through the application process and help you to make a career change decision.