What Does It
Take To Become
An Electrician?
First
and foremost it takes hard work and discipline.
Work ethic and work attitudes are both essential elements of
becoming a
successful electrician. During your
apprenticeship you will be expected to maintain at least a 75% average
in your
course work while attending class two nights a week.
You will be expected to attend every class
session with a maximum of three absences allowed (per year). You must
report to
work every day on time and be ready to work. Also, you
would need to have reliable transportation and be willing to commute or
relocate if construction sites are in remote locations.
Being an
electrician can be
physically demanding. You would be expected to be on your feet for a
lot of the
day, manipulate heavy conduit, and to work in difficult places like on
ladders
or in small spaces. You could work in a variety of conditions, from
outside,
where you’re exposed to harsh weather, or in cramped places. Your work
is
potentially hazardous as well, as you would be exposed to electrical
shocks,
falling from scaffolding, or being cut with sharp tools. You would have
to
adhere to strict safety guidelines and be alert at all times.
With experience
and
expertise electricians can be eligible for advancement to positions of
greater
responsibility. They might become supervisors, managers, or
superintendents.
Some may even start their business as a contractor.
Whatever your
goals might
be, remaining focused and disciplined is the key to making it work.