Career Training for Aspiring Electricians

If you want to create a career out of your passion for sparks and fuses, and you want a job that offers great potential for high pay and job flexibility, consider becoming an electrician. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median pay for salaried electricians was $46,420 in 2008. For self-employed electricians, pay can be up to $65 an hour. With the right career training, you could join this exciting field.

Education, Career Training, and Job Opportunities
Today, many vocational schools and community colleges offer electrician programs, including online programs, which can lead to degrees or certifications; however an apprenticeship is just as important as a college degree. Most electricians began their careers as apprentices, which involves a combination of classes and hands-on training. Each year as an apprentice you typically complete at least 144 classroom hours and 2,000 hours of on-the-job training.

Once trained, you could find work with building contractors, government agencies, and employment services. If you have an entrepreneurial spirit, you could go into business for yourself.