When considering the path of an electrician for your career, you must consider several options before taking the plunge into your electrical education. There are many questions you should ask yourself to ensure you are ready to become an electrician. Below are a few factors to consider before you begin to train yourself in the ways of an electrician.
Schooling
The first question you need to ask yourself is if you have the time, money and potential for schooling to learn the art of electricity. You need to make sure that you can attend classes and actually have a facility or training program in your area in which you can take electrical courses. If you do not, you will have to travel outside your city, which can pose time constraints and limits on your education. You also need to determine if you can afford classes or have a plan set aside for your tuition, which can become costly if you are not prepared.
Electrical Position
Once you have decided that you want to take classes to become an electrician, you will need to decide what position you would like to take on in the industry. There are three main branches of service in which you can apprentice in and you need to be prepared for what each position will offer. For example, an Outside Lineman is someone who works with boom trucks and has to climb high up on electricity poles. You need to be sure you can handle the heights involved in this position.
Salary
As an electrician, you will be earning a salary. The position you choose to pursue will determine the amount of money you will earn. On average, you should be able to earn at least $75,000 or more depending on where you live and the amount of electrical work you have available. You can also choose to start your own business which can help you to succeed even further.
Union Worker
As with many labor positions, there is the potential to join a Union. When you join a Union you have resources at hand to help you with legal issues or to avoid being treated unfairly. You have the option of finding employment that is unionized and not.
Safety
With the position as an electrician, you need to be prepared that this job is not one that is safe. You are at risk every time you deal with electricity. If you are smart and learn the position well, you will be able to understand the safety precautions involved and work to provide a safe environment every time you work a job. However, you must recognize that this position does come with safety issues that can even be life threatening.
By providing yourself with the proper training, you can have a successful career as an electrician. You can continue your training and climb up the ladder from technician to management and even the owner of your own electrical company which will offer you limitless potential in your community!