Employment of electricians is projected to grow 14 percent from 2014 to 2024, much faster than the average for all occupations. As homes and businesses require more wiring, electricians will be needed to install the necessary components. The job prospects for electricians should be very good, as many employers report difficulty finding qualified applicants.
Bureau Of Labor Statistics
WHAT IS THE WINDEMULLER APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM?
Apprentice electricians are people on their first step toward becoming fully licensed and capable journeyman electricians. Windemuller has an excellent apprenticeship program which is a blend of classroom and paid, on-the-job training. Unlike many competitors, Windemuller pays for all apprenticeship fees – school, books and other training costs.
Learn more about the training here. Typically, this will be 144 hours in the classroom and 2000 hours on the job, and last about 4 years. Apprentices learn theory, mathematics, how to read blueprints and schematics, state and local electrical codes, safety, and more.
WHAT ARE THE EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS?
To start as an apprentice, you need to be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or G.E.D. In addition, apprentices need at least one year of algebra, pass an aptitude test and be drug free.
JOB SKILLS AND REQUIREMENTS
Troubleshooting: Apprentice electricians must be able to find the root cause of issues and think logically about solutions.
Customer Service: Apprentice electricians often work for many different customers, and must be friendly when working on site.
Critical Thinking: When diagnosing problems, apprentice electricians must think critically in their process of repairing the issue.
Mechanical Skills: Apprentice electricians read blueprints and schematics and use an array of tools and diagnostic devices to service and install electrical parts.
Color Vision: Apprentice electricians work with colored wiring and must be able to identify them by sight.
CAREER PATHS
Once training is complete, apprentices become journeyman electricians. Electricians read blueprints, solve math problems and install electrical systems (all while adhering to numerous electrical and building codes). If you enjoy exercising your brain while working with your hands, then a job as an electrician may be right for you.
Electricians are licensed by states, and regulations and designations vary, but all states follow the National Electrical Code, and all recognize three basic categories: apprentice, journeyman and master.
HOW MUCH DO ELECTRICIANS MAKE?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) states that as of May 2016, Florida has 35,080 electricians making an hourly mean wage of $21.30 / $44,310 annually. Apprentices typically make less than the median.