You’ll need to devote several years to education and training if you want to work as an electrical contractor. Having a strong foundation in math and electronics from school is a great place to start. The most common type of formal training is an electrical apprenticeship, but there are also more informal ways to learn this trade.
Whether repairing a fuse box in a home or installing a wiring system in a new skyscraper, an electrician must be a master of any electrical system. You must be familiar with the numerous scientific principles that govern electricity, as well as how to safely provide the appropriate current for a project and be knowledgeable about local and national building codes.
You might have the skills to become an electrical contractor if you excel in school subjects like math, science, and shop. Many vocational and technical school programs exist to prepare you for a career in the electrical industry. These can be useful, but they aren’t always necessary. On-the-job training is the only way to fully prepare for a career in electrical contracting.
Apprenticeships are the best way to obtain this training. Apprenticeships in the United States, for example, last four to five years and require 144 hours of classroom instruction and over 8,000 hours of field work. Apprentices will learn all of the skills required to become an electrical contractor, including how to read blueprints properly, prepare work sites for electrical work, install various types of wiring, and perform electrical maintenance, as well as the necessary repetition to make these decisions on their own in the future. Apprenticeships are typically run by trade unions, and you must apply through them to get started.
An apprenticeship certifies that you have mastered all of the skills required to work as an electrical contractor, but it is not the only way to get started in this field. Informal training can be obtained by assisting and learning from an electrician while doing construction work. You can learn the same skills as an apprentice by assisting, asking questions, and doing independent study, though probably over a longer period of time.
Most places require a test to obtain a contractor’s license, regardless of how your education came together. This will be a written and practical exam covering all of the fundamentals and problems you’ll need to know to work as an electrical contractor. Your education does not end once you obtain a license and begin working. Many employers require contractors to participate in continuing education in order to stay current with the latest technology and techniques.