Electricians can follow a variety of career paths. A residential wireman installs electrical wires in homes and apartment buildings, while other electricians do similar work in commercial and industrial buildings. Telecommunications technicians are electricians who install computer cables, phone lines and other types of low-voltage or fiber optic wiring. An outside wireman installs and maintains power lines that convey electricity from power plants to homes and businesses.
To work in the electrical trades, one needs the right education to land that entry-level position. Some electricians learn through an apprenticeship, but many start out by attending a technical school such as Fortis. Most states require electricians to be licensed, so a quality education is key for many who enter the field, where completing an apprenticeship as an electrician can take as long as six years.
Apprenticeship opportunities are available through a trade group called the Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) which has more than 50 training centers that provide training to as many as 10,000 apprentices every year. Pre apprenticeship training can distinguish an aspiring electrician from others seeking employment in the electrical trades.
U.S. employment for electricians is expected to continue to increase over the next 10 years, according to the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics. As “smart home” technology continues to grow across the country, there may be a demand for trained electricians to install the necessary components.
Fortis offers an Electrical Trades Program at campuses in Birmingham, AL and Forty Fort, PA. If you are interested in a career in electrical trades, check out the Electrical Trades page on the website or call 1-855-436-7874 for more information.