5 Myths About Working as an Electrician

The demand for some jobs comes and goes. But the demand for electricians will always be high. Our society depends on electricity for just about everything, from keeping our homes warm to making sure the government can continue operating. That makes it one of the most secure careers you can get into.

Even though electricians have been part of our country for over 100 years, there are still a lot of misconceptions about what they do. If you’re considering becoming an electrician, here are 5 myths you need to be aware of.

1. You Don’t Need an Education to Become an Electrician

It’s true that you don’t need a four-year degree to start down the path of becoming an electrician. But that doesn’t mean you don’t need an education to learn how to become an electrician. At the very least, you will need to go to trade school and/or get job training. Then, you’ll need many hours of on-the-job apprenticeship before you can be certified as an electrician.

The more education you receive, the better your chances of getting a great job in the electrical field. With more education and training, you can get more specialized jobs that are in higher demand.

2. There’s No Career Growth in the Industry

When you first become an electrician, you’ll likely be doing the very basic work, like checking wiring and installing simple components. But as you become more skilled, you’ll get more and more jobs, either as a subcontractor or as a contractor yourself. Plus, there’s always something new to learn as systems become more complex.

When you first enter the field, you may only get a few jobs here and there, depending on where you decide to work. But as you become more well-known, the hours you work will come out to a full-time job — if not more. Of course, if you decide to open up your own shop, you can set your own hours!

3. Working in the Electrical Field Is Dangerous

Becoming an electrician naturally means working in dangerous situations. But if you have the right training and education, the work really isn’t too dangerous. Your training and education will include safety protocols and usage of equipment to lessen your risk of being shocked or otherwise injured.

You’ll need to make sure that the school you attend is accredited and recognized for its safety-minded curriculum so that the education you receive will prepare you for any dangerous situations you may encounter.

4. The Electrical Industry Is Dying

It seems that every day, new complicated systems come out that run on electricity. Because the trade has been around for so long, and new technologies are continuously released, it can seem like electricians are being phased out. But that couldn’t be more wrong.

Green technologies rely on electricity to operate properly, and new electricians are crucial to the success of the industry. Businesses, households, governments and other organizations all need a new generation of electricians to keep the lights on. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts the demand for electricians will increase by 10% by 2028.

5. All Electricians Are the Same

The electrical industry is one of the most diverse in terms of specialties, whether electricians work indoors or outdoors, at businesses or in homes. The good news is, you don’t have to pick a specialty when you start down the path of becoming an electrician. The right job training will cover all of the focus areas of being an electrician.

Once you receive your training, you can start your apprenticeship with an electrician that either specializes in a specific type of electrical work, or who does every type of job. The opportunities are wide open when you get the job training your need!

Learn How to Become an Electrician at Center for Employment Training

Your first step to becoming an electrician is to get job training. Without it, it can be incredibly difficult to get an apprenticeship and get into the industry. The good news is, the Center for Employment Training offers courses to learn how to become an electrician. Find a location near you and take your first step toward a job in a secure, profitable industry!