Common Myths About Pursuing A Career As An Electrician

Posted on: 3 September 2018

Electricity is essential for most of the devices that people use throughout their daily lives. As a result, electrical careers are a popular trade for people to pursue. However, there are many people that may be dissuaded from pursuing this career by some frequently held misconceptions.

Myth: Electricians Are Always Low Paid

Individuals will often look at the initial salary that is earned by entry-level electrical workers and assume that this is a surprisingly low-paid career. However, this is far from the case, and the salary of electricians can rapidly increase as they gain experience and responsibilities. In fact, it is common for electricians to be among the highest paid individuals on project sites due to the difficulty of wiring a building along with the risks that are inherent in working with electricity.

Myth: There Is Little Room For Career Advancement For Tradesmen

For individuals that have an ambitious streak, there are numerous options for progressing and advancing as an electrician. One of the more common approaches will be to start a private contracting firm. However, it is also possible for these individuals to continue their education and receive advanced degrees so that they can work on large industrial projects, which can be some of the most challenging and lucrative.

Myth: The Training To Become An Electrician Is Short

When a person decides to pursue a career as an electrician, they will be committing to substantial amounts of training. The requirements for becoming a licensed electrician can vary from each state, but it will often require at least one or two years of electrical trade school along with an apprenticeship. After completing these steps, you may be eligible to take the exam to earn your license. This training can seem intense, but it is necessary given the complexity of modern electrical systems and the dangers of electricity. For example, an individual that wires a building incorrectly could contribute to a fire starting or a person suffering an electrical shock.

Myth: There Are No Ongoing Education Requirements For Electricians

Electrical system design and construction is rapidly changing in response to new technological developments and increasing electrical demands for homes and businesses. This makes it imperative for an electrician to remain informed about addressing the problems and challenges these changes can pose. As part of retaining your license to be an electrician, you may be obligated to attend continuing education courses that are designed to familiarize you with the changing nature of modern electrical work.

Share