Have you ever been without power? Perhaps your town was hit by a severe storm, and you lost power for a few hours, or even a few days. Then you know how crippling it is not to have electricity. It’s a fundamental part of our everyday lives.
One of the people involved in setting up this critical service is an electrical contractor.
They are a huge asset to any building project because they ensure this service works correctly and that the client has the energy they need, whether it’s for a residential home or a large commercial building.
So, what does it take to become an electrical contractor?
The path begins with training to be an electrician and then becoming licensed and certified. The requirements for the license are determined by the state you work in. Various state and national organizations offer certification programs you can take advantage of to prove your expertise to employers and clients.
Licenses and certifications are easy to get confused, but they aren’t the same thing. A license is a legal requirement for electrical work. Certification is something you don’t have to have, but when you do, it shows you’re an expert in your field, which builds trust and respect with people you work with and for.
Why Should You Consider a Career as an Electrical Contractor?
Three of the biggest factors that affect your career choice are wages, cost of training, and job availability. When you consider a career as an electrical contractor, you win in all these areas.
According to Salary.com, an electrical contractor in the U.S. can make from $57,000-74,000 a year. As with any field, as your experience grows, so can your income. An electrical contractor can work for government agencies, private companies, or you can set up your own business and pick your clients.
There are two ways to get your training, and one of them pays you. Many trade schools offer training to become an electrician, and so the price of training depends on the cost of the classes. Another avenue to take is an apprenticeship, which combines on-the-job training you get paid for with classroom work. You have to apply and get accepted into an apprenticeship program, and they usually take four to five years to complete.
Electrical contractors are in demand because of the various projects they’re needed for. You can design, install, repair, and maintain electrical systems, and since our country is dependent on our power usage, your job is necessary for our standard of living.
What are the Steps to Become One?
A high school diploma or GED is required for most trade schools and apprenticeships. If you have one of those, then you need to decide if you’ll apply for an apprenticeship or follow the trade school route.
After your training is complete, get your license and certification. Based on the experience you had during training, you can pursue the parts of electrical work that appealed to you most. One of the advantages of electrical contract work is the variety of work available, so it’s easy to find a niche that is a good fit for you.
Other Than Technical Expertise, What Else is Needed to be a Successful Electrical Contractor?
To be successful, network with other electrical contractors in your area. Make it a priority to stay current with electric codes as well as any changes in regulations. Being able to communicate well with your team, problem solve, and think critically is also key to being successful as an electrical contractor. You also need to stay physically fit, become this work can be physically demanding.
Overall Benefits as an Electrical Contractor
Electrical contractors help keep our homes comfortable and our businesses functioning. It is a solid choice for a career because it pays well, the training isn’t expensive, and it is in demand.
Bratcher Electric in Wayne is a trusted electrical firm that has been keeping Southeast Michigan homes and businesses operating with electrical efficiency. Our electrical services keep customers up to code with electrical service upgrade, surge protection and new home wiring.
We also help keep homes and businesses powered up year-round no matter the weather with the most reliable back up power system available. If you have questions about electrical services or electrical contracting, get in touch with us anytime!