Electrician

Certificate(s):

• Residential/Commercial Electrician (Apprentice)

If you have been fascinated by electricity, then you might want to look at a career as an electrician. Electricians also enjoy one of the higher paid specialty-industry fields with a solid future as America becomes more dependent on consistent and well-maintained supplies of electricity.

You can become an electrician by entering a four-year apprenticeship program through the sponsorship of a Master Electrician or through the sponsorship of a company that provides electrician services under the supervision of a Master Electrician. Candidates must complete 8000 hours of on-the-job training in the program during the apprenticeship time with classroom instruction also being provided. At the completion of the apprenticeship, the individual is qualified to take a state-licensing exam to become a Journeyman Electrician.

There are two general types of electrical work:

• Construction work, which includes reading blueprints, wiring, installing, and testing electrical systems; and
• Maintenance work, which involves troubleshooting, testing, and fixing already installed, improperly functioning, electrical systems.

Some Electricians become electrical inspectors, enter teaching programs, or work as construction consultants. A few enter training programs to become contractors. Electricians are also finding that their profession is becoming linked with those who do computer and telecommunications wiring. Over 15 percent of electricians take additional classes on telecommunications systems, wiring, and the electrical interfaces.

At Tomball College, specialized electrician courses are offered that emphasize application more than theoretical development. The courses complement the on-the-job training and mirror real world situations by providing classroom studies with hands-on applications in high-tech laboratories. The program also works with local electrician providers/companies to insure the class focus meets their needs and on preparing the student to pass the Texas State Licensing exam.

The core courses will transfer to a variety of colleges and universities. Contact a counselor or faculty adviser for specific information or obtain the recommended sequencing of courses.

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