Are you ready to finally start the journey towards your dream career? If you've always wanted to work in the electrical field but aren't sure where to begin, take a look at what you need to know about electrical training, your first job, and more.

Training Is Mandatory

While some jobs are easy to jump into with a high school diploma, electricians need more than this type of degree. If you have no experience in this field and no prior education (after high school), you can start your new career at an electrical trade school. This type of program provides future electricians with foundational skills in electrical systems, wiring/circuitry, safety practices, and more.

Along with classroom-based learning experiences, you'll also need hands-on training. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), a four to five-year apprenticeship program is typically part of the training process. The BLS notes this could include 2,000 hours of paid training per year.

Specialization Is an Option

Some electricians work as general residential or commercial contractors. But this doesn't mean you can't specialize in one aspect of the industry. As you learn more about the electrical trade in school and during your apprenticeship, you'll have the chance to explore career options. Specializations include (but aren't limited to) road systems, industrial, low voltage systems, aviation, marine, solar, and telecommunications electricians.

If you plan to specialize in one aspect of the industry, ask if your potential future electrical trade school offers advanced classes in the area. You can also talk to your instructors about their own experiences in specific electrical jobs. This can help you to decide on a specialization. You may also find a mentor at school—especially if one of your instructors also specializes in an area that interests you.

Trade School Choice Is Important

Now that you know more about what type of training you need and what specialization options are available, it's time to take the next step and choose a school. This doesn't mean you should sign up for electrician training courses at the first school you google or the program that's nearest to your home location.

Instead, you need to consider several factors before you choose a school. These include the course offerings, instructor credentials, ties to electrical contractors in the area (for future apprenticeship experiences and job opportunities), class or program schedules, the cost/financial aid possibilities, and the overall route to electrician certification the program offers.

To get your electrical training started, contact a local electrician trade school.