It depends on your companies policies and if you are part of the electrical union, the IBEW. Most IBEW locals do require a yearly drug test. Some non-union companies require it as well, as many can get lower insurance premiums if they routinely drug test their employees for safety. Even if your company does not …
Do you have to get drug tested to be an electrician? Read More »
It takes roughly 4 years to become a licensed electrician depending on what state you are in. Click below to see the licence requirements by state.
Licensing varies on a state to state basis. On the job experience is a must, usually around 4 years. Many states also require a minimum amount of classroom hours. Once you have the required work and classroom experience, you have to pass your license exam which tests you the NEC (National Electric Code) and electrical …
Yes. Layoffs are an unfortunate but common theme in construction, especially if you are working for a larger contractor. Construction is a very cyclical industry as job sites start and come to an end. There’s really no telling how often or when you will get laid off. Some companies will bounce you from job site …
I started my career as an electrician at the age of 19, and have been to many different companies and met hundreds and hundreds of electricians. I would estimate that 10% or less of electricians start out this young. It is extremely common if not the norm for people to become an electrician as a …
I’m 35 and looking for a career change. Am I too old? Read More »
Well to start, one belongs to a union, and the other doesn’t. I’m sure you already deduced that. There are a number of practical differences however, as things work a lot differently inside the electrical union, called the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, or IBEW. Life as a non-union electrician is pretty much as one …
What’s the difference between a union and non-union electrician? Read More »
This is a question I hear all the time. I want to make this loud and clear; YES! The electrical trade is hurting for skilled labor across the sexes. With less than 4% of field construction workers being women, companies are looking to hire you to help bring diversity and unique perspectives to the job site. …
It depends on where you are located. If you live in a very remote area, you will probably have to commute to find work. If you work in a busy city, you can most definitely find work near you. Most companies only take on work in specific cities, and rarely venture outside those lines. If …
The trades are very friendly to people of all backgrounds, even people who were previously incarcerated. It’s not at all uncommon to meet people who have done time and you should not worry about it affecting your ability to get into an apprenticeship program, even if it was for a serious offense. If asked, honesty …
Can I be an electrician if I’ve done prison time? Read More »
Absolutely! Depending on which GI Bill program you’re using, you can qualify for 100% of your benefits. For example, upon entering an approved apprenticeship program, The 9/11 GI Bill Monthly Housing Allowance can get you 100% of applicable housing allowance during the first 6 months of training, 80% the next 6 months, and so on …