Building & making

Electrician

Electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical power, lighting, and control systems. The work can combine practical problem-solving, safety procedures, and changing job sites.

What the work can involve

On a typical day

  • Read plans and follow electrical codes
  • Install or troubleshoot wiring and equipment
  • Test systems and document completed work

Possible settings

  • — Homes and commercial buildings
  • — Construction sites
  • — Industrial and maintenance settings

Skills to explore

Careful attention to safety · Practical math and problem-solving · Communication and teamwork

Preparation

There may be more than one route

Many electricians learn through an apprenticeship; technical school and employer training are also possible. Licensing requirements vary by state and locality.

ApprenticeshipTrade or technical schoolEmployer training

Things to consider

  • Work may involve heights, tight spaces, weather, or physically demanding tasks.
  • Apprenticeship availability and licensing rules vary by location.

Explore related education paths

These are options to investigate, not required matches or recommendations.

Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships combine paid, supervised work with related instruction. Availability, pay, eligibility, and program structure depend on the occupation and sponsor.

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Trade and technical schools

Trade and technical programs teach occupation-specific skills. Some lead to certifications or prepare students for licensing exams; verify what each program actually qualifies you to do.

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Community college

Community colleges may offer career certificates, associate degrees, transfer preparation, and flexible schedules. Programs differ by campus.

Explore

Find official training directories

These national search tools can help you find programs by location. They are directories, not school recommendations.

Nationwide directory

Search electrician apprenticeships

U.S. Department of Labor · Apprenticeship.gov

Search apprenticeship job opportunities by occupation and location. Electricians are included among the site's nationwide trending occupations.

How to use it: Search for Electricians and enter a city, state, or ZIP code. Review each listing's registration tags and contact the sponsor about current openings.

Confirm before applying or enrolling: Listings come from multiple sources and can change. Confirm the sponsor, registration details, eligibility, pay, and application dates directly.

Source checked Nov 2, 2026

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Nationwide directory

Locate IBEW/NECA training centers

Electrical Training Alliance

Find local inside-wireman training centers in the Electrical Training Alliance network, which is jointly associated with IBEW and NECA.

How to use it: Choose a state or area, then contact a local center for its application schedule, eligibility, and program details.

Confirm before applying or enrolling: This locator covers the alliance's inside-wireman network, not every electrician program or apprenticeship in the country.

Source checked Nov 2, 2026

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