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May 11, 2022

Can An Electrician Apprentice Work Alone?

Can Electrician Apprentice Work Alone

Are you someone who is looking to go into the trades as an electrician? Trades are jobs that require top skills you gain through training while on the job or through an electrician apprenticeship. Trade careers like these are usually more stable and will require the best tech knowledge. That’s why you’ll need to take steps to ensure that you’re ready for a career as an electrician.

At IEC, we provide newer workers like you with the resources and training to help kickstart your career. We believe that investing in them is key to maintaining an edge in the marketplace and ensuring their success.

You’re likely wondering if you’re able to work alone while in an apprenticeship program. To address this question, you can once you meet the requirements as you advance in the program.

Today, we’ll discuss what this program is about and how you can develop your career as a solo electrician.

What The IEC Electrician Apprenticeship Program Is And How It Can Help You?

Our program is one of the top trade schools in the country for many reasons. When you enroll, you’ll get to learn new skills en route to becoming a journeyman electric worker. You’ll also earn a decent amount of money while learning as a worker for an IEC member contractor.

This program is four years long and consists of at least 144 classroom hours. As for expenses, the member contractor you work for will cover your costs. The only thing you would need to pay for is your textbooks.

Becoming part of our program is the first step in achieving certification as an electric worker. Here is a list of benefits you’ll get when you receive your electrician certificate.

  • More pay per hour
  • Better chance at a promotion
  • Gain a wide range of crucial skills that are essential in the electrical industry

Not only that, but you’ll receive top employee benefits that your IEC member contractor provides you. With these options, you’ll be able to have a long and prosperous career.

When Are You Able To Work On Your Own?

As you progress in the electrician apprenticeship program, you’ll be able to open yourself up to more opportunities. Below is a list of thresholds you’ll need to meet to work alone as an apprentice.

  • Complete the first four years of classroom training
  • Use the NJATC curriculum
  • Rack up at least 6,500 hours of OJT with up to par performance

When you meet these requirements, you’ll receive your electrician certificate and qualify to work alone on any job site. Not only that, but you’ll also receive work tasks in the same way as a Journeyman does. By going this route, you’ll progress in the electrician apprenticeship program and have the option to take on higher courses.

How Can You Progress Towards A Solo Career As An Electrician?

Once you qualify to work alone, you’ll have the option to progress towards a solo career in the electric field. Here are some ways you can advance your skills and grow your solo career potential.

Training To Be A Journeyman

One of the most common routes you’ll go through once you receive your certificate is the Journeyman Training. As an apprentice, you’ll be taking part in courses that will help you gain crucial skills.

Here is a brief list of courses you’ll be focusing on as part of your training to become a journeyman.

  • Electrical codes
  • Lighting
  • Transformers
  • Wiring

Once you finish up these courses, you’ll take an exam to receive your Journeyman license. With this type of certificate, you can expect to have great potential for high earnings. Below are some factors that will decide what you’ll be earning as a journeyman.

  • Where you live
  • Demand for electric workers in your location
  • Depth of your degree or certificate
  • Whether you do commercial or residential work

Any worker who studies at an elite school (e.g., an electrician apprenticeship with a top company) can earn up to $79,000 a year. If you want to advance your career in a big way, then make this program part of your plans.

Training To Be A Master Electrician

You can also advance your career prospects with our Master Electric Worker program. When you opt for a master certificate, you’ll stand to gain more options at solo job openings. You can also choose jobs that don’t focus on just large work crews. If you’re an introvert, you’ll have a chance to seek jobs that meet your unique needs.

When you go through this type of training, you’ll be taking on more hands-on courses. With these courses, you’ll get to work on solo tasks instead of dealing with group settings in the classroom. Even if you’re in a large class, you’ll feel more alone and comfortable as you enhance your skills. All these training options help go a long way in helping you grow your career.

Business Courses To Prep Your Future As An Electric Business Owner

What makes our electrician apprenticeship program one of the best is that it helps prep future business owners. We offer these business courses below to help train you to run a small business on your own.

  • Best ways to hire workers
  • Managing your time
  • Prepping your taxes
  • Setting your budget

Unlike regular courses, business courses at electric schools will help focus on the distinct needs of your career.

Another great perk to these courses is that it preps you for your future ideal business lifestyle. There are three ways our business courses can help meet your goals.

  • You’ll gain a better picture of who to choose to work with you.
  • Your business stands to be more independent.
  • You’ll know which settings will best help meet your comfort levels.

For example, you could open a residential business in your neighborhood instead of commercial places like shopping centers. Once you complete these courses, you’ll be ready to take on the challenges of being an electric business owner.

How You Can Enroll In Our Electrician Apprenticeship Program

There are some steps you’ll need to take to receive acceptance into our apprentice program. Here’s a list of what you’ll need to complete your first step towards a career in the electric field.

  • Complete an employment application on our website.
  • Have a valid driver’s license and a reliable form of transportation
  • Pay a $20 cash application fee
  • Provide a copy of high school transcripts or GED with test scores
  • Set up an appointment with IEC for the math assessment
  • Pass the basic IEC math assessment

To apply for our program, you’ll need to schedule an appointment at (513) 542-0400. Make sure to have your documents with you to avoid any delays.

How IEC Can Help Transform Your Career

At IEC, we stand ready to help you fulfill your goals of landing a career as an electrician. With our nationally recognized apprentice program, you’ll gain the skills and hands-on learning you need to help kickstart your career.

Ready to take the first step towards becoming an electrician? Then apply for our program today. You’ll be glad you did when you’re earning a great wage with benefits while serving the Greater Cincinnati community.