Many professionals spend their entire careers working in an office setting, just another cog in the wheel of a large corporation. Perhaps they have a bit of responsibility, and rise to become a middle manager. But in general they won’t get to see many results from their work, or earn any satisfaction. If you want to roll up your sleeves and really dig into a job, and be there to see it through to completion, there are many other career options you could consider. One of the most lucrative and dependable is that of an electrician. A certified electrician with a lot of experience is always in demand. Think about how pervasive the need for consistent electricity is in the modern world. Most people would be absolutely lost if there wasn’t an electrician to call when things go south. If you enjoy science and don’t mind a hard day’s work, consider stepping on to the career path of an electrician.

Many people begin on this path because the educational requirements are not particularly stiff. To begin you will need a high school diploma, as well as a passing grade in an algebra course. It is possible to get a degree in electrician training from a technical school, but the majority of electricians learn their trade on the job. However, don’t expect to get started right away. You’ll first need to gain some experience as an electrician’s assistant. To start with you’ll learn the tools and look on as a professional electrician works on a job. But you’ll spend a lot of time cleaning and running errands. It’s the nature of the process, and if you cannot embrace it you should look elsewhere.

After your assistant training you will have to look for an apprenticeship program. Generally speaking you’ll need to complete four years as an apprentice under a licensed electrician in order to work on your own. You’ll have the chance to get involved with far more responsibility than you did as an assistant, and the aptitude you show will lead to more opportunities. You won’t be able to lead any job, but you’ll be an integral part of the work. And the best part is you’ll be paid during this apprenticeship, so you will be able to wholly focus on learning and growing.

While working as an apprentice you’ll develop a wide range of skills. An electrician needs to be able to think critically, to solve complex problems, to manage co-workers and associates and to interact with customers in a positive manner. You’ll learn to use a wide range of tools, such as voltage meters, cable reels, wire cutters, stripping tools and conduit benders, and must show expertise in all of them. If you want to go far and hopefully run your own shop some day, you’ll also want to learn CAD software design, database programs and various project management platforms.

Once your apprenticeship is complete you’ll have to earn an electrician’s license. You’ll need a license for each state you want to practice within, and the requirements vary from state to state. For example, some states will allow you to take the exam right after your apprenticeship, while others will want you to log a certain amount of hours of experience on your own. Either way the exam isn’t easy, so find practice tests if you need a refresher on any of the basics. Once you pass the exam, you will be able to work as an electrician. But the great jobs go to those with more experience. Consider working as an Atco electrician or with another reputable company to gain confidence and build a customer base before opening up your own shop. Then you get to be your own boss until the day you retire.