Good color vision is needed because workers frequently must identify electrical wires by color. Applicants for apprentice positions usually must be at least 18 years old and have a high school or vocational school diploma. Courses in electricity, electronics, mechanical drawing, science, algebra, and shop provide a good background. A background in electronics is increasingly important for people wishing to become maintenance electricians because of the increasing use of complex electronic controls on manufacturing equipment. To obtain a license, necessary for employment in most localities, electricians must pass an examination that tests their knowledge of electrical theory, the National Electric Code, and local electric and building codes.
Experienced electricians can become supervisors.
Electricians with sufficient capital and management skill can start their own contracting careeres. In many areas, a contractor must have an electrical contractor's license. Job Outlook Employment of electricians is expected to increase about as fast as the average for all occupations through the year 2000. As the population and the economy grow, more electricians will be needed to maintain the electrical systems used by industry and to install electrical devices and wiring in new homes, factories, offices, and other structures. New technologies also are expected to continue to stimulate demand for workers.