Hello all!
I have been an avionics technician in the business aircraft industry and military for about 15 years and am looking for a change. I live in Denver Colorado and was wondering if someone out there can give me some pointers about becoming an electrician, such as how long it takes, what is required as far as education, what entry level wages are like, and who I can call for more info.
I really want to become my own boss someday, and aviation is too regulated and beaurocratic for me. I enjoy doing home improvements and even upgraded my house’s electrical service and added circuits under guidance from the city code department. I think this is something I would really like. Any info would be helpful!
Replies
I think the best place for you to find out is call the city code department and ask them what is the requirement is. Each state might have a different requirement. It may take you two years of school and then work as apprentice for 6 months to a year. take a one or two day test to get a journeyman license. Then another year before you can take the a one week test for master license.
Sparkman; your best bet would be contact a local electrican,he can point you in the direction of the nearst local electrical union,they have electrician traning programs.. Good Luck..
ToolDoc
I like the IBEW. If I were in your shoes I would give the local IBEW hall a call. Maybe a sit down with the business manager would help clarify all your options. No obligation either way. Some union training programs are outstanding others less so. Most locals won't push if you don't wish to participate. Even if you don't go that route at least you will not have missed a chance to consider all your options.
Either way good luck. We can always use good people in the trade.
4Lorn,
I noticed that there are a few ways to go, namely throught the IBEW, community college, or the Rocky Mountain Independent Electrical Contractors organization (non-union).
I'll check them all out. I am assuming that I have to get both residential and commercial experience to get my Journeyman's license, but after that can I just do what I want?
Check with the agency that does licensing. There may be a residential only license available to you. If you only intend to do residential work it may fit the bill. This type of license is, typically, a bit cheaper to get trained and licensed in. It would limit you in some ways and provide a less well rounded education and background but many do not find this to be a problem.
Without making it sound too rosy, as with any situation there are potential problems and issues, I like the way many, not all, union locals are organized and run. A journeyman can sometimes, depending on availability and the local, choose the type of work they do by selecting a major job or the type of contractor they hire out to. It is possible in some cases to work new residential construction for a month or two and then switch to commercial or industrial work.
It is good that you are checking out your options before getting too far in. The more you learn about what your options are the greater the chance you will make a wise choice. A choice that will serve you well in the future.
I too left the field of aviation in pursuit other interests. Primarily because of increasing liabilities and regulatory oversight. As an A&P, IA, and commercial pilot, the fun vs. liability just wasn’t there anymore. Good luck on your new adventure.
Edited 11/18/2002 6:49:03 PM ET by ORACLEDESIGN
Ok before I get started Remember this is all tongue in cheek. Big wink nudge nudge.
First of all, From a grease monkey to you your name should be IMSPARKFARMER. or IMCONEHEAD. These are the names we refer to the (stupidonics) avionics.
Please accept my appologies now for my tainted view of the magical world of the smoke generators. Welcome to the forum and "have at her" sort of speaking.
I have now learned that all I was taught about electrons in school was all bulls----. All electrical stuff runs on smoke. If you let the smoke out of the box, it won't work, right? So just keep the smoke in the box.
Once again welcome, And newbee's are expected to buy the drinks at the bar ( See "the bar is open"). As well as furnish hats and T-shirts for all.
Hey jet,
Thanks for the info. I would have been a knuckledragger but I could sign my own name. ;)