If you’re wondering how to become a journeyman electrician, chances are you’re a pretty hands-on person. As an electrician, you’ll be installing and servicing electrical equipment, whether that’s in homes, commercial buildings, or municipal infrastructure. You’ll be working with your hands every day!
Since you’re wondering what it takes to become a journeyman electrician, you might also be new to the construction trades. Let’s take a look at what we mean when we call a tradesperson a “journeyman” and then consider the steps it takes to reach that level.
What is a journeyman electrician?
A journeyman electrician is a trades professional with advanced skills. They’ve passed the “trainee” or “apprentice” phase of their on-the-job education and are able to work independently. After working as a journeyman for a certain period of time, they can advance to the level of master electrician.
In some states, “journeyman” is an officially recognized designation for licensure. Only electricians who have trained for a set number of hours, completed required coursework, and/or passed a state licensing exam can call themselves journeymen.
However, not all states use this designation. Georgia, for example, doesn’t officially refer to intermediate-level electricians as journeymen. In practice, you may hear electricians refer to themselves as journeymen – you might even encounter job postings for journeymen electricians – but it’s not an official title.
Regardless of whether journeyman-level professionals are recognized by your state, a journeyman electrician is someone who is in between the trainee and master levels.
How long does it take to become a journeyman electrician?
It usually takes four or five years to become a journeyman electrician, but there may be ways to become one faster.
Keeping in mind that different states have different rules for journeyman, intermediate, or non-master licensed electricians, you’ll typically need around 8,000 supervised hours of electrical experience.
“Wait a second,” you’re probably thinking. “How long to become a journeyman electrician?” Four years and 8,000 hours seems like a long time!
It is, but remember that you’ll be paid a good wage during those four years! Even apprentice or trainee-level electricians earn a good living and usually receive health insurance and retirement benefits through their employers.
As far as how many hours to become a journeyman electrician, that may vary by state as well. Check out your state’s requirements for electrical contractor licensing. Journeyman or intermediate license will usually require around 8,000 hours or a combination of state-approved coursework and fewer on-the-job hours.
Steps to become a journeyman electrician
Now that you know what a journeyman electrician is and what’s involved in becoming one, here’s a step-by-step plan for getting there:
1. Get trained
It can be hard to find a good job in the skilled trades if you haven’t received any training. There are two ways to get it:
- Construction training program: A dedicated program for construction training is typically short, inexpensive, and delivers exactly what you need to get your foot in the door at a great company.
- Community college program: These programs can last anywhere from a few months to more than a year. In addition to lasting longer, they usually cost more than a dedicated training program. However, they might include state-approved training courses that can reduce the number of hours you need to earn an electrician’s license.
If you need to get a good job soon, a dedicated training program is the way to go. At Construction Ready, we prepare people of all ages and backgrounds for construction careers during a 20-day program. Construction Ready is fully funded by outside sources, so you pay nothing to get trained! We also introduce you to employers during the training course, and most of our graduates (97%) have a job lined up before they finish the training!
2. Find your first electrician job
Add your credentials and training to your resume and start applying for jobs! The construction industry faces an almost chronic worker shortage, which means you shouldn’t have to wait long for an employer to take you on as an entry-level worker.
If you’ve already completed your training and are submitting job applications, you might get multiple offers. Be sure to weigh the pros and cons of each offer, including pay, benefits, work environment, and the general vibe of the company.
3. Keep learning on the job
Journeyman electricians have been in the trenches. They’ve worked hard for at least a few years learning all there is to know about the electrical trade. After 3 to 4 years and around 8,000 hours of on-the-job experience, you should be able to apply for journeyman or intermediate-level licensure. You may have to sit for an exam, depending on your state’s rules.
4. Become a journeyman electrician
After completing the requisite number of hours and/or passing a licensure exam, you can call yourself a journeyman electrician! With this designation on your resume, you can probably compete for higher wages and a broader array of electrician jobs.
Start your career as an electrician now
The first step is getting trained to work in the trades, and you can get started today!
Sign up now to attend an info session for Construction Ready. You’ll learn all there is to know about the program, your job and career prospects, and how we help you get hired. We’ll also take the time to answer all your questions, so you’re totally comfortable with the decision when you decide to enroll.
An exciting career as an electrician is absolutely within your reach. Take the first step today!
