Do-It-Yourself, with Some Help |
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December 27, 2005
by Austin Brentley
Technical Programs Columnist
Have you ever had electrical wiring in your house break down? Have you ever wanted to install track lighting into your hallway or add an air conditioning unit into your living room? Chances are, you probably had to hire an expensive electrician or rely on friends with experience. However, did you realize that becoming an electrician is easier than you may have believed?
Becoming an Electrician
Believe it or not, becoming an electrician does not require several years of intense training followed by an apprenticeship. There are many paths to mastering this particular trade. Below are the three most popular avenues to becoming an electrician:
- Some electricians actually do go to vocational or technical school. However, this usually requires a substantial time commitment, not to mention hefty tuition fees. This option is best reserved for those who are extremely serious about pursuing this skill professionally.
- Some electricians are self-taught, relying on manuals, guides, and trial-and-error methods. While this method can be effective, it takes a lot of skill, determination, and time. Most would-be electricians don't care to risk their safety and the integrity of their homes to amateur skills.
- Many electricians combine the two above paths. They take online classes and supplement their learning with guides and helpful web sites. The advantage of this method is that you still get to learn under the careful instruction of certified instructors, but you don't need to attend a full-time campus program without being certain that becoming an electrician is the right career for you.
Thus, if you are a homeowner who casually wants to delve into HVAC and electrical wiring, you needn’t jump headfirst into an intense curriculum that far exceeds your needs. Taking online classes is a great way to educate yourself about what's involved in becoming an electrician.
About the Author:
A freelance writer and researcher, Austin Brentley currently lives and works in Bangkok, Thailand. His previous experience includes working for a lobbying firm in his native Washington, DC, teaching English in Japan, and working for various record and television studios in New York. Austin holds a B.A. in history.
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