A career as a Certified Electrician in Seattle can be a rewarding way to get started in the construction field. These professionals install and repair electrical systems for residential and commercial customers.
Many electricians obtain their education through an apprenticeship program. These programs require 144 hours of classroom and practical training per year. They also place trainees with a local company for on-the-job experience.
Qualifications
Certified Electricians in Seattle work to install, repair and maintain electrical systems. This career path offers opportunities for growth, as well as steady income.
Earning a journeyman electrician license in Washington takes about four years of on-the-job training and classroom education. You can start the process by completing an apprenticeship program approved by the WDLI.
You can also gain the required training by attending a trade school or technical college. These programs offer classes that provide foundational knowledge, such as math, physics and industrial arts.
Once you’ve completed the classroom training and apprenticeship, you’ll need to take the journeyman licensing exam. Once you pass this exam, you’ll be eligible to become a master electrician or electrical administrator.
A master electrician will install and repair electrical components in residential and commercial spaces. An electrical administrator will be responsible for ensuring that all electricians are working in compliance with the law. They also oversee telecommunications contractors. These jobs can pay $40 an hour.
Experience
Electricians work on a variety of electrical projects. This may include installing wiring, equipment, and fixtures for a new home or business, performing maintenance work on a building, or troubleshooting problems for an existing structure.
In some cases, a Certified Electrician in Seattle performs inspections of electrical infrastructure to ensure that it meets safety standards and code requirements. This is particularly helpful for older homes and buildings that are undergoing renovations or are considering a major construction project.
The Northwest is one of the best places to be an electrician, and Certified Electricians in Seattle typically earn more than other areas. In fact, as of 2015, the average wage for an apprentice electrician in Washington state was the highest among all 50 states.
In addition to having a strong technical knowledge base, a Certified Electrician in Seattle should also have some sales experience. According to Tommy Mello, a trade company owner and investor, having this skill can help the technician earn more money.
License
With a booming infrastructure and new energy conservation projects, demand for electricians is on the rise. If you want to be a part of this exciting industry, you need to get a license.
A licensed electrician can work in residential, commercial, or industrial settings. These electricians are responsible for installing electrical components and repairing or replacing equipment, wiring outdoor lighting, and performing other duties related to electricity.
They are also responsible for the safety and well-being of people around them. They can earn about $40 an hour.
To become a licensed electrician, you need to complete an apprenticeship program. These programs are run by unions and offer 96 hours of classroom training.
Then, you must complete 8,000 hours of on-the-job training. You can then apply for a journeyman electrician license.
You can also become a master electrician or an electrical administrator. These positions are responsible for hiring other contractors, ensuring they work safely, and overseeing their work.
Insurance
Electrician insurance helps keep you protected from financial loss in the event of a claim. Whether you’re working for a residential or commercial customer, electrician insurance is an essential part of business operations.
As a certified electrician, you must carry liability insurance that protects you and your employees from claims of property damage and personal injury that you cause to third parties. This coverage pays for medical bills, court judgments, settlements and legal defense.
Errors and omissions insurance is another type of coverage you can purchase. This coverage pays for legal costs, court judgments and settlements if your clients accuse you of not doing the work you promised to do or performing it poorly.
You can apply for a license as an electrical contractor by filing a surety bond and electrical contractor insurance policy with the state. These are required for any electrical contracting business in Washington. You must include your exact business name, UBI number and business structure on both the bond and insurance application.