Electrician school


  #1  
Old 08-29-11, 10:17 AM
3
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: USA
Posts: 184
Upvotes: 0
Received 0 Upvotes on 0 Posts
Electrician school

hey Pro electricians... I am a 51 year old, out of work for a long time.
About the only thing I can think of for a new line is becoming a licensed
electrician with a minor in solar/wind. I have unlimited time this year.
Where would you go for an intensive/fast 1-2 year or less course that
comes with proper certification. I will be in the Florida region this winter but anyplace would do. I want a fast program. Not an installers course or something like that. A full license is what I want. Any info appreciated....
 
  #2  
Old 08-29-11, 10:20 AM
pcboss's Avatar
Forum Topic Moderator
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Maryland
Posts: 13,976
Received 194 Upvotes on 170 Posts
Many areas require an apprenticeship program and 5-7 years of validated work experience before being allowed to sit for the masters test.

I really can't add much more.
 
  #3  
Old 08-29-11, 11:32 AM
B
Member
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: New England
Posts: 9,460
Received 47 Upvotes on 43 Posts
A fast course in solar and/or wind sounds possible and certainly in demand. No electrical license required as you can hire an electrician if/when needed. Specific knowledge, business, and sales skills are the high priority. There are also many programs where a certification is sufficient, usually a course for a couple of weeks.

Bud
 
  #4  
Old 08-29-11, 11:33 AM
Tolyn Ironhand's Avatar
Group Moderator
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: United States
Posts: 14,332
Received 877 Upvotes on 740 Posts
IF you want to get in to the trade fast, with limited time, I suggest getting into the power limited side of things. Low voltage network cabling and the like. Demand is good and the requirements are much less and in some cases not licensed. My state requires 4,000 hrs of work experience before you may even take the journeymen test. 2 years of school = 1,000 hours.
 
  #5  
Old 08-29-11, 11:52 AM
Gunguy45's Avatar
Super Moderator
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: USA
Posts: 19,281
Received 6 Upvotes on 6 Posts
I'd really have to think long and hard about starting into a licensed/certified trade at 51. Even if you are working under someone 20 yrs your junior you will be expected to be doing all the crap work to start out.

"Hey newbie, need you up in that 120 degree attic to run these wires"...."Hey newbie, time to get in that muddy roach infested crawlspace to check for whatever"......"Hey newbie, go get those 10 spools of wire out of the van and bring them up to the 3rd floor".

How are your knees, back, and tolerance level?
 
  #6  
Old 08-29-11, 12:11 PM
I
Forum Topic Moderator
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Near Lansing, Michigan
Posts: 9,785
Upvotes: 0
Received 45 Upvotes on 43 Posts
I think you will have to move to a state that has no or low licensing requirements. The states that do require licensing generally mandate at least 4-5 years of school, training, apprenticeship or some combination of similar experience. Mike Holt has a very comprehensive state-by-state list of licensing requirements here:

Mike Holt Electrical Licensing Boards
 
 

Thread Tools
Search this Thread
 
Ask a Question
Question Title:
Description:
Your question will be posted in: