New Jersey Electrician Schools

 

The demand for skilled and erudite electricians in Ner Jersey has soared, , especially with the advancement and ubiquity of technology. Recuperating from the economic meltdown of 2009, the construction world is finally regrouping and new projects are popping up from wherever one looks. With new building projects follow lucrative opportunities for electricians to come across stable contract work.

In addition, haven’t you noticed that America is going greener? Companies in Ner Jersey are investigating sustainable ways of harnessing energy, and electricians are being called upon to install solar panels, wiring systems, etc. Electricians also have their hands busy with private homeowners who hire them to help them make their homes more environmentally friendly.

 

These trends and recent shifts haven’t evaded New Jersey and job opportunities for electricians are only projected to escalate in numbers over the coming years. There has never been a better time to pursue a career as an electrician in New Jersey. It you enjoy serving people and consider yourself technology apt, such as solving problems, this could turn out to be the perfect career for you. If you are considering venturing into this field, here are a few things you should know.

Duties of a New Jersey Electrician Do

Electrical systems offer safe electricity for our businesses, schools, homes, and myriad other buildings. These systems are vital for maintaining the economic benefits and lifestyles that most of us take for granted most of the time. In an electrical training program, you will learn how to maintain and install electrical components such as panel boards, switches, outlets, circuit breakers, and wiring. Furthermore, you will realize why solid training in the electrical trade offers the foundation to learn how to work with green energy technology like motion sensors and solar panels.

Electricians leverage a wide array of testing devices to isolate and identify electrical problems. The nature of their job often entails them to repair, maintain, and install control systems, lighting, and power. Inside electricians are also responsible for control systems, equipment, and large motors in factories and businesses. Residential electricians troubleshoot electrical problems and install wiring in homes.

A large percentage of electricians work near full-time or full-time with a chunk of time spent working late evenings and sometimes even on weekends. During inclement weather, it is important to remember that work schedules can vary considerably. Often scheduled maintenance projects entail electricians to work overtime. A minority of electricians are self-employed, mostly laboring in residential construction.

Electricians typically do the following tasks:
• Maintain and install lighting, control, and wiring systems

• Read technical programs and blueprints

• Identify electrical problems and issues using a wide array of testing devices

• Inspect electrical components, such as circuit breakers and transformers

• Follow local building and state regulations based on the National Electrical Code Repair

• Replace fixtures, equipment, and wiring using power tools and hand tools

• Train and direct workers to repair, maintain, and install electrical equipment or wiring.

The following are two examples of different types of electricians:
1. Inside electricians: Inside electricians maintain and repair control systems, equipment, and large motors in factories and businesses. They utilize their knowledge of electrical systems to make these facilities operate efficiently and safely. Some also install the wiring for factories and businesses that are being built by the day. To alleviate the chances of equipment failure, inside electricians often perform scheduled maintenance as well.

2. Residential electricians: Residential electricians troubleshoot electrical problems and install wiring in peoples’ homes, which can be wither multi-family or single-family dwellings. Those who are employed in new-home construction provide access to power and install outlets where needed. Those who work in remodeling and maintenance typically replace and repair faulty equipment.

Job Skills Needed

Electricians require strong troubleshooting and critical-thinking skills, since they need to diagnose electrical problems with accuracy and come up with best ways of fixing them. It is also helpful to possess custom-service skills, since electricians work with myriad people on a regular basis, and should be able to respond to questions in a highly professional manner. In addition, there are a plethora of self-employed electricians as well. Business skills are a priority for these electricians because they must assign projects, manage payroll, keep track of inventory, and bid on jobs.

Job Growth for Electricaian in New Jersey

A 20% growth in career opportunities has been projected for electricians in New Jersey over the next decade, According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). More and more electricians are needed to maintain and repair older equipment in manufacturing plants. Based on the New Jersey government alternative energy policies, they might be needed to link wind and solar wind sources to power grids and homes in near future. As newer manufacturing plants become more reliable and efficient, electricians will be needed to maintain and install systems.

The average annual wage for electricians was found to be $51,880 in May 2015, according to BLS. Electricians work outdoors and indoors in nearly every type of facility. While the job description of an electrician is not as perilous as certain other construction occupations, probable injuries include falls, cuts, burns, and electrical shocks.

Becoming a Journeyman Electrician in New Jersey

The first step on your journey towards becoming a journeyman electrician in New Jersey is to garner a high school diploma or opt for an equivalent GED. This is indispensable and will help you in the long run during the process of becoming an electrician, especially when you hit the licensing stage.

Next, you should do your homework and make a list of credible trade schools which incorporate courses in an area that you are passionate about. It’s up to you to decide if you want to enter a specific field, or become a general electrician. There are an immense number of accredited schools in New Jersey which would cater to your preferences. In addition, a plethora of certified schools offer flexible online courses as well to facilitate working students. However, you need to be careful when selecting a trade school, and check with the New Jersey Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors to verify that the school has indeed received recognition by the board.

In parallel with your studies, it is prudent to complete an apprenticeship to fortify your career path. An apprenticeship is a vital element of your practical training and helps you make good on the supervised working hours that are requisite before you can qualify for a license. An apprenticeship offers you the opportunity to gain experience in handling the most commonly occurring field related problems and ask questions from experts in your field. Not to mention, you can even earn some money on the side while being an apprentice. Here’s a break-down of both career paths to help you with your choice:

Apprenticeships:
PROS: Most apprenticeship programs are low cost, needing you to pay for some classes and basic equipment, and even allow you to make money on the side while being a part of the program.
CON: Apprenticeships can be very difficult to obtain, with many applicants being turned away regularly. You’ll be subjected to multiple rounds of interviews, more than one entrance exams that test your electrical theory, and experience long waiting lists of eligible candidates. However, the waiting is worth the while.

Schools:
Pro: Schools allows you to garner sound education, and graduate with skills that can land you a job. You can nail good jobs as soon as you graduate.
Con: Schools can be at the pricier end of the spectrum, and you have to choose a school within your means and be careful with how much you spend.

Becoming a Licensed Electrician in New Jersey

After graduating from your chosen course and completing your apprenticeship, you are expected to apply for a journeyman electrician license. You need to fulfill around 8000 supervised hours to be considered qualified for a license, which your apprenticeship allows you to accumulate, according to New Jersey law. It is also explicitly written that half of these hours need to have been acquired within 5 years preceding your application date. Furthermore, to become eligible for a license you have to show proof of accumulation of a minimum of 576 hours in a classroom, prior to submitting your application. When handing in your application for a license, a written proof of all these requirements is needed, in addition to the fact that you hold a high school diploma.

Once you have obtained your license, you need to remember that the responsibility of keeping the license falls upon you alone. Cover all your bases when working with clients and adhere to the National Electrical Code at all times. You also need to renew your license regularly. Failing to meet a renewal deadline could result in facing fines and charges. Regarding your position, staying on top of these administrative things will enable you to build a good reputation as a licensed journeyman electrician in New Jersey.

Listed below are the qualifications needed for an applicant in detail. You are required to provide relevant proof of the following:
• You should possess a high school diploma or GED

• The age of the applicant must be more than 21

• You should have a minimum of 5 years of practical hands-on experience, immediately preceding the submission of the application, working with the tools in the repair, alteration, and installation of power, heat, or electric light. In addition, the work shall have been done in accordance with the National Electrical Code.

On the other hand, you may also satisfy the hands-on, practical experience requirement by having:
• Completed at least a year of practical hands-on experience and complied with the eligibility requirements for a trained journeyman electrician as listed above. You are required to present a certification by an employer pertaining to the supplementary year of practical hands-on experience, and corroboration of having satisfied the eligibility requirements of a qualified journeyman electrician.

• Completed a 4-year apprenticeship program accredited by both a federally certified State agency and a Federal agency, and a minimum of 1 year of hands-on practical experience. As verification of the above listed requirements, a certification by an employer pertaining to the hands-on practical experience, and a certificate of completion given by the apprenticeship program should also be submitted along with the application.

• Completed two years of practical hands-on experience and obtained a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering. You are required to provide a certification by an employer pertaining to the supplementary 2 years of practical hands-on experience, and a copy of your diploma.

• Worked in the field of electrical contracting for a minimum of 5 years, instantly preceding the application date. You should provide a certification by an employer as a proof that you have at least 5 years of hands-on, practical experience.

Soon after the approval of your application, you’ll receive a registration form which is to be filled correctly and mailed to the service with the appropriate fees. It is mandatory to attempt a three part examination based on the New Jersey codes, as well as the National Electrical Code, which has to be passed successfully. The New Jersey Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors assesses all tests. Upon passing the three-part examination with flying colors, you will receive a packet of licensing information to guide you along. Please keep in mind that New Jersey State doesn’t have reciprocity with any other state in the United States.

Electrician Certification in New Jersey

There are a plethora of electrical licenses you can apply for. For more information on each one, feel free to contact the New Jersey Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors to advice you on the best course. Everything from sign electrician to linemen is included. You should keep all these requirements in mind when deciding which area to specialize in, or if not to specialize at all. Compare the licenses available with your ideals to decide what to study before you start.

New Jersey Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors handles all things related to electricians in the New Jersey State. Visit their website to garner specific information in each individual licenses, and the one that you wish to apply for. They can also be accesses via post or telephone. Since all electrician schools in New Jersey are witnessing an influx of students all over the State, be sure to apply as soon as possible, so that you get a head start on your future competition.

 

Find Electrician Schools in New Jersey

Locating an electrician trade school in New Jersey has never been easier. With locations in South Plainfield, Mahwah, Union, Wayne, Paterson and Vineland you’ll be able to drive just a short distance to find a quality program to enroll in. Below are just a few we recommend researching.

Pennco Tech
As a military friendly school, Pennco Tech offers career training for those looking for a new and exciting career as an electrician. They have locations at: 99 Erial Road Blackwood, NJ 08012.

NJ Place – Your Pathway to a College Education
Earn college credits while you train. They offer apprenticeship program in: inside wireman, outside lineman and residential wireman.

Camden County College
CCC Technical Institute offers an electrical residential, electrical technology and basic to advanced program. Locate a campus near you in Blackwood, Camden or Cherry Hill, NJ.

 

Resources:
http://www.nj-iec.org/apprenticeship.php
http://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/elec/Pages/default.aspx
http://www.njeca.org/