5 Ways Becoming An Electrician Beats Heading Off To College
When it comes to planning for the future, many high school students are told that college is the only path that leads to a successful career. However, it turns out that electrical training can be a great alternative for those not interested in attending college. Here's why becoming an electrician is a viable and rewarding career choice.
1. Job Availability and Security
One of the biggest advantages of electrical training is job availability and security. As technology advances and older buildings require maintenance and updating, there will be a continued demand for skilled electricians. This need translates into job security and better career opportunities for electricians.
2. High Earning Potential
Electricians have a high earning potential, especially considering they don't need a college degree. The median salary for a brand-new electrician is just over $54K, and with experience, it can grow well into six figures. Conversely, the average college graduate makes $55K but often comes saddled with tens of thousands in student debt.
3. Shorter Time to Get Started
Another great advantage of becoming an electrician is that getting started takes a shorter time. While a college degree can take four years to complete, electrical training is much less time. Indeed.com reports that you need just 100 of classroom training at an electrical trade school to get started on your journey to certification or licensing.
4. Hands-On Training
In electrical training programs, you get more hands-on training than you would in a college degree program. Many people learn by doing, and hands-on training is essential. If you never fit well in a traditional classroom setting and are more of a hands-on person, electrical training may be the ticket to your future.
5. Career Variety
Electricians have diverse options when it comes to their career path. Once you have completed your initial training, you can pursue specialized areas of electrical work, such as an industrial, commercial, or residential electrician. In addition, you can also choose to specialize in automation systems, renewable energy, or electrical engineering. You will constantly have the opportunity to learn, grow, and improve yourself and your pay scale.
Becoming an electrician is a great alternative for students who want to get the practical skills needed for a lucrative career without the time, expense, or headache of going to college. In addition, this career path can be an excellent choice for those who want to start their careers with a shorter training timeline and a lower degree of financial burden. Becoming an electrician offers a challenging career path that is worth consideration and beats heading off to college.
Contact a local electrical trade school to learn more.