How to Become a Helper for an Electrical Journeyman

Overview
A journeyman electrician is a master of installing and maintaining wires and fixtures. His day is filled with technical work that leaves little time for him to perform the more mundane tasks on the job. You can become an electrical journeyman’s helper by learning to perform those tasks the journeyman does not have the time to do. As an electrician’s helper you are an apprentice taking classes and training on the job to learn the trade with the goal of becoming a journeyman yourself one day.

Step 1
Get and maintain a valid driver’s license. One of the biggest parts of being a helper is getting to and from the job site and to pick up supplies. A clean driving record will allow you to be insured to drive a company vehicle making you more valuable to a prospective employer.

Step 2
Visit the local branch of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, also known as the IBEW. Join the union’s apprenticeship program. This program requires you to take classes and work as a helper to learn how to become an electrician.

Step 3
Study basic electricity on your own. Read books and magazines concerning electrical work. Visit the hardware store and learn what different electrical tools look like and how each is used.

Step 4
Go to your local community college or trade school. Sign up for the classes required by the apprenticeship program. Take your studies very seriously. Your school performance will be monitored by the IBEW apprenticeship program administrator and the results will affect your employability.

Step 5
Purchase steel toe boots, safety glasses and a hard hat. These safety items will be required on every union job. Contact your local IBEW office. Ask the field representative to be placed on the availability list. Report to your first job as an electrician’s helper.

Reference
Become an Electrician; What Does Electrician Helper Do?; Become an Electrician; 2011


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