What it Takes to Be An Electrician in Texas

Starting a job as an electrician can be difficult but it sure is fulfilling. It can give you enough money to live life more comfortably and it can give you satisfaction about doing something worthwhile with your life on earth. But I know you’re wondering, what does it really take to become an electrician? Of course, we’ll be discussing just that in this article.

Work the Hours

The first thing you need to do to become an electrician is to train to be one. You can enroll in training courses or you can seek out an apprenticeship from someone who already knows the industry like the back of his hand. You cannot be an electrician without experience and practice. This means regular schooling isn’t really something that you need. Although you probably need to finish high school or something, that's pretty much all the classroom-based learning you’d need to be an electrician.

For the most part, you’d already be tinkering with wires and other electronic devices to learn the ropes about being an electrician. The cliche quote on experience being the best teacher applies in this regard.

Choose a License That Suits You

Technically speaking, Texas does not require a license to be an electrician. But that’s just state-side. Different counties and cities in Texas would still tell you to get one, so it’s pretty necessary to do electrical work.

According to Texas law, electrical work is any labor or use of a material in relation to installing, maintaining, and extending wiring systems and other related equipment indoors or even outdoors. So if that’s something you really want to do, you need to get licensed ASAP!

However, it’s not that simple. Electricians have varying specializations according to preference and level of expertise. There are journeymen, residential, commercial, and even master electricians. The only thing you need to do is figure out in which bracket you belong, then go for it.

Establish Your Reputation

If you want to be a successful electrician, you simply cannot ignore the need to put yourself out there. And by out there, I mean establishing a reputation both offline and online. The way you can do this is by joining websites that post classified ads for skilled work. Or you can also opt to make your own website in order for you to be seen and reached by more potential clients. Trademarking your business is a great way to build familiarity in your business as well.

Get Protection

Once you get licensed, you better get protected in two ways. First, invest in safety gear and equipment. Next is to buy insurance. This is for your peace of mind and to ensure that you won’t get hurt during your work (or at least that you have enough cushion to cover you in case you do). Insurance is sometimes required with getting a license in other states, but that doesn’t mean that it’s not a good idea to get one for electricians working in Texas. When you’re working with live wires every day of your life, you have to take precautions seriously or else.

Renew Your License Yearly

Once you’ve finished a year’s worth of work as an electrician, you need to keep in mind that you have to renew your electrician’s license in Texas. Why? Well, to stay updated, of course! An updated license ensures clients that you stay on top of your game to deliver the best service to them. It also guarantees that you won’t be a hazard to yourself and to others since you’re still knowledgeable about the subject matter.

Scale-Up and Improve your Business

After years of work being an electrician, it’s time to get licensed as a master electrician in Texas. This is the highest kind of electrician there is and it means you’re already the best of the best at what you do. Plus, once you’re a master electrician, you can take in apprentices and teach a whole new lot of electricians in your area.

If that’s not really something you want to do, then maybe you’d be interested in starting your own electrical repair company and have a fleet of electricians at your beck and call.

Now that you know everything necessary to become an electrician in Texas, what are you waiting for? Get training and pass your license exam now!