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What Increasing Home Construction Means for Electricians

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What Increasing Home Construction Means for Electricians

November 29, 2021

In October 2021, almost 260,000 permits to build new homes were issued in the U.S., a 4% increase over September 2021, and the most in a single month since 1978. 

This is largely in response to skyrocketing demand, with builders playing catch up. With hundreds of thousands of homes planned to be built in the near future, electricians have ample opportunities to further their careers. 

Why are residential construction permits on the rise, and can builders keep up?

Economists point to the pandemic as the biggest contributing factor. Many people are relocating to areas with lower costs of living. One survey found that more than 50% of Bay Area residents—who live in one of the most expensive regions on Earth—plan to relocate within the next few years.   

The desire to move has put pressure on the housing market. Demand is up. Housing supply is down. This has caused housing prices to soar. In July 2021, prices went up a record 19.7%.

Home builders have stepped up to try and meet this demand. But the truth is, builders can’t build fast enough. Robert Dietz, chief economist at the National Association of Home Builders, says:

Usually you’d say, ‘if there isn’t enough inventory, the construction industry will provide the rest,’ but the challenge is, we already went into this pandemic constrained by labor and land.

So, the number of new homes planned to be built is the highest it has ever been, as evidenced by the 260,000 new permits issued in October 2021. But actually starting construction requires labor, material, and equipment—which builders have limited access to as the supply chain is constrained.  

That said, the construction industry is doing everything it can to keep up. Over 1.28 million new, privately owned residential housing units were built in 2020, the most since 2007. Builders are working hard to meet demand. And they need ample labor to do so.

The current labor market favors electricians.

An increase in residential construction, both now and in the future, is a great sign for licensed electricians. Electricians are indispensable to the home construction process, for obvious reasons. 

The type of work electricians do differs on a per-home basis. In general, electricians wire an entire home before the walls go up, and return toward the end of the project to put the finishing touches on everything electrical. 

Here is a list of of the type of work electricians perform on new homes:

  • Run wire throughout the home before walls go up
  • Prepare electrical hookups for appliances
  • Install lighting
  • Hook up heating and cooling systems
  • Wire hot water heaters
  • Install caps, outlet plates, and switches
  • Connect all fixed appliances (washer, dryer, dishwasher, etc.)
  • Install home automation devices

In addition to the above, and in California specifically, electricians are also required to help with the installation of solar panels. The state of California mandated in 2020 that all newly built houses have solar. 

Electricians are a big part of the new home construction process. And right now, new homes are being built as quickly as possible. More homes are planned to be built in the near future than ever before. Supply chain shortages are one of the factors forcing builders to delay construction. 

If you are interested in becoming an electrician, now is a great time. You must first complete vocational training. I-TAP offers a 26-week electrical trainee program that gets you the experience needed to earn your trainee card and join the workforce. Get in touch today to learn how to enroll and get more information about class schedules! 

Ready to learn a skilled trade and work on some of the most exciting commercial construction projects in California and beyond?

I-TAP is an electrical apprenticeship program that helps you find your passion, grow your skills, and place you in the perfect electrician job.

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Considering a Career Change? What You Should Know

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Considering a Career Change? What You Should Know

November 9, 2021

A recent survey found that 52% of working-age adults in the U.S. are considering a career switch. 

This is not entirely surprising, especially as America’s workforce deals with the effects of the pandemic. Dozens of the nation’s largest retailers have laid off thousands of workers in the past two years. At the same time, workers from all industries are quitting their jobs at unprecedented rates. In June 2021, there were more than 10 million job openings, the most ever recorded by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.  

If you are interested in changing careers, you are not alone! Millions of people are pursuing a new career path. Here are some factors to consider as you decide whether or not to make this type of switch. 

If you want to change careers, be sure you understand why, as this will help you know what you need out of your next job.

Why do people pursue a career change in the first place? Higher pay and greater flexibility are one of the most important factors when it comes to leaving one career to pursue another. Nothing else really needs to be said. If you want to make more money, and see that potential is there in a completely different field than the one you currently work in, you should go for it!

But some decide to switch careers even if it means taking a pay cut. One survey found that the number 1 reason people consider a career change is because they are unhappy with their current job and would take less to work in a job sector they enjoy. 

Do you know why you want to switch careers?

It might help to make a list of what you dislike about your current job and what you hope for in a new job. For example, if you work long hours, you may want to find a job that provides for more flexibility. Or maybe you work a job with limited potential to grow into higher roles with more pay and you want to start a new career with a clearer path to promotions and raises. Creating a list is especially helpful if you don’t yet know what new career to pursue. You can narrow down your preferences and match that up with jobs that most closely match those preferences. 

Assess your current skills, as these can help get your foot in the door faster. 

Switching careers can be a lot easier if you consider the skills you already have, even if these skills were acquired on your own time and not in a professional setting. If you are an expert when it comes to working on cars, you may be able to translate those skills into a career as a mechanic. Or a metal worker. Or a welder. Or any similar job that requires work with tools and machines. 

The point is, you may be able to leverage your current skills into a job. The bonus here is that your skills probably align with what you are passionate about! Switching to a new career that aligns with your skills and interests can make a career change easier and allow you to go to work doing what you enjoy. 

Just keep in mind: if you don’t have previous professional experience, you will likely start your new career in an entry level position. This may mean taking a pay cut, at least initially, to do what you enjoy. 

Some careers require newcomers to complete a certified training program before they are allowed to work in the field.

People that want to switch careers might consider going to school for the first time, or going back to school to earn a degree in a different field. Most people think college is the only way to earn that education—but it’s not! Other educational paths can be an option depending upon the career you wish to pursue. 

Perhaps the most obvious of these paths is trade school. If you want to join the construction trades, you must first attend a trade school and pass any required exams before you can work in the field. 

Careers outside of the construction trades also require training. These include emergency medical technician, certified nursing assistant, commercial truck driver, and cosmetologist. 

Switching into a career with required training can actually set you up for long-term success. You will still start your new career as a beginner just like everyone else. However, you will already have the knowledge you need to do your job well on day 1. This can result in more promotions and more raises in a shorter period of time.

Millions of Americans are considering a career change. Making the switch to a completely new field can be a big challenge. Thinking about these factors can help:

  • Ask yourself why you want to make a career change and determine what you are looking for in a new job.
  • Assess your current skills and hobbies, as you may be able to translate them into a job and career you enjoy.
  • Consider pursuing a career which requires a degree or certification. Your education may make it more possible for you to attain raises and promotions. 

Ready to learn a skilled trade and work on some of the most exciting commercial construction projects in California and beyond?

I-TAP is an electrical apprenticeship program that helps you find your passion, grow your skills, and place you in the perfect electrician job.

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Do You Need Previous Experience to Join a Trade School?

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Do You Need Previous Experience to Join a Trade School?

October 29, 2021

The answer is… no! You do not need previous experience to join a trade school. You can be a complete novice. Even if you have never held a wrench before, you can enroll in classes, learn the ropes, and begin working in the construction industry. 

In fact, courses are designed to take beginners and build up their knowledge to the point where they can work productively and safely on a job site. Will you learn everything you need to know about being an electrician? No. Some things take years of experience to learn. But you’ll learn what you need to get hired and succeed.

While students sometimes start classes after gaining previous experience in construction, instructors don’t expect students to know anything about the program or trade. And everyone takes the same courses. There are no “advanced” or “upper division” classes. The construction trades are regulated by the state and federal government. 

So, if you want to become an electrician, you should know that you can join an electrician trade school even if you have never turned a wrench before. It does not matter if fellow students in your class have worked hands-on with tools and are already somewhat knowledgeable in the trade. 

A trade school education is roughly the same for everyone, regardless of what school they attend or how much they know beforehand. 

The trade school curriculum is designed for beginners, and the majority of people who attend electrical trade school will have had no prior experience. After all, how do you get experience as an electrician without first going to school? You really can’t—at least, not safely. The only experience one may have is knowledge of basic electrical principles. Some people may also be mechanically inclined, so they know how to use tools better than others. 

But that prior knowledge doesn’t amount to much. The learning experience for everyone will be the same. And at the end of the course everyone will have the same knowledge and abilities. 

It doesn’t even matter which electrical trade school you attend. The state of California mandates that electrical trainee students take at least 720 hours of classes. Some trade schools do have courses that have more hours. Here at I-TAP, students in our 26-week electrical trainee program receive 900 hours of instruction. That said, at a basic level, electrical trade schools across California are required to cover the same material. 

The only real difference between trade schools is the size and sophistication of their hands-on labs. 

The state-mandated education is one of the factors that make a trade school education different from a 4-year college. 

Students at 4-year colleges must take required courses to earn their degree. But even students in the same major can take different courses to fulfill their requirements. And the same course at two or more different colleges may cover vastly different material, as course material is not mandated by the state. 

In addition, prior experience in a subject does matter, as professors expect students to already know many of the topics covered in the class. This is especially true in upper division courses. Remember, electrical training courses have only one track. There are no upper level courses required, so what you learn in class and lab is what you will need to know on the job.

Electrical trainee courses are built for beginners. Never hammered a nail? It really won’t matter. You may need to play catchup in developing your mechanical abilities. But when it comes to school, once the course starts, everyone in the class will receive the same training. It’s different for students at a 4-year college. These students may have more options, but those options don’t guarantee the same experience, even for students in the same major. 

If you are interested in becoming an electrician—and you are just a beginner with no previous experience—contact I-TAP! Our 26-week trainee program is perfect for people of all backgrounds and experience levels. Get in touch to learn more today.

Ready to learn a skilled trade and work on some of the most exciting commercial construction projects in California and beyond?

I-TAP is an electrical apprenticeship program that helps you find your passion, grow your skills, and place you in the perfect electrician job.

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Can You Take An Electrician Training Course Online?

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Can You Take An Electrician Training Course Online?

October 18, 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic forced many schools at every level to transition from in-person instruction to online. In some states, elementary-aged children all the way up to college-aged adults took classes from home for up to a year. 

This was true not only of traditional schools, but vocational schools as well. Many training programs were forced to go online in 2020. Where possible, some trade schools like I-TAP took lab instruction outside as a way to maintain social distancing. 

Today, most trade schools are back open, holding in-person classes. But those who are interested in attending a trade school may wonder if any programs are still being offered fully online.

To become an electrician, you must attend a federally or state-certified electrician training program. Only two California-certified programs currently offer online classes, though details are limited. (Keep in mind that California’s registry of state-approved programs offers few details about each program, and information may not be up to date. Contact the programs you are interested in to learn more about the availability of online classes.) 

So, it may be possible to sign up and take online classes. But remember, for most programs, classroom instruction is only part of the curriculum.

You may still be required to attend in-person electrical lab sessions, and here is why.

The state of California requires that electrical trainee students earn at least 720 hours of training. The course you enroll in should cover topics such as electrical theory, motor control, national codes, and safety. At I-TAP, students in our 26-week electrical training program receive 900 total hours of instruction—320 hours of which are spent in the lab! 

Hands-on lab training cannot be easily replicated in an online-only format. In a lab, you get to work with tools, run wires, climb ladders, and use cutting equipment. All of this prepares you for work on a real job site. 

Electrician training programs in California that switched to online instruction did so due to the pandemic. Now that in-person instruction is allowed, online classes are not commonly offered. If you sign up for an online program, be sure to ask about in-person lab sessions. Online classes may only be offered for the classroom portion of the program. It is important to enroll in a program close enough to commute to if you need to attend lab sessions in person.

In-person trade school is also good in that it can help students form relationships that an online course may not allow.

Forming positive connections with teachers and fellow students can go a long way in helping you learn and grow. This is especially true in a lab environment, where teachers get to mentor students and even work alongside them. 

It’s one thing to listen to a lecture and take notes—it’s another thing to apply what you have learned. Working in the lab means you get to practice what you are taught.  

And the lab is really where you can get comfortable with teachers and other students. It can give you the chance to ask practical questions and learn from mistakes. And asking questions is an important skill. This is especially true—and almost expected—when you get your first job after completing an electrician training program. In fact, most supervisors like when you ask questions.

Getting to know your fellow students, teachers, and supervisors is a great way to learn! It’s also a good way to earn a positive reputation, and that can go a long way on the job. This is one of the reasons that trade school, and lab sessions in particular, are much better suited as in person. In-person classes are also indispensable when it comes to developing connections that can help you get a job and grow your career.

It would be difficult to complete a fully-online vocational training course. Unlike a traditional college, you need hands-on training, which you cannot get unless you work in a lab. Working in a lab gives you the chance to learn exactly what it will be like to work on a real jobsite.

If you want to become an electrician, contact I-TAP today. We can answer any questions you may have, and help you get started on your career!

Ready to learn a skilled trade and work on some of the most exciting commercial construction projects in California and beyond?

I-TAP is an electrical apprenticeship program that helps you find your passion, grow your skills, and place you in the perfect electrician job.

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How Much Does it Cost to Become an Electrician?

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How Much Does it Cost to Become an Electrician?

September 29, 2021

Becoming an electrician in California does not happen overnight. It requires professional training, thousands of hours of supervised working experience on actual job sites, and passing a state exam. If you do want to work as a licensed electrician, it is important to know the cost of the vocational schooling, licensing fees, and work equipment you will need. 

You must attend trade school to become a licensed electrician. Tuition cost depends on which school and program you choose. 

Those that want to become an electrician must enroll in a state or federally approved electrical training program. There, you will learn electrical theory and safety in the classroom and have the chance to put your knowledge to the test with hands-on training in a lab. 

While the material covered will be roughly the same, regardless of what program you attend, there will be differences in the time it takes to complete the program, the amount of hands-on training, and tuition cost. 

How long does it take to complete the program? This depends upon the school and program. A community college program may take several years to complete, depending on the availability of courses. Conversely, at I-TAP and other institutions dedicated specifically to electrical education, an electrical trainee program can be completed in as little as 26 weeks. The time it takes to complete the program is important. Once the program is complete, you can join the workforce as a trainee and start earning money. 

How much does tuition cost? The average cost of tuition at a community college is $3,400 per semester, or approximately $6,800 per year (this price does not include the cost of books or housing). However, at a community college you may not be able to take just the courses required for electrical certification. Some electrical courses may have prerequisites—courses you must take before you can take the electrical course in question—such as math classes. Prerequisites and limitations in course availability mean that it can take several years to complete the required coursework.

Schools which are dedicated specifically to electrical education tend to be a little pricier. For instance, tuition for I-TAP’s 26-week trainee program is $17,500. However, some of this cost is due to materials which are included in the cost of the program, but which are not in community college programs. I-TAP’s program also offers significantly more hands-on training than the typical electrical program.

And remember, all eligible students may be able to take advantage of financial aid that may help pay some or all of the tuition costs at both community colleges and trade schools like I-TAP. 

In California, you must also pay a fee in order to apply for and take the state certification exam. 

After you’ve completed your required coursework and hours working in the field as an electrician trainee, you must pass the state certification exam to become a licensed journeyperson electrician. 

Currently, the fee to apply to take the exam is $75.00. The fee to take the exam is $100.00. You may incur additional fees, such as when you must renew your certification. All exam fees can be found on the California Department of Industrial Relations' website. 

You must also take into consideration the cost of tools and equipment, as these will be necessary on the job. 

Every electrician must have their own set of tools and gear. You will want a personal toolbox, as well as your own tool belt and personal protective equipment. While some tools may be provided by the company you work for, it’s best practice to carry your own tools so you can be ready to work whenever required. 

If you already have some experience working in the trades, or even just basic knowledge of what electricians do, then you may know what tools you need. But if you are just starting out, you are probably wondering what essential equipment you must get before your first day on the job. 

Here are just some of the basic tools that you need on day 1:

  • Screw drivers
  • Tool belt
  • Level
  • Tape measure
  • Needle-nose pliers
  • Diagonal cutters
  • Utility knife

As you can see, these are fairly common tools that you are likely to find online or at the hardware store. You can purchase tools individually or buy them as a set. If you do buy a set, be sure to take inventory of what tools might be missing so you can buy those separately.

The costs associated with becoming an electrician include tuition, exam fees, and the cost of tools. While it is not free, the investment can certainly pay off. Electricians are one of the highest earners among all trade careers. The job outlook is strong and there does seem to be plenty of work opportunities in the commercial and industrial sectors. 

Working as an electrician can be a rewarding career filled with unique opportunities—if you are ready to start your career as an electrician, contact I-TAP! Our staff is here to answer any questions you may have and help you get started on your career. 

Ready to learn a skilled trade and work on some of the most exciting commercial construction projects in California and beyond?

I-TAP is an electrical apprenticeship program that helps you find your passion, grow your skills, and place you in the perfect electrician job.

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How You Can Take Advantage of the Skilled Labor Shortage

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How You Can Take Advantage of the Skilled Labor Shortage

September 14, 2021

There is currently a skilled labor shortage in the United States. This means there are more jobs available than workers to fill them.

One factor leading to this skilled trade labor shortage is the changing workforce. Baby Boomers are reaching retirement age. Many of these retirees leave behind skilled trade jobs at which they have worked for decades. The problem: younger people who are looking for employment are not qualified to fill these now-vacant positions due to lack of experience and training. 

As Baby Boomers continue to retire, employers are struggling to fill the positions left behind.

Baby Boomers make up a large portion of the skilled trade workforce. Approximately five million Baby Boomers work in the construction trade industry. Of those five million, more than 500,000 work as electricians. 

Millions of jobs will be left vacant as the oldest generation of the workforce retires. This is a big reason why 80% of contractors say they struggle to hire enough workers.

But trade employers who need to fill vacant positions say much of the available workforce is unqualified. It takes at least a few years to attain journeyperson status in the trades. To become a journeyperson electrician you must get your trainee card, work the required hours as an apprentice or trainee, and pass a state exam. This generally takes four years, but can take longer. 

It doesn’t matter if you are in your 20s, 30s, or 40s. Now is the perfect time to enter the trades, work your way up to journeyperson status, and take advantage of the vacant job positions left behind by retirees. 

The skilled labor shortage means there is ample opportunity to earn a relatively high income working in the trades. 

Employers are looking for workers across all industries. Some industries pay more than others. Low pay is one reason workers are leaving careers in retail, hospitality, and even warehouse and manufacturing. 

These workers are quitting to seek better-paying jobs. And while the trades are having difficulty hiring new workers, low pay is not a concern. Once you become a journeyperson, you can earn an income that is much higher than minimum wage. The median average salary for electricians in the United States is $56,900. That works out to $27.36 per hour of work (assuming a 40 hour work week). Federal minimum wage is just $7.25 per hour.

But wages vary depending on where you are. In California, the median pay for electricians as of 2021 is $69,956. This works out to $33.62 per hour, more than twice California’s minimum wage of $14.00 per hour.

It does not matter how old you are or what stage of life you are in—if you want a high paying career in an industry with ample job opportunities, joining the trades is a good choice. Not only are there more jobs currently open than there are workers, but the pay, for electricians in particular, is significantly higher than minimum wage. 

Job opportunities in the trades are widely available. Older generations are retiring, leaving job positions that employers must fill. However, younger generations do not yet have the experience necessary to fill these roles. On top of this, millions of people across the country are looking for higher paying careers in the wake of the pandemic, and a career in the trades can provide a higher than average income.

To become a journeyperson you must attend trade school. I-TAP is a Sacramento-based electrical training school. We offer electrical trainee and apprenticeship programs. Our goal is to prepare you to take the state exam and enter the workforce. If you are interested in becoming an electrician, don’t hesitate—contact I-TAP today!

Ready to learn a skilled trade and work on some of the most exciting commercial construction projects in California and beyond?

I-TAP is an electrical apprenticeship program that helps you find your passion, grow your skills, and place you in the perfect electrician job.

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