ELECTRICITY

ABOUT THE ELECTRICIAN: Black Girl Beauty School of Careers welcomes students who are strong, self-motivated and fast paced learners who desire to learn, grow and help others. The Electric Business is a recession free industry that’s wide open, with unlimited opportunities! 

 As an electrician apprentice, you'll gain the knowledge and hands-on skills necessary to work with electrical systems in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. Electrician apprenticeships combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction, allowing you to develop both the technical and safety skills required to become a licensed journeyman electrician. Here's what you can expect to learn during your apprenticeship:

• Wiring Techniques: Learn to install, connect, and troubleshoot electrical wiring for lighting, outlets, and appliances in homes, businesses, and industrial facilities.
   
• Circuit Design: Understand how electrical circuits are designed and how to safely install circuit breakers, fuses, and other safety equipment.
   
• Conduit & Cable: Learn how to install and protect wiring using different types of conduits (e.g., EMT, PVC, and flexible conduit) and cable systems (e.g., Romex, BX).
   
• Electrical Panels: Gain experience installing and servicing electrical panels and load centers, including circuit breakers and fuse boxes.
   

• Lighting Installation: Learn to install a variety of lighting systems, from simple fixtures to complex lighting controls, dimmers, and outdoor lighting.
   
• Power Systems: Gain expertise in installing electrical outlets, switches, and other power distribution systems for both low- and high-voltage applications.
   
• Grounding & Bonding: Understand how to properly ground electrical systems and equipment to prevent shock hazards and ensure system reliability.
   
• Generators & Backup Power: Learn how to install and maintain backup power systems, such as generators and uninterruptible power supplies (UPS).
   

• Reading Electrical Blueprints: Learn how to read and interpret electrical blueprints, schematics, and wiring diagrams to plan and install electrical systems.
   
• Electrical Symbols & Codes: Understand the symbols, abbreviations, and notations used in electrical plans to ensure accurate installations.
   
• System Layouts: Gain experience in creating layouts for electrical systems that meet building codes and design specifications.
   

• National Electrical Code (NEC): Learn the National Electrical Code (NEC) and local electrical codes that govern how electrical systems must be installed and maintained for safety.
   
• Permits & Inspections: Understand the process of securing permits for electrical work and passing inspections to ensure compliance with codes.
   
• Safety Standards: Study electrical safety standards, including arc flash, lockout/tagout procedures, and equipment maintenance standards.
   

• Voltage & Current Measurement: Learn how to use testing equipment (e.g., multimeters, clamp meters) to measure voltage, current, resistance, and continuity in circuits.
   
• Troubleshooting: Develop problem-solving skills to diagnose electrical issues like short circuits, power failures, or faulty components, and make necessary repairs or replacements.
   
• Load Calculations: Understand how to calculate electrical loads to ensure systems are not overloaded and operate efficiently.
   

• Workplace Safety: Learn the importance of adhering to safety practices, including the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, safety glasses, and insulated tools.
   
• Electrical Hazards: Gain awareness of electrical hazards, such as electric shock, arc flash, and fire, and how to avoid these dangers through safe practices and proper equipment handling.
   
• Ladder & Fall Protection: Understand how to use ladders and scaffolding safely while working in high places, such as installing ceiling lights or working on electrical panels.
   
• Lockout/Tagout Procedures: Learn how to isolate and de-energize electrical equipment before servicing to prevent accidental electrical shock.
   

Your apprenticeship will involve a great deal of on-the-job training, where you'll work directly under the supervision of a licensed journeyman or master electrician. Some hands-on skills you’ll develop include:

• Wire Stripping & Splicing: Learn how to strip and splice wires for making secure connections in outlets, switches, and junction boxes.
   
• Installing Electrical Boxes: Gain experience installing electrical boxes for outlets, switches, and other devices, ensuring that they are properly anchored and level.
   
• Installing and Connecting Fixtures: Install light fixtures, ceiling fans, outlets, and other electrical devices, ensuring they are wired and mounted securely.
   
• Switch & Outlet Installation: Learn how to install and wire switches and outlets for proper electrical function.
   
• Troubleshooting and Repairing Systems: Get hands-on experience troubleshooting electrical problems and making repairs, including replacing wiring or circuit breakers.
   

• Project Coordination: Learn how to coordinate with other trades on job sites, such as plumbers, HVAC technicians, and carpenters, to ensure that electrical work integrates smoothly with other systems.
   
• Customer Communication: Gain communication skills to explain electrical work and issues to customers, including providing cost estimates and timelines.
   
• Time Management: Learn how to manage your time effectively to complete electrical projects on schedule, including prioritizing tasks and avoiding delays.
   
• Documentation: Understand the importance of keeping accurate records of work done, materials used, and inspections passed for project documentation.
   

In addition to your practical experience, you will spend time in the classroom learning:

• Mathematics: Learn basic and advanced electrical math, including calculations for voltage, current, resistance, and power.
   
• Electrical Theory: Understand the principles of electricity, including Ohm’s Law, electrical circuits, and the relationship between voltage, current, and resistance.
   
• Codes & Regulations: Study the National Electrical Code (NEC), local electrical codes, and safety standards to ensure your work complies with industry regulations.
   
• Energy Efficiency: Learn how to install energy-efficient systems, such as LED lighting, energy-efficient appliances, and solar power systems, which are increasingly important in modern electrical work.
   

Upon completing your apprenticeship and meeting the required hours and training, you can:

• Become a Journeyman Electrician: Take and pass the journeyman exam (if required) to become a licensed electrician, allowing you to work independently.
   
• Master Electrician: After additional experience, you can work towards becoming a master electrician, which may involve taking an exam and passing advanced qualifications. Master electricians can run their own electrical contracting businesses or supervise apprentices.
   
• Specializations: You can specialize in various fields, such as industrial electrical work, solar energy systems, smart home automation, or high-voltage systems.
   
• Electrical Contractor: With experience and licenses, you can also become a self-employed electrical contractor, running your own business and managing your own team.
   

As an apprentice, you’ll work in various environments, including:

• Residential: Installing electrical systems in new homes or repairing and upgrading systems in existing homes.
   
• Commercial: Working on larger buildings such as office buildings, schools, and hospitals, where you’ll install and maintain more complex electrical systems.
   
• Industrial: Installing electrical systems in factories or power plants, which may include high-voltage systems, machinery, and specialized equipment.
   
• Maintenance: Maintaining and troubleshooting electrical systems for businesses or homes, ensuring everything is operating correctly.