Electrical Apprenticeship in Michigan: How To Become An Electrician In Michigan

Electrical Apprenticeship in Michigan

Are you wondering how to enroll for an electrical apprenticeship in Michigan? What does it take to become a licensed electrician and later an independent contractor with the power to bid for multimillion-dollar projects?  It is questions like these that have inspired us to write this article to guide aspiring electricians.  

Before we discuss the nitty-gritty, the first step that an aspiring electrician should take is to find an accredited electrician trade school in Michigan. If you are not sure whether the school in question is accredited, fill in your details below and will get in touch!

To make it easy to read this article, we have prepared a quick menu below. 

Skills and Attributes of Successful Electricians 

There are numerous Michigan electrical apprenticeship requirements that must be fulfilled before you enrol for an apprenticeship program. However, we are not talking about state requirements that have been set up by the electrical board of Michigan. We are talking about skills and physical attributes that will make you an ideal electrician.

If you can identify with some of the listed qualities below, then you will find it easy enrolling for an electrical apprenticeship in Michigan. 

Intelligence

To qualify as an electrician, you are expected to be intelligent especially when it comes to mathematics and Algebra. You will be doing a lot of math so if this is your favourite subject, you will be greatly advantaged. You are also expected to have good reading and comprehension skills. Part of your job description once you complete your electrician training in Michigan will be to read blueprints and maps. 

Business Skills

You may be wondering how this skill is related to becoming an electrician. Well, it is simple. Skills such as time management, people management and customer service will come in handy especially if you become an independent contractor. This is because you will have your own business to run and without these skills, the business may fail.

With the digitization of our economy, it is safe to say that clerical skills will come in handy. You are required to comprehend basic accounting concepts and office procedures especially when you become a master electrician in Michigan. 

Social Skills

When you enroll for a Michigan state electrical apprenticeship program, you will work under the supervision of a superior. It is therefore important to have social skills such as communication skills. Other skills that will help in your quest to become an electrician are: 

  • Observation skills 
  • Listening skills 
  • Empathy 

Character Traits

To become a successful electrician, you will be required to have the following character traits:

Honesty: People need to trust who they electricians. If they cannot trust you, then you will be out of business 

Endurance: Electrical work is not a walk in the park. In most cases, you may work in harsh climatic conditions especially if you specialize as an electrical line repairer. In some cases, you may end up standing for long periods of time hence you must be physically fit.

Self-Control:  You will spend most of your time working in a group and differences of opinion may arise. As an electrician, it is vital you learn how to control your anger to ensure that the task at hand is completed. 

Electrical Apprenticeship in Michigan

Electrical Apprenticeship in Detroit

If you believe you meet the above character traits, it is now time to enrol in one of the numerous electrical apprenticeship programs in Michigan. Though the county has the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, it is important to note that the state of Grand Rapids and Detroit have their own licensing bodies and requirements.

If you lack any electrical background, it is advisable that you enrol in an electrician trade school as it will teach you electrical basics. Also, most apprenticeship programs prefer apprentices who have some classroom training.

Electrical Apprenticeship in Detroit

Before you enrol for an electrical apprenticeship in Detroit, you will be required to have a classroom training of 576 hours of electrical theory and safety. Once you have finished your classroom training, you can then enrol in an electrical apprenticeship Michigan program. 

You can obtain a list of approved training programs through the Michigan Apprenticeship Steering Committee {MASCI}. The committee advocates for registered apprentices and general workforce development. 

You can also obtain a Michigan electrical apprentice license through the City of Detroit.  

To qualify for an apprenticeship license, you must fill and submit this application to the Electrical Inspection Division Board of Electrical Examiners. Other requirements are: 

  • Provide information on your training 
  • Provide a copy of your front and back Driver’s license 
  • Pay a license fee of $15 if approved 

The Detroit Electrical Industry Training Center offers several accredited programs. The centre is as a result of collaboration between the Southeastern Michigan Chapter of the National Electrical Contractors Association and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers-Local 58. 

It offers three registered apprenticeship programs. These are:

  • Insider Construction Wireman Program 
  • Residential Wireman Electrical Program 
  • Sound Communication and Data Management Program 

Inside Construction Electrical Apprenticeship Program 

An inside construction electrical apprenticeship in Michigan program will train the apprentice electrical concepts in the construction industry. They will specialize in industrial plants and family residences. One of the main roles of an inside construction electrician will be to install conduits, converters,  complex computerized systems and switches. 

Expected Electrical Apprentice Salary

Expect to start with an apprentice wage of $19.08 per hour. As you near the completion of your apprenticeship program, your salary will increase to around $31.79.

If you join through the Detroit Industry Training Center,  you will be required to complete an online homework at least once a day. You will also work under the supervision of a signatory contractor for a period of at least 5 years. 

How to Apply

Applications start on January 27th 2020. It is important to note that the application period runs from January to December on certain specific dates. 

To qualify for this apprenticeship program, you are required to meet the following minimum requirements: 

  • Be at least 17 years or older 
  • Have completed 1 year of high school algebra 
  • Have a GED 
  • Have a user account before initiating the process

If you meet the following qualifications, you will be notified of when to report for testing.  Keep in mind you will be charged a processing fee of $20. If you pass the test, you will be invited to sit for an interview where you will be enrolled in the program.

Note: There is a non-discrimination pledge signed by JATC that no apprentice will be discriminated based on religion, sex, colour and race. 

Electrical Apprenticeship in Michigan

Residential Wireman Apprenticeship Program

A residential wireman electrical apprenticeship in Michigan program enables the apprentice to handle intricate wires, operate security systems and work as a residential electrician. It is a 3-year apprenticeship program with a classroom training of at least 2 days a month.  

How to Apply

Applications for a residential wireman apprentice program will be opened as from January 27th 2020. The application while continuing throughout the year.  

To qualify for a residential wireman apprenticeship program, you must meet the following qualifications: 

  • Have completed a 1-year high school algebra course 
  • Have a user account for your online program

If your application is accepted, you will be invited to sit for a test and a facilitation fee of $20 will be charged. 

Expected Electrical Apprentice Salary

As a first time residential apprentice, expect to earn an hourly wage of $12.99. As you near the end of your apprenticeship program, your expected hourly wage will be around $18.99. 

Sound, Communication and Data Management Technicians

This electrical apprenticeship in Michigan program will train you on sound systems, data management systems and storage systems. It is a 3-year apprenticeship program and the apprentice is required to have access to an internet connection. 

As an apprentice, you will work under the supervision of a signatory contractor. To qualify, you must meet the following requirements:

  • Be 17 years or older 
  • Have a user account for your online classes 
  • Be willing to facilitate your travels to the training center 

Expected Electrical Apprentice Salary

Expect to be paid a starting salary of $14.57. This will gradually increase to $21.85 by the time you finish your apprenticeship program. 

Electrical Apprenticeship in Grand Rapids

To register for an electrical apprenticeship in Grand Rapids, you must meet the following minimum requirements:

  • Complete and submit an apprentice application to the city of Grand Rapids 
  • Submit a fee of $10 

If your application is accepted, you will be issued with a Michigan electrical apprentice license that will be valid for 12 months.

Electrical Apprenticeship in Michigan

If you are in Michigan county but not in the city of Grand Rapids or Detroit, the following requirements must be met to enrol in an apprenticeship program. These are: 

  • Fill an application for Electrical Apprentice or Fire Specialty Technician Apprentice  
  • Submit the application to the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs 
  • Submit a $15 check to the state

If your application is accepted, you will receive an electrical apprentice license. Keep in mind that all Michigan electrical apprentice license renewal periods are yearly.

Electrician Apprentice Salaries Michigan

An apprentice salary is affected by demand, the apprenticeship program you enrol in and location.  According to the State Department of Technology, apprentice demand is projected to grow by 20% until the year 2024. This is good because there are plenty of employment opportunities available for aspiring electricians.

Annual Electrician Apprentice Salary 

The annual apprentice salary in Michigan is $23,000 - $46,000. 

Apprentice Salary for Urban Towns 

  • Grand Rapids – Wyoming MI: $24,000 
  • Detroit- Warren-Dearbon MI - $26,570 
  • Detroit-Dearborn-Metropolitan Area - $30,000

Once you have finished your apprenticeship program, continue with your electrician training in Michigan to become a credited electrician.

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