An electrical mechanic is a skilled tradesman who can build or repair wiring systems, electrical motors, and other electrical components. In order to become an electrical mechanic, you will first need to complete a high school education or equivalent qualification, and then you will need to get the proper training specific to this industry. You can become an electrical mechanic by receiving informal training, by taking part in a post-secondary training program offered by a college or university, or by taking part in an apprenticeship offered by a private company or by a labor union.
A basic understanding of mathematics and some sciences will be necessary to become an electrical mechanic. Most of the concepts that will be relevant to the job can be learned in high school and during job training, though taking a post-secondary certificate program or degree program is an even better way to prepare yourself to become an electrical mechanic. Once you graduate from high school, you can choose from several paths to become a mechanic who focuses on electrical systems. It is possible to get informal training by working for an electrical mechanic who is willing to teach you the skills, but more often, it is required that you get formal training through your employer. You will usually get hired as a lower level employee and then take part in training to work your way up to this position.
You can also apply for an apprenticeship program. An apprenticeship allows you to work full or part time within the field while learning the skills you need to become an electrical mechanic. You will work with a more experienced mechanic who will teach you the skills necessary to be successful in the job, and you will take part in classroom training as well. This apprenticeship can last anywhere from one to five years, with the average time length being four years. You will need to take the proper certification exams during this time; the relevant exams can vary by region, so you will need to do some research to find out which specific qualifications you will need for employment.
Some post-secondary certificate or degree programs will prepare you to become an electrical mechanic without an apprenticeship period. The length of such programs can vary from one to four years; certificates usually take about a year to complete, while degree programs can take up to four years. You will still need to earn all relevant certifications, and it is likely that you will still undergo a brief apprenticeship or job training period once you are hired for a job.
