How Do You Become an Electrician Specializing in EV Charger Installations?

Electricians Needed

As a generation of electricians nears the age of retirement and many have already retired, the shortage of electrical workers has become significantly more pronounced. And with fewer vocational training programs available to remaining electricians and new workers interested in entering the workforce, there simply aren’t enough new electricians in the job market to replace the loss of this retiring workforce. Nonetheless, the demand for electricians continues to grow.

How Do You Become an Electrician?

If you are interested in this career opportunity and want to learn how to become an electrician, the first step is a training or apprentice program.

One of the key differences and benefits of entering into an apprenticeship program versus attending a college or university program is earning paid on-the-job training and experience. Once your training program is complete, you must pass licensing tests to obtain certifications demonstrating your specialized training, however, specializing in EV charger installation and other energy transition technologies will require additional training and experience.

Electrical licenses are issued by each state to show that an electrical contractor is legally able to work in that state, however, the education and experience required varies per state so it is important to train in the state you expect to work and live in.

For example, California requires 4,500 hours of on-the-job work before trainees can take the residential electrician exam and 8,000 hours before they can attempt the general electrician exam. An additional 150 hours of classroom and lab-based electrical training are required annually.

Texas also requires 8,000 hours of work to become a licensed master electrician and even more classroom training than California.

Electrical Contractor Certificates and EV Charger Installation Training

If you intend to set yourself apart by offering electrification services such as EV charger installation, specialized training is crucial.

While work experience for general electrical services provides practical hands-on training in a variety of electrical support scenarios to determine where your interests and aptitude are best served, undergoing additional training and earning certifications will ensure you are knowledgeable about the best safety and installation techniques for dealing with these technologies.

There are a variety of training programs and courses offered by reputable organizations, and partnering with a strategic organization that offers this training can help ensure you stay up-to-date on your necessary certifications and training.

An improperly installed EV charging station can lead to a loss of property, damages to your professional reputation, and even injuries or a loss of life, so it is vital that you use the right materials and installation techniques for these services to avoid disastrous losses to your business and customers.

How Do You Become an Electrician? Build a Professional Network.

Training, on-the-job experience, and certifications can help you get started as an electrician, but in order to launch and build a successful, thriving electrical contractor business you will need to establish and maintain professional relationships.

Create solid connections within your local community and the industry to establish your reputation and encourage referrals.

Additionally, attending events such as Chamber of Commerce events or other local business group functions can be beneficial. Beyond attending events, connecting with local EV car dealers, auto parts stores, charging equipment suppliers, and fellow electricians is also invaluable to your business development.

Partnering with nationally respected brands and businesses gives you further credibility as they can help you establish a reputation as a trusted tradesperson and leader, further expanding your electrical contracting business.

Getting Started in the EV Charger Installation Field

Becoming an electrician is the first step in actively pursuing a successful career as an EV charging station installer. The need for trained electrical contractors is growing rapidly as electric cars and trucks, battery storage systems, solar panels, and other electrification efforts become standard.

How do you become an electrician? With rising demand and a growing market for experienced EV charger installers, it’s crucial for electricians to prepare for the energy transition by becoming skilled in EV charger installation. Qmerit can help.

As the largest network of certified EV charger installers in North America, Qmerit is the most trusted EV charger installation partner recommended by automakers, Ev Charger Manufacturers, utilities, businesses, and homeowners alike. Our network of certified electricians has installed more EV chargers and other electrification technologies in the last decade than anyone else in the industry—more than 450,000 EV charging stations in homes and businesses across the U.S. and Canada!

By joining our unique Certified Solutions Partner program, you can access essential training and certifications such as the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Training Program (EVITP) program, among other benefits designed to help you build your business for the future.

With the training opportunities to master new techniques in the energy transition field, and tools and resources to help grow your business and develop a well-trained workforce, Qmerit offers electrical contractors the opportunity to stay current on the latest electrification technologies through in-depth training and continuing education programs.