From Apprentice to Journeyman: Mapping Out Your Electrical Career Path
Starting a career in the electrical trade is an exciting decision. It’s a field that blends hands-on skill, problem-solving, and technical knowledge — all while offering strong career stability and growth opportunities. For many, the journey begins as an apprentice electrician and progresses toward becoming a licensed journeyman. Understanding this career path helps new electricians set clear goals and prepare for success.
Step 1: Starting as an Electrical Apprentice
An apprenticeship is the foundation of your career. In Oklahoma, as in many states, apprentices work under the supervision of licensed journeyman or master electricians. During this period, you gain real-world experience while also completing classroom instruction.
What you’ll learn as an apprentice:
Basics of electrical systems, wiring, and installations
Safety standards and OSHA requirements
Reading and interpreting blueprints
Hands-on training with tools, fixtures, and equipment
Exposure to residential, commercial, industrial, and oilfield environments
Apprenticeships usually last four years, with a combination of around 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 500–1,000 hours of classroom education.
Step 2: Building Skills and Earning Responsibility
As an apprentice, your responsibilities start small but grow with your knowledge. Early on, you may handle basic tasks like pulling wire or setting up equipment. As you progress, you’ll work on more complex projects such as troubleshooting, panel installations, or working with advanced automation systems like PLCs and SCADA.
This stage is also when many apprentices decide what direction to specialize in:
Residential Electrical Work – Wiring and repair for homes.
Commercial Electrical Work – Projects for office buildings, schools, and retail spaces.
Industrial Electrical Work – Larger, more complex systems in factories, oilfields, and facilities.
Step 3: Preparing for the Journeyman Exam
After completing your apprenticeship requirements, you become eligible to sit for the Journeyman Electrician Exam. This exam tests your knowledge of:
The National Electrical Code (NEC)
State and local electrical codes
Electrical theory and safety practices
Application of standards in real-world scenarios
Passing this exam is a significant milestone, as it certifies you to work independently as a journeyman electrician.
Step 4: Becoming a Journeyman
Once you’ve earned your journeyman license, you’re officially recognized as a skilled electrician. This means you can work unsupervised on projects, take on greater responsibility, and earn higher wages. Journeymen often lead crews of apprentices and play a key role in ensuring that projects meet safety and compliance standards.
Benefits of becoming a journeyman include:
Increased pay and job stability
Ability to mentor new apprentices
More opportunities for specialization in industrial, commercial, or automation work
A pathway toward becoming a Master Electrician or moving into supervisory roles
Step 5: Looking Ahead – Career Growth Beyond Journeyman
The journeyman license is not the end of your career path but rather the beginning of many opportunities. From here, electricians may choose to:
Pursue a Master Electrician license to take on leadership roles and manage larger projects.
Specialize in automation or SCADA systems to meet growing demand in oilfield and industrial operations.
Start their own electrical contracting business, leveraging their experience to build a long-term career.
Why Choose a Career Path with Houston Electric?
At Houston Electric, we support electricians at every stage of their careers. Whether you’re starting as an apprentice or working toward your journeyman license, we provide real-world experience, mentoring, and opportunities to grow in commercial, industrial, and oilfield sectors.
If you’re in Enid, Garber, or surrounding Oklahoma communities and are looking for a rewarding electrical career path, Houston Electric is here to help you succeed.
