Becoming an Electrician in Virginia
In the early 20th century, electricity was so expensive that only wealthy people could afford it, but by the century’s end, it was everywhere. In 1923, President Calvin Coolidge lit the National Christmas Tree with electric lights for the first time.
We’ve come a long way since then, when many homes had only one switch per room and if you wanted to run an appliance, you had to unplug the light bulb and plug the appliance into the socket.
What hasn’t changed is the need for expertly trained, knowledgeable technicians to do our electrical work. Digital technology, smart automation and other trends have changed the way we live. They’ve also changed the nature of electrical work, making it even more demanding and more complex.
At SESCOS, we honor those who came before us while looking brightly into the future.
Early Experts
Electricians in early days were well aware of the dangers of electricity, and the job was a risky one. Modern wiring techniques, along with training and strict safety measures, have made electrical work a little less dangerous, at least for professionals.
SESCOS electricians, like those early pioneers, know that electricity isn’t something you want to tangle with unless you know what you’re doing. When it comes to electrical work, it’s always the smartest, safest move to rely on a qualified electrician.
Becoming an Electrician in Virginia
Electrical work requires a steady hand, good eyesight, top-notch math skills and quick decision-making. In Virginia, it also requires passing a tough set of steps that includes education, on-the-job training and testing. You can be sure that every SESCOS electrician has gone through a similar process to learn his or her trade.
The Journey to Journeyman
Apprentice: Every electrician-to-be starts off as an apprentice. Some learn the trade through a trade or technical school, some get a degree in electrical engineering, and others sign up with the apprenticeship program of a union, usually the local branch of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW).
An apprentice makes the move to journeyman by:
- completing a specific number of hours of classroom education;
- training under a master electrician for two to five years;
- passing a journeyman’s licensing exam.
Stepping Up
A journeyman electrician has thorough knowledge, training and expertise in the field, but there are further steps up the ladder that an electrician can take.
Master’s License: Holders of this license have the knowledge and experience to handle any kind of residential, industrial or commercial work, and are recognized as leaders in their field.
Electrical Contractor License: In Virginia, electrical services companies must have a contractor’s license if they work on large jobs. Never let an unlicensed contractor anywhere near your wiring.
Top Technicians
Your electrical project deserves the best, and with SESCOS you get technicians who are the best of the best. Our electricians are licensed, experienced and laser-focused on getting the job done right while always making safety their top priority.
When it comes to your home or your business, rely on SESCOS to deliver comprehensive solutions that blend old-fashioned integrity with modern innovation.
Whether you want an industrial energy audit, a whole-home rewiring, a generator installation or just some help getting your holiday trees lit, call SESCOS. We’ll be there in a flash.