As the demand for skilled electricians continues to grow, those considering starting a career in the commercial and industrial sectors often feel stuck at a crossroads: Should I start in a trade school or an apprenticeship?

Each path has benefits and drawbacks. Deciding on the best route for you depends on your learning preferences, financial situation, and long-term career goals. Our team at Walker Electric created this guide to help you make the best decision for you and your career goals.

Differences Between Trade Schools vs. Apprenticeships

Trade schools provide a blend of traditional classroom-based education and hands-on learning. You’ll learn about safety protocols and procedures, wiring fundamentals, and overviews of major electrical systems. Hands-on learning is typically limited to school labs and provides minimal on-the-job training. Most trade schools last between six months to two years.

Alternatively, electrician apprenticeships are the opposite of the trade school teaching style. Unions and employers can sponsor apprenticeships and provide hands-on education under the supervision of experienced professional electricians. Plus, you’ll earn a paycheck while learning the skills you need to be an effective electrician.

Pros and Cons: Electrician Apprenticeship vs. Trade School

Whether you pursue an apprenticeship or a trade school to begin your electrician career, there are various advantages and disadvantages to each. It’s essential to understand them to make the best decision for you.

Trade School Pros and Cons

If you’re considering attending a trade school, some of its advantages include:

• Having a consistent schedule.
• Benefiting from dependable classroom-based learning.
• Accessing the latest equipment, techniques, and tools.
  

While attending a trade school is an excellent route, consider some potential disadvantages, such as:

Apprenticeship Pros and Cons

Some pros of pursuing an apprenticeship are as follows:

• Accumulating no student debt.
• Earning paychecks while you learn.
• Gaining hands-on experience and mentorship working on real jobs.

Choosing to forego the classroom in favor of hands-on technical experience can present disadvantages, such as:

• Working on your education and skills for about four to five years.
• Having unpredictable or inconsistent schedules based on jobs.
• Experiencing physical and mental demands of working and learning on the job.

Which Path Is Right for Your Career as an Electrician?

If you’re still having a difficult time weighing the pros and cons and deciding between going to a trade school or starting an apprenticeship, take a step back and look at each option through the following three lenses:

• Financial Situation: If you don’t have the funds to pay for trade school tuition without accumulating student debt, consider an apprenticeship.
• Learning Style: A trade school may be best for you if you thrive in a classroom setting. However, if you prefer hands-on learning, go for an apprenticeship.
• Career Goals: If you can’t wait to learn on the job and get real-world work in the electrician trade, an apprenticeship is your best choice.

Find Electrician Jobs and Apprentices Near Lexington, KY

There’s no one right path when choosing between a trade school versus an apprenticeship to prepare you for a commercial or industrial electrician career. Each one has unique benefits and challenges, so you must decide which is best for you. At Walker Electric, we’ve been serving the community since 1976. We take great pride in our unmatched services in electrical installations, electrical design-build, and industrial service work.

Do you have what it takes to be an electrician? Contact us online or call (859) 252-2892 for more information about joining our team. You can apply online or bring a physical application to our office at 2308 Frankfort Court in Lexington. Walker Electric is located in Lexington, Kentucky, and proudly serves our neighbors, including Frankfort, Richmond, and Georgetown.