\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCareer Spotlight: Electrician (Ages 14-18)\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/h1>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/eap-labs-hyper-4.jpg?w=1536\")
<\/figure>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\nWhat does an electrician do?<\/strong><\/h1>\nElectricity powers the world, and electricians are the ones who get it where it needs to go. An electrician is an expert who is trained to make sure electrical systems and equipment are installed safely and working correctly. Electricians are involved in a variety of systems, including power, lighting, communications, and more \u2013 anything that needs electricity to run.<\/p>\n
While electricians ensure systems and equipment have the power they need, electrical technicians focus on building, modifying, or testing electronic devices.<\/p>\n
What are some of the different types of work electricians and electrical technicians do at NASA?<\/strong><\/h1>\nAt NASA, electricians keep the lights on and the power flowing for rocket launches, scientific research, and everything in between. Their skills support engineers and scientists in building and testing spacecraft, aircraft, satellites, telescopes, and the equipment that makes human spaceflight possible. Electricians make sure all facilities and equipment have the power and functionality they need to be safe and ready to support NASA\u2019s missions.<\/p>\n
Electrical technicians at the agency help bring big ideas to life. They might build and wire control systems, connect tiny sensors to circuit boards, or write the software to make a device work in a specific way. They also test instruments in conditions that mimic space \u2013 extreme temperatures, intense vibrations, and even a vacuum \u2013 to make sure they will survive and perform well during their missions. Technicians use specialized tools, earn certifications, and work with incredible precision.<\/p>\n
Being an electrician or electrical technician at NASA is careful, hands\u2011on work carried out with expertise. Because space hardware is headed to places like low-Earth orbit, the Moon, or even Mars, every detail has to be perfect.<\/p>\n\n\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\nWhat are the different certification levels for electricians?<\/strong><\/h1>\nThe information below is a general overview of the career path of an electrician. Specific guidelines for these roles vary from state to state. It\u2019s important to look up the license requirements in your state.<\/p>\n
\n- Apprentice electrician:<\/strong> This four-year job training program provides an entry into the industry. An apprentice works as an assistant to an experienced supervisor, gaining vital hands-on experience to move ahead as an electrician.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n- Journeyman electrician:<\/strong> A journeyman is an electrician who has finished an apprenticeship, then passed a test. At this stage, the electrician is licensed and allowed to work without supervision.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n- Master electrician: <\/strong>This is the highest certification possible for an electrician. Typically, a master electrician is someone who has completed approximately 4,000 hours as a journeyman, then passed a licensing exam. These electricians are qualified to work on complicated projects. They can also serve as supervisors for apprentices or journeymen following in their footsteps.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
How can I become an electrician?<\/strong><\/h1>\nThere are many options that provide the training needed to get started as an electrician or electrical technician.<\/p>\n
Many community colleges, trade schools, and technical institutes offer a two-year program leading to an associate degree in electrical technology. Additionally, trade unions and apprenticeship programs provide real-world experience in the field.<\/p>\n
Additionally, all branches of the U.S. military offer electronics training that may be transferrable to college credits or civilian certifications.<\/p>\n
How can I start preparing today to become an electrician?<\/strong><\/h1>\nIt\u2019s never too early to set the stage for an electrifying career! In high school, you can take courses in math, science, and technical education. At the same time, you can start learning about basic electrical concepts such as circuitry and safety.<\/p>\n
Begin researching associate degree programs and apprenticeship opportunities so you can consider which pathway seems right for you. Weighing these options now will help you understand program requirements and ensure you\u2019re ready to take the next step.<\/p>\n
You can also gain useful experience through part-time work, or shadowing electricians on the job.<\/p>\n
What skills will I need to be a successful electrician?<\/strong><\/h1>\nTechnical skills focus on the basics \u2013 how electricity works, how to stay safe, and how to read schematics and wiring diagrams. Some jobs also call for special hands\u2011on abilities, like soldering tiny components, putting together cables, or even having some familiarity with chemistry.<\/p>\n
Being curious, open\u2011minded, and a good communicator matters, too. Any time you\u2019re building or improving a device, you must understand who will use it and what they need it to do. Asking questions, sharing ideas, and being able to take feedback are essential to consistently building systems and devices that work well.<\/p>\n
\n\n\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/dave-mcclaeb-002-rotated-e1782162851162.jpeg?w=480\")
<\/a><\/figure>\nDavid McClaeb, electronic technician, NASA\u2019s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nAdvice from NASA electricians and electronic technicians<\/strong><\/h1>\n\u201cAs an aerospace technician, you have the opportunity to make a big difference. You can make a really big impact.\u201d \u2013 Christopher Johnson, aerospace electrical engineering technician, NASA\u2019s Kennedy Space Center in Florida<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat I wish I knew in high school is how many opportunities there are for electricians. I didn\u2019t realize how big of a scale it really was. Everything needs electricity, and the sky\u2019s the limit on what you can do with it. NASA needs electricians for everything from their testing campaigns to keeping their facilities running.\u201d \u2013 Levi James, electrician apprentice, NASA\u2019s Glenn Research Center at Armstrong Test Facility in Sandusky, Ohio<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s so gratifying when somebody comes in and says, \u2018Hey, we want to build this, but it looks really difficult,\u2019 and we say, \u2018Yeah, it looks difficult, but we can do it\u2019 \u2013 and we build it and then we hand it over to them, and then we\u2019re on to the next thing. It\u2019s a challenge, and I\u2019m telling you, it is just so fun.\u201d \u2013 David McClaeb, electronic technician, NASA\u2019s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland<\/p>\n
Additional resources<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n- Occupational Outlook for Electricians<\/a>: Pay, Education, Job Outlook, and More (From the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)<\/li>\n
- NASA Careers<\/a><\/li>\n
- Career Spotlight: Welder<\/a><\/li>\n
- Career Spotlight: Engineer<\/a><\/li>\n
- Career Spotlight: Scientist<\/a><\/li>\n
- Career Spotlight: Technologist<\/a><\/li>\n
- Career Spotlight: Mathematician<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n\nKeep Exploring<\/div>\n
Discover More Topics From NASA<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\n
<\/figure>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\nWhat does an electrician do?<\/strong><\/h1>\nElectricity powers the world, and electricians are the ones who get it where it needs to go. An electrician is an expert who is trained to make sure electrical systems and equipment are installed safely and working correctly. Electricians are involved in a variety of systems, including power, lighting, communications, and more \u2013 anything that needs electricity to run.<\/p>\n
While electricians ensure systems and equipment have the power they need, electrical technicians focus on building, modifying, or testing electronic devices.<\/p>\n
What are some of the different types of work electricians and electrical technicians do at NASA?<\/strong><\/h1>\nAt NASA, electricians keep the lights on and the power flowing for rocket launches, scientific research, and everything in between. Their skills support engineers and scientists in building and testing spacecraft, aircraft, satellites, telescopes, and the equipment that makes human spaceflight possible. Electricians make sure all facilities and equipment have the power and functionality they need to be safe and ready to support NASA\u2019s missions.<\/p>\n
Electrical technicians at the agency help bring big ideas to life. They might build and wire control systems, connect tiny sensors to circuit boards, or write the software to make a device work in a specific way. They also test instruments in conditions that mimic space \u2013 extreme temperatures, intense vibrations, and even a vacuum \u2013 to make sure they will survive and perform well during their missions. Technicians use specialized tools, earn certifications, and work with incredible precision.<\/p>\n
Being an electrician or electrical technician at NASA is careful, hands\u2011on work carried out with expertise. Because space hardware is headed to places like low-Earth orbit, the Moon, or even Mars, every detail has to be perfect.<\/p>\n\n\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\nWhat are the different certification levels for electricians?<\/strong><\/h1>\nThe information below is a general overview of the career path of an electrician. Specific guidelines for these roles vary from state to state. It\u2019s important to look up the license requirements in your state.<\/p>\n
\n- Apprentice electrician:<\/strong> This four-year job training program provides an entry into the industry. An apprentice works as an assistant to an experienced supervisor, gaining vital hands-on experience to move ahead as an electrician.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n- Journeyman electrician:<\/strong> A journeyman is an electrician who has finished an apprenticeship, then passed a test. At this stage, the electrician is licensed and allowed to work without supervision.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n- Master electrician: <\/strong>This is the highest certification possible for an electrician. Typically, a master electrician is someone who has completed approximately 4,000 hours as a journeyman, then passed a licensing exam. These electricians are qualified to work on complicated projects. They can also serve as supervisors for apprentices or journeymen following in their footsteps.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
How can I become an electrician?<\/strong><\/h1>\nThere are many options that provide the training needed to get started as an electrician or electrical technician.<\/p>\n
Many community colleges, trade schools, and technical institutes offer a two-year program leading to an associate degree in electrical technology. Additionally, trade unions and apprenticeship programs provide real-world experience in the field.<\/p>\n
Additionally, all branches of the U.S. military offer electronics training that may be transferrable to college credits or civilian certifications.<\/p>\n
How can I start preparing today to become an electrician?<\/strong><\/h1>\nIt\u2019s never too early to set the stage for an electrifying career! In high school, you can take courses in math, science, and technical education. At the same time, you can start learning about basic electrical concepts such as circuitry and safety.<\/p>\n
Begin researching associate degree programs and apprenticeship opportunities so you can consider which pathway seems right for you. Weighing these options now will help you understand program requirements and ensure you\u2019re ready to take the next step.<\/p>\n
You can also gain useful experience through part-time work, or shadowing electricians on the job.<\/p>\n
What skills will I need to be a successful electrician?<\/strong><\/h1>\nTechnical skills focus on the basics \u2013 how electricity works, how to stay safe, and how to read schematics and wiring diagrams. Some jobs also call for special hands\u2011on abilities, like soldering tiny components, putting together cables, or even having some familiarity with chemistry.<\/p>\n
Being curious, open\u2011minded, and a good communicator matters, too. Any time you\u2019re building or improving a device, you must understand who will use it and what they need it to do. Asking questions, sharing ideas, and being able to take feedback are essential to consistently building systems and devices that work well.<\/p>\n
\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\nDavid McClaeb, electronic technician, NASA\u2019s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nAdvice from NASA electricians and electronic technicians<\/strong><\/h1>\n\u201cAs an aerospace technician, you have the opportunity to make a big difference. You can make a really big impact.\u201d \u2013 Christopher Johnson, aerospace electrical engineering technician, NASA\u2019s Kennedy Space Center in Florida<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat I wish I knew in high school is how many opportunities there are for electricians. I didn\u2019t realize how big of a scale it really was. Everything needs electricity, and the sky\u2019s the limit on what you can do with it. NASA needs electricians for everything from their testing campaigns to keeping their facilities running.\u201d \u2013 Levi James, electrician apprentice, NASA\u2019s Glenn Research Center at Armstrong Test Facility in Sandusky, Ohio<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s so gratifying when somebody comes in and says, \u2018Hey, we want to build this, but it looks really difficult,\u2019 and we say, \u2018Yeah, it looks difficult, but we can do it\u2019 \u2013 and we build it and then we hand it over to them, and then we\u2019re on to the next thing. It\u2019s a challenge, and I\u2019m telling you, it is just so fun.\u201d \u2013 David McClaeb, electronic technician, NASA\u2019s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland<\/p>\n
Additional resources<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n- Occupational Outlook for Electricians<\/a>: Pay, Education, Job Outlook, and More (From the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)<\/li>\n
- NASA Careers<\/a><\/li>\n
- Career Spotlight: Welder<\/a><\/li>\n
- Career Spotlight: Engineer<\/a><\/li>\n
- Career Spotlight: Scientist<\/a><\/li>\n
- Career Spotlight: Technologist<\/a><\/li>\n
- Career Spotlight: Mathematician<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n\nKeep Exploring<\/div>\n
Discover More Topics From NASA<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\n
At NASA, electricians keep the lights on and the power flowing for rocket launches, scientific research, and everything in between. Their skills support engineers and scientists in building and testing spacecraft, aircraft, satellites, telescopes, and the equipment that makes human spaceflight possible. Electricians make sure all facilities and equipment have the power and functionality they need to be safe and ready to support NASA\u2019s missions.<\/p>\n
Electrical technicians at the agency help bring big ideas to life. They might build and wire control systems, connect tiny sensors to circuit boards, or write the software to make a device work in a specific way. They also test instruments in conditions that mimic space \u2013 extreme temperatures, intense vibrations, and even a vacuum \u2013 to make sure they will survive and perform well during their missions. Technicians use specialized tools, earn certifications, and work with incredible precision.<\/p>\n
Being an electrician or electrical technician at NASA is careful, hands\u2011on work carried out with expertise. Because space hardware is headed to places like low-Earth orbit, the Moon, or even Mars, every detail has to be perfect.<\/p>\n The information below is a general overview of the career path of an electrician. Specific guidelines for these roles vary from state to state. It\u2019s important to look up the license requirements in your state.<\/p>\n There are many options that provide the training needed to get started as an electrician or electrical technician.<\/p>\n Many community colleges, trade schools, and technical institutes offer a two-year program leading to an associate degree in electrical technology. Additionally, trade unions and apprenticeship programs provide real-world experience in the field.<\/p>\n Additionally, all branches of the U.S. military offer electronics training that may be transferrable to college credits or civilian certifications.<\/p>\n It\u2019s never too early to set the stage for an electrifying career! In high school, you can take courses in math, science, and technical education. At the same time, you can start learning about basic electrical concepts such as circuitry and safety.<\/p>\n Begin researching associate degree programs and apprenticeship opportunities so you can consider which pathway seems right for you. Weighing these options now will help you understand program requirements and ensure you\u2019re ready to take the next step.<\/p>\n You can also gain useful experience through part-time work, or shadowing electricians on the job.<\/p>\n Technical skills focus on the basics \u2013 how electricity works, how to stay safe, and how to read schematics and wiring diagrams. Some jobs also call for special hands\u2011on abilities, like soldering tiny components, putting together cables, or even having some familiarity with chemistry.<\/p>\n Being curious, open\u2011minded, and a good communicator matters, too. Any time you\u2019re building or improving a device, you must understand who will use it and what they need it to do. Asking questions, sharing ideas, and being able to take feedback are essential to consistently building systems and devices that work well.<\/p>\n \u201cAs an aerospace technician, you have the opportunity to make a big difference. You can make a really big impact.\u201d \u2013 Christopher Johnson, aerospace electrical engineering technician, NASA\u2019s Kennedy Space Center in Florida<\/p>\n \u201cWhat I wish I knew in high school is how many opportunities there are for electricians. I didn\u2019t realize how big of a scale it really was. Everything needs electricity, and the sky\u2019s the limit on what you can do with it. NASA needs electricians for everything from their testing campaigns to keeping their facilities running.\u201d \u2013 Levi James, electrician apprentice, NASA\u2019s Glenn Research Center at Armstrong Test Facility in Sandusky, Ohio<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s so gratifying when somebody comes in and says, \u2018Hey, we want to build this, but it looks really difficult,\u2019 and we say, \u2018Yeah, it looks difficult, but we can do it\u2019 \u2013 and we build it and then we hand it over to them, and then we\u2019re on to the next thing. It\u2019s a challenge, and I\u2019m telling you, it is just so fun.\u201d \u2013 David McClaeb, electronic technician, NASA\u2019s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland<\/p>\nWhat are the different certification levels for electricians?<\/strong><\/h1>\n
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How can I become an electrician?<\/strong><\/h1>\n
How can I start preparing today to become an electrician?<\/strong><\/h1>\n
What skills will I need to be a successful electrician?<\/strong><\/h1>\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/dave-mcclaeb-002-rotated-e1782162851162.jpeg\")
<\/a><\/figure>Advice from NASA electricians and electronic technicians<\/strong><\/h1>\n
Additional resources<\/strong><\/h1>\n
\n
Discover More Topics From NASA<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n