According to statistics, 40% of students in undergraduate college programs drop out. While a college education is a good thing to have, it's not necessary to complete a 2 or 4-year school to obtain a college degree in order to earn a great living. Electricians get trained and certified in a shorter amount of time and can earn a decent income, but it's important to get formally trained. Here's what you need to know about electrical training if you are reconsidering your career choice.

Know You're Not Alone

Many of those who drop out of college do so for financial reasons, while 30% of the dropouts do so after determining that the career they were studying for wasn't a good fit after all. Because of these high numbers, many trade schools and community colleges have financial and educational advisors who are able to guide students in transitioning from a college or university to a trade school.

Many trade schools require new students to meet with the school's financial advisor at the beginning of the coursework and at the end. Be sure to be entirely forthcoming to your advisors about what grants and loans you've used and lost, if applicable. 

Why Get Formal Electrical Training

You can complete electrical training in a trade school in under a year in most states. However, it's important to understand that you also need to obtain licensing in order to become a licensed electrician and, in order to obtain licensing, you'll need to log hours in experience and practice. Therefore, when you look for a trade school for your electrical training, select one that offers experiences and training that can be counted as part of those necessary requirements that will go towards your licensing. 

Formal electrical training can provide you with the educational and hands-on experiences that you may not find if you work under an electrician as an apprentice without any formal training at all. While it may be tempting to take a job offer instead of attending an electrician trade school, you'll get a more well-rounded experience when starting your career path at a trade school. The reason for this is because the course is defined whereas on-the-job training may be whatever the electrician has contracted for at the time. By attending an electrical trade school, you will be better prepared for licensing when the time comes. Also, you may find it difficult to find an employer to hire you without any formal training under your belt.