Individuals who act as electrical instructors usually work either at schools, such as technical colleges, or in the training departments of businesses that provide electrical services. For the most part, electrical instructors have had years of experience performing hands-on electrical work. They also tend to be trained as teachers or instructors who are proficient in communicating with students or trainees and who understand the most important aspects of an electrical job, such as safety. To become an electrical instructor, you should first go through formal academic training. Individuals who are interested in teaching subjects such as electrical maintenance and repair, for example, can earn professional certification and vocational degrees, while people who are interested in fields such as electrical engineering and electrical systems, on the other hand, might need more advanced degrees.
In most cases, a person who wants to become an electrical instructor should have some firsthand experience. After acquiring enough training to practice as an electrical maintenance worker or assistant, you might want to begin in entry level positions. Many people continue their education as they work. Some students even earn academic credit for the work they do.
To become an electrical instructor, it also is important that you learn how to teach. For many people, the answer is to take courses in education. Some programs offer classes for students who are interested specifically in technical education. If you are having trouble determining which degree or certification track you should be on to become an electrical instructor, it is a good idea to consult an academic adviser.
A person who would like to become an electrical instructor who works in the training department of a company probably should plan on working for a number of years in a related industry or even for a specific company. In most cases, people who become electrical trainers are responsible for teaching trainees not only about general electrical practices and safety procedures, but also about policies, rules, and standards dictated by a specific company. The more time you spend with a company, the more qualified you are to teach its policies to new employees.
To become an electrical instructor, you probably need to compose a cover letter and a resume. Both of these documents should illustrate your experience as an electrical professional. If possible, make sure that skills and experiences you list reflect the needs of an instructor position. For instance, if you are interested in teaching a class in power distribution, it is important that your resume and cover letter reflect your experience and knowledge of power distribution systems, as well as you ability to communicate these complicated concepts.