How to Be Compliant as an Electrical Apprentice as an Electrical Apprentice in MN

Working as an electrician is a rewarding and potentially lucrative career choice. In Minnesota, you can become an electrician apprentice — or a registered unlicensed electrician — to gain experience and expertise in the field without having to obtain a full electrician's license.

This registration allows you to work under the supervision of a licensed electrician and perform a variety of electrical tasks. If you’re wondering how to become an electrician apprentice to start your career in the electrical trade, we'll walk you through the process of becoming a registered unlicensed electrician in Minnesota.

Step 1: Get Hired
If you’ve already decided that becoming an electrician is the right path for you, congratulations! You’re about to embark on an exciting career in the electrical trade. Your first step to becoming an electrician (and before that, an electrician apprentice) is to find an entry-level position in the industry.

You will need to research local electrical contractors to find potential employers that interest you. Check out the Electrical Association's career center and job board to get started. 

Once you have a list of contractors you’re interested in working with, give them a call and ask if they’re currently looking for an entry-level apprentice. Once you’ve been hired on, you can proceed to step two of the process of becoming an electrician apprentice in Minnesota.

Step 2: Application
After you’ve been hired, you will need to apply for your registration as an unlicensed individual and receive your registration number. This number is required for you to perform any work on the jobsite. So your next step is to submit your application for a registration number on the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry’s website.

The application process is straightforward, and you'll need to pay an initial application fee of $14. After your application is processed, you'll be assigned a unique registration number that begins with the letters "RE."

Step 3: Registration Period
Once your application is approved and your registration number is assigned, you can begin your electrical apprenticeship program in Minnesota. It's essential to keep track of the expiration date on your registration, which will be one year from the end of the month in which you became registered.

Step 4: Renewal
To continue working as a registered unlicensed electrician in Minnesota, you must renew your registration annually. The renewal process includes the following steps:

• Continuing Education For Electricians:
  • Staying up-to-date with the latest electrical codes and safety practices is a vital part of your electrical apprentice training, and your career in the electrical trade. In order to renew your registration, you must complete two hours of DLI (Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry)-approved continuing education for electricians. Find DLI-approved continuing education classes here.
• Renewal Fee:
  • Pay a renewal fee of $19. It's crucial to pay this fee on time to avoid incurring a late fee. Keep in mind that a $5 late fee will be added if you renew after the expiration date.
• Work Experience Verification:
  • To renew your registration, you must submit a completed work experience verification form. This form is essential to document the hours you've worked as a registered unlicensed electrician.
    Make sure your work experience hours align with the requirements specified by the DLI. You can look up your current work experience hours by following the steps on the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry’s website.

Tips for Success:
Stay Informed: Even after you’ve completed your initial electrical apprentice training, electrical codes and industry standards change over time, so it's essential to stay informed about the latest developments in the field. Consider taking continuing education courses for electricians that will enhance your knowledge and skills.

Network: Building a network in the electrical industry can help you find job opportunities and connect with experienced professionals who can provide guidance and mentorship. The Electrical Association has many networking opportunities for you to grow with other individuals in your field.

Meet Deadlines: To avoid late fees and potential lapses in your registration, be diligent about submitting your renewal application and fees on time.

Safety First: Always prioritize safety when working with electrical systems. Follow safety protocols and guidelines to protect yourself and those around you.

Seek Guidance: If you're uncertain about any aspect of the registration or renewal process, don't hesitate to reach out to the Electrical Association OR Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry for assistance and clarification.

Becoming a registered unlicensed electrician in Minnesota is a practical way to gain experience and knowledge in the electrical field. It allows you to work on a wide range of electrical projects under the supervision of a licensed electrician, helping you build the skills and expertise necessary to eventually obtain your own electrician's license.

Remember that this article provides a general overview of the process of how to become an electrician apprentice. It's important to consult the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry's official website or contact their office for the most up-to-date and detailed information on registration and renewal requirements.