8 Reasons Why Pre-apprenticeship Programs Are Important
Ready to jumpstart your career as an apprentice electrician? Awesome! But before diving into the world of wires and circuits, let's talk about your most important allies: your electrician tools. Every electrician and electrician-in-training needs a trusty tool kit that can tackle any electrical tasks that come your way.
Keep scrolling to discover what essential electrician tools every electrical apprentice needs to succeed and get the job done safely and efficiently. Let’s get you all geared up!
Essential Electrical Apprentice Tool List
Let’s start with the basics! These electrician tools are the top items you’ll reach for daily in your electrical apprenticeship and beyond. Take a look at what they are below:
1. Tool Belt or Tool Bag
Before anything else, every apprentice electrician needs a tool belt or bag to keep essential tools organized and within reach. Think of it as your personal command centre—everything you need for your apprenticeship, right at your fingertips!
When choosing a tool belt or bag, consider its durability and comfort. Look for multiple dividers, pouches, and pockets for tools of various sizes.
2. Voltage Tester or Multimeter
A basic electrical tester like a voltage tester is used to measure voltage, current, and resistance. This may be all you need as an apprentice. A multimeter, on the other hand, is more versatile than voltage testers, but can also be slightly more expensive and require a little more learning to use effectively. This tool will be your go-to tool as you progress in your electrical work so buying it first might be a better investment.
Image Source: Canva
3. Fish Tape and Electrical Tape
Electricians use tape for a variety of applications on the job. It insulates wire connections, protects wires from abrasions, and provides temporary fixes before permanent connections are made. Fish tape is used to pull wires through walls, conduits, and electrical boxes. It’s one of the most basic electrician tools for apprentices.
4. Tape Measure
Tape measures are key items crucial for most if not all electrical projects. Apprentice electricians use them for accurate measurement when installing conduits or wiring systems. electrical cables and wires to measure lengths, plan cable runs, and verify dimensions.
5. Cable Ties
Another one of the most basic tools electricians need is the cable tie. Also known as a zip tie, this simple and highly versatile tool organizes, secures, and protects electrical wires and cables from wear and tear.
6. Cable Cutter
If there are electrician tools for grouping cables, there are of course tools to cut them. Cable cutters or wire cutters are some of the most basic electrician tools you can find in any toolbelt. You use them to make clean and precise cuts on electrical wiring and cables—a task you’ll need to do often as an apprentice!
7. Pliers Set
A plier set is usually on top of any electrical apprentice tool list, simply because they’re useful for a wide range of electrical tasks. A good set of pliers will quickly become your go-to for electrician skills like gripping, twisting, cutting, and shaping wires and components.
When choosing a pliers set, make sure you have at least one of each kind:
- Lineman’s Pliers
- Long Nose or Needle Nose Pliers
- Tongue & Groove
8. Wire Strippers
Another electrician tools list must-have is the wire stripper, which is designed to quickly and safely remove the insulation from electrical wires without damaging the metal conductor inside. Wire strippers are some of the most-used tools for installing outlets and light fixtures, or working on larger electrical components—so make sure your bag has one!
9. Utility Knife
A utility knife is the Swiss Army knife of the electrical world—versatile, handy, and always there when you need it. This multi-purpose tool earns its place in every electrical apprentice tools list for its support in various tasks like cutting electrical tape, stripping insulation in a pinch (though not ideal compared to a wire stripper), or trimming materials.
Image Source: Canva
10. Power Drill and Drill Bits
A power drill and a set of drill bits are among the most useful tools electricians need, especially for apprentices just dipping their toes in the field. You'll often drill holes for mounting electrical boxes or secure various components regardless of the project.
To become an electrician, knowing how to use power tools and hand tools like drills is a must!
11. Screwdrivers
Electrical work involves a lot of screw terminals and fasteners which means you’ll need a quality set of screwdrivers (flathead and Phillips head) in various sizes.
12. Level and Torpedo Level
A level ensures surfaces are straight and even, essential for accurate installations of electrical components. A torpedo level is a compact, portable version, perfect for tight spaces, like aligning outlets, switches, or junction boxes precisely.
13. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Working as an electrician isn’t just about getting the job done; it's about staying safe while you do it. So, one of the most important tools for electricians, apprentice or otherwise, is personal protective equipment. Consider the following:
- A hard hat
- Safety glasses or goggles
- Electrical insulating gloves
- Flashlight/headlamp
- Safety vest
Get Equipped with the Electrical Tools to Apprenticeship Success!
Interested in starting your electrical career? Skilled Trades College of Canada can get you apprenticeship-ready in as little as 12 weeks! Our comprehensive courses have the perfect balance of hands-on training with in-classroom learning (80:20), designed for students who learn best with practical experience.
Graduates of our Electrical Pre-apprenticeship Program will gain the essential skills to become a highly competent apprentice. Not only that, they also receive a full set of Milwaukee tools, a Milwaukee backpack, and PPE to kickstart their careers!
Don't short-circuit your dreams—enroll at Skilled Trades College today and earn the tools you need to become a top-tier electrical apprentice!
