Small Business and Entrepreneurship

Advantages from a society's perspective:

• Private companies usually increase efficiency and competitiveness of the business allowing for better utilization of natural resources.

Disadvantages from a society's perspective:

• Company that is less regulated and less transparent to the public may easier undertake decisions hurting the communities in which it operates, e.g. through elimination of labor unions and layoffs.

Advantages from a company's perspective:

• Private companies have fewer owners and fewer owners make communication between owners and the management team easier.
• Fewer stakeholders involved in management alleviate the pressure from the management team of being accused of mismanagement and lets them concentrate on longer term goals.
• No need for quarterly and annual public reporting and less regulation from the exchanges and government agencies, such as SEC in the US, can lower overhead costs.
• Less scrutiny from the public allows the management to execute socially unpopular decisions like layoffs.

Disadvantages from a company's perspective:

• Privatizing a public company frequently involves huge amount of debt that need to be first secured and than paid in due time.

Business licenses are issued by various authorities depending on whether the state has allowed the responsibility to rest at the county seat (or parish seat, or census area seat) or at city/town level. Start with the nearest chamber of commerce for instruction on licensing and permits. If you are in a rural area (and no chambers are nearby), go to the seat of your county (parish/census area) for direction. Also see the related link below to start the process in your state.

Read more: Who_issues_business_licenses

The following is by and according to the U.S. Department of Labor and particular to the education and training required for a electrician.

Most electricians learn their trade through apprenticeship programs. These programs combine on-the-job training with related classroom instruction. Education and training. Most electricians learn their trade through apprenticeship programs. These programs combine paid on-the-job training with related classroom instruction. Joint training committees made up of local unions of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and local chapters of the National Electrical Contractors Association; individual electrical contracting companies; or local chapters of the Associated Builders and Contractors and the Independent Electrical Contractors Association usually sponsor apprenticeship programs. Because of the comprehensive training received, those who complete apprenticeship programs qualify to do both maintenance and construction work. Apprenticeship programs usually last 4 years. Each year includes at least 144 hours of classroom instruction and 2,000 hours of on-the-job training. In the classroom, apprentices learn electrical theory, blueprint reading, mathematics, electrical code requirements, and safety and first aid practices. They also may receive specialized training in soldering, communications, fire alarm systems, and cranes and elevators. On the job, apprentices work under the supervision of experienced electricians. At first, they drill holes, set anchors, and attach conduit. Later, they measure, fabricate, and install conduit and install, connect, and test wiring, outlets, and switches. They also learn to set up and draw diagrams for entire electrical systems. Eventually, they practice and master all of an electrician's main tasks. Some people start their classroom training before seeking an apprenticeship. A number of public and private vocational-technical schools and training academies offer training to become an electrician. Employers often hire students who complete these programs and usually start them at a more advanced level than those without this training. A few people become electricians by first working as helpers-assisting electricians by setting up job sites, gathering materials, and doing other nonelectrical work-before entering an apprenticeship program. All apprentices need a high school diploma or a General Equivalency Diploma (G.E.D.). Electricians may also need classes in mathematics because they solve mathematical problems on the job. Education can continue throughout an electrician's career. Electricians often complete regular safety programs, manufacturer-specific training, and management training courses. Classes on installing low-voltage voice, data, and video systems have recently become common as these systems become more prevalent. Other courses teach electricians how to become contractors. Licensure. Most States and localities require electricians to be licensed. Although licensing requirements vary from State to State, electricians usually must pass an examination that tests their knowledge of electrical theory, the National Electrical Code, and local electric and building codes. Experienced electricians periodically take courses offered by their employer or union to learn about changes in the National Electrical Code. Electrical contractors who do electrical work for the public, as opposed to electricians who work for electrical contractors, often need a special license. In some States, electrical contractors need certification as master electricians. Most States require master electricians to have at least 7 years of experience as an electrician. Some States require a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or a related field. Other qualifications. Applicants for apprenticeships usually must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or a G.E.D. They also may have to pass a test and meet other requirements. Other skills needed to become an electrician include manual dexterity, eye-hand coordination, physical fitness, and a good sense of balance. They also need good color vision because workers frequently must identify electrical wires by color. In addition, apprenticeship committees and employers view a good work history or military service favorably. Advancement. Experienced electricians can advance to jobs as supervisors. In construction, they also may become project managers or construction superintendents. Those with sufficient capital and management skills can start their own contracting business, although this often requires a special electrical contractor's license. Supervisors and contractors should be able to identify and estimate costs and prices and the time and materials needed to complete a job. Many electricians also become electrical inspectors. For those who seek to advance, it is increasingly important to be able to communicate in both English and Spanish in order to relay instructions and safety precautions to workers with limited understanding of English; Spanish-speaking workers make up a large part of the construction workforce in many areas. Spanish-speaking workers who want to advance in this occupation need very good English skills to understand electrician classes and installation instructions, which are usually written in English. and are highly technical. For the source and more detailed information concerning your request, click on the related links section (U.S. Department of Labor) indicated below this answer box.