I can't say how the process works in the U.S. or other countries but I can say with certainty how it works in Canada (As I am an electrical apprentice).
In Canada they are toying with the idea of making an "entertainment electrician" apprenticeship as well, that will give a licence to do small things, and hook up to existing installs.
To become an electrician ("Construction and Maintenance Electrician") you must first apply to a company for an apprenticeship position. If you are accepted, there is a normal 3-month period when you are evaluated. After this time the company will contact the Ministry of Collages and Training, Apprenticeship division and 'sign you up'. The apprenticeship usually takes 4-5 years, and you have to goto school 3 times, and complete a number of hours of work determined by the ministry. Once you satisfy these requirements you can write your CofQ exam (Certificate of Qualification). You have to get at least at 70% score on the CofQ to pass, and obtain your licence.
To then become a
master electrician you have to be licenced for at least a year, and then complete additional schooling (and write another test).
Electricians are responsible for installation and maintenance of pretty much any electrical equipment (any permanent installs that are hard wired should be done by an electrician). We
wire the building, install, maintain... Even spend enough time just changing lamps in certain settings.
I've put in so many
fluorescent tubes, and changed so many ballasts... Well I would have to ability to count them lol.