|
Electrician training provides the skills, knowledge, and hands-on
training required for a long-term career. Electrician
school preparation may also be specialized for an industrial
electrician, maintenance electrician, commercial electrician, or
general electrician. All electricians work on commercial and
residential structures to do maintenance and repair work on
electricity systems. Their work may also involve security systems,
heat, connectivity, and building assessment.
Job Description
and Responsibilities After Completion of Electrician Training
Electrician
school provides basic training, but much of
the skills needed to excel require hands-on
experience and ongoing skill development. Electricians are commonly
involved with a variety of duties including:
-
Upkeep and
repair of electrical systems
-
Performance
maintenance of electrical systems
-
Updating
circuit breakers
-
Appliance
installation
-
Prevention of
circuit breakdowns
-
Installation
of efficient systems and equipment
-
Collaborating
with specialists and engineers
-
Assessments of
electrical systems
-
Identifying
and diagnosing electrical problems
-
Improving
connectivity
-
Working with
blueprints and specifications
-
Using wires,
connectors, and testing equipment
Electricians
must follow the National Electrical Code during all operations and
procedures, and ensure that all projects and workmanship is also in
compliance with State and local building codes. These regulations
vary depending on the type of setting and equipment being used, and
is an important area of study of electrician education. Since
maintenance work varies, electricians must be comfortable working
with different tools, equipment, and supplies. They may work with
power tools and hand tools such as screwdrivers, while also working
on specialized services that require the use of voltmeters and
oscilloscopes.
Skills Needed
for an Electrician Career
A long-term
career requires strong problem-solving skills as well as
manual dexterity and the ability to work in different environments.
A candidate may also pursue a license in order to
become an electrician. The electrician license is required by many
localities but requirements vary by area. Common skills needed
include:
-
Knowledge of
electrical materials and concepts
-
Manual skills
-
Ability to
find solutions in electrical systems
-
Troubleshooting skills
-
Technical
speaking
-
Electrical
circuit knowledge
-
Strong
mathematical and physics skills
-
Customer
service
-
Commercial
wiring
-
Basic
mechanical skills
-
Eye-hand
coordination
-
Physical
fitness
Electrician
Career Options
Becoming an apprentice is the first step before pursuing
an electrician career, but there are many options available.
Training for electricians may lead to a career as a:
An industrial
electrician may choose to work in a power plant or industrial
manufacturing sector where they work with machines and other large
equipment. A maintenance electrician may work in factories,
hospitals and other institutions that commonly require repair work
or replacements after a breakdown. A maintenance electrician may be
in charge of inspecting equipment, working with electronic devices,
and replacing items such as circuit breaker and switches. A
commercial electrician may be involved with repair work and
troubleshooting in factories and office buildings. A general
electrician is commonly found working in the residential sector,
helping with rewiring homes, replacing fuse boxes, and fixing
problems with lighting.
Obtaining an Electrician License
Electrician
education can be obtained through a vocational college or technical
school, and those that wish to specialize in a particular field can
obtain hands-on training as an apprentice. Apprenticeship programs are
available through local unions of the International Brotherhood of
Electrical workers, in addition to the local chapters of the
National Electrical Contractors Association.
Those who pursue
an apprenticeship program will receive
comprehensive training that qualifies them for both construction and
maintenance work. In order to become an electrician, the candidate
must:
-
Have a high
school diploma or G.E.D.
-
Have strong
math and English skills
-
Pass a test to
enroll in an apprenticeship program
An apprentice can complete the electrician education program after 4
years of study which includes 144 hours of classroom instruction and
2,000 hours of hands-on training at a job during each year. A course program may include subjects such as:
-
Electrical
code requirements
-
Safety and
first aid practices
-
Soldering
-
Communications
-
Fire alarm
systems
-
Blueprint
reading
-
Conduit
fabrication
-
Diagrams of
electrical systems
Although a
formal education is not required, it is highly desirable
by employers and can help with advancing in an electrician career.
Many candidates choose to become an apprentice
immediately after high school so that they can gain enough
experience to start their own business. An electrician license
requires a thorough knowledge of electrical theory, local electric
and building codes, and understanding of the National Electrical
Code. This can be learned at variety of schools, an online electrician course as well
as educational opportunities with an employer.
Electrician
Career Potential and Employment Prospects
Electrician school can set the stage for a rewarding career, and employment of electricians is expected to rise faster
than average through 2014. The demand for skilled professionals in
the field will increase because of the increases in computers,
telecommunications, and other electricity-based systems. While
manufacturing systems become increasingly complex, the demand for
specialized electricians will also increase. Employment of
maintenance electricians is expected to increase faster than
construction and commercial electricians.
Median hourly earnings of electricians were $20.33 in 2004, and an
electrician apprentice usually starts at 40-50% of the pay rate.
Earnings vary depending on experience, skill level, and license obtained. Related occupations include:
-
Refrigeration mechanics and installers
-
Heating and air conditioning specialists
-
Line installers
-
Elevator repair specialists
-
Entertainment equipment installers and repairers
|
