Electricians install and repair power, communications, and lighting systems in homes, buildings, and factories. They also ensure that electrical work meets industry standards.
But getting into this skilled trade is tough. Educators say a lack of interest among millennials and Gen Z in jobs that don’t require four years at college has led to a shortage of electricians. Contact Nash Electric LLC now!
Electricians work to install, maintain, and repair the electrical power, lighting, communications, and control systems in homes, businesses, and factories. They also ensure that the electrical work done in these buildings is up to code when completed. While electricians do not need a high school diploma to start their careers, but they must undergo extensive on-the-job training before being licensed or certified. They typically complete an apprenticeship program that combines on-the-job experience with classroom instruction and mentorship from master electricians. The program typically lasts four or five years and consists of about 6,000 to 10,000 hours of training. The apprenticeship must be completed before the electrician can take state or provincial exams to become a certified journeyman electrician or licensed master electrician.
Those who choose to attend a vocational or trade school can often earn their apprenticeships more quickly. These programs usually include classroom instruction and lab-based training in addition to on-the-job experience. They can also be helpful when it comes time to apply for jobs as they provide an additional layer of training that can help a candidate stand out from other applicants.
To become a journeyman electrician, candidates must have at least 8,000 hours of experience working on commercial or industrial electrical projects. They can earn these hours through an approved apprenticeship program or by completing an associate degree in electrical technology from a community college or trade school that is approved by the state’s licensing agency. The state exam typically tests a candidate’s knowledge of the National Electrical Code and other on-the-job skills.
After completing their apprenticeships and passing state or provincial exams, electricians must complete continuing education courses to stay up-to-date on changes to the electrical codes and new safety practices. They can often find these courses through their employers or local union chapters.
Whether they work in residential, commercial, or industrial settings, all electricians must keep up to date with the latest developments in the industry. This ensures that they can continue to offer the highest quality services and keep up with the ever-changing demands of the electricity industry.
Education
Electricians are highly trained trade professionals who work on complex, cutting-edge technology that keeps our society functional and safe. Although a formal college degree is not always required, education can help an electrician build a rewarding career in this highly specialized field. By understanding the educational pathways of other professionals in this industry, you can find the right path for your career as an electrician.
Most electricians earn their degree through an apprenticeship, combining on-the-job experience with classroom learning and mentorship. These programs typically last four or five years, during which apprentices will gain the skills and work experience needed to become journeymen.
In addition to gaining the practical knowledge and expertise of the trade, these programs also prepare apprentices to meet licensing requirements for their respective states. Many also offer internship opportunities that allow apprentices to put their knowledge into action, gaining real-world experience in the workplace.
Other electricians choose to complement their vocational training with a bachelor’s degree. A degree in Electrical Engineering, for instance, enables electricians to deepen their understanding of circuit theory and systems design, making it useful for those who want to pursue advanced roles such as project management or take on responsibilities as supervisors.
A major in Renewable Energy Technology is another excellent option for electricians, giving them the technical knowledge to install and repair solar and other alternative energy systems. It can also open up opportunities in manufacturing and industrial settings, where electricians may be involved in the operation and maintenance of complex machinery and production systems.
Finally, a minor in Business Administration is a great choice for electricians who want to run their own electrical contracting businesses or take on supervisory roles. It provides insights into business operations, finance, and entrepreneurship, which can be crucial for success in these positions.
Regardless of the route you take, ongoing training is essential to ensuring your safety and staying competitive in an industry where regulations and technologies are constantly changing. By participating in workshops, taking online courses, and reading industry publications, you can stay up-to-date on changes to the National Electrical Code, develop your problem-solving abilities, and keep up with new technologies and equipment.
Skills
One of the most important skills required for electricians to succeed is excellent communication. Whether you work for an established organization or independently, you will need to communicate with a range of different personalities and job titles. This includes managers, other electricians, architects, and crews. You will also need to have superb writing and reading comprehension abilities. Without strong communication, you could put yourself or others in danger.
Being detail-oriented is another non-negotiable trait for electricians. Electrical work demands precision and vigilance, so it’s crucial that you’re able to identify any mistakes before they become serious issues. This skill set is especially critical if you’re working on high-voltage power lines.
Another essential trait is being a problem-solver. As an electrician, you’ll often encounter unforeseen issues that require innovative solutions. Having the ability to think critically and find creative ways to resolve these problems is an invaluable skill that will help you advance in your career.
Physical strength and stamina are also necessary for electricians. This is because the work can be physically demanding and involves standing for long periods of time. Having good stamina can make it easier to complete these tasks and avoid becoming tired easily. Additionally, having good color vision is helpful because you’ll need to distinguish between different wires.
Lastly, customer service skills are an important aspect of being an electrician. This is because it’s important to be able to interact with customers and provide them with the services that they need. This includes explaining technical concepts in simple terms and listening to their concerns. It’s also beneficial to have good customer service skills if you want to grow your business by attracting repeat clients.
In addition to the above skills, you should stay up-to-date with any changes in local and national electrical codes. This is because the code requirements can change at any time and affect your safety while performing various tasks. Keeping your knowledge up-to-date will ensure that you’re able to meet any new requirements and continue to deliver high-quality work. This is also important for maintaining the integrity of your equipment and avoiding any costly errors.
Experience
Creating, installing, fitting, rewiring, and repairing electrical systems and components requires a high level of skill. As a result, most electricians start their careers as apprentices before receiving a formal education in the field. During their apprenticeship, they are supervised by a journeyman electrician while working on real projects in the field.
In addition to extensive on-the-job training, many electricians also receive yearly updates in safety practices and new technology related to their specialty. For example, electricians working on solar energy installations would receive additional training to ensure they are familiar with the latest in green technologies.
Other important skills required for this profession include the ability to read blueprints and electrical plans to locate wiring and circuits. This knowledge can save time and money during installation or repair, as well as prevent injuries from working with live wires. Additionally, electricians must be able to understand the language of electrical wiring, which consists of specific colors, markings, and a schematic diagram.
Having perfect color vision is another vital characteristic, as it allows electricians to quickly identify which wires are which when working on an electrical project. In addition, good physical strength is necessary for climbing ladders and working in confined spaces.
Electricians may work alone or as part of a crew. When working on construction sites, they are likely to collaborate with other construction specialists such as building engineers and architects. In this way, they help plan and design electrical systems for new buildings or remodeling projects. They can also consult with maintenance teams to maintain existing electrical systems.
In the United States, some Electricians choose to join a union to enhance their career prospects and gain access to benefits such as health insurance. Others find that being self-employed is a more suitable option, as they can take bookings for work whenever they want. In either case, getting the right mix of education and experience is essential for a successful career as an electrician.