Electrician Training Class: December 2011

Electrician Job Description Information

Electricians maintain the electrical systems of houses and companies. They have several options for obtaining training, but all electricians must have a license to practice. Their work environment changes depending on where they are employed. Electricians must have good hand-eye coordination and be physically fit to perform their jobs. A solid work history or military experience is helpful in finding work as an electrician.

An electrician’s duties include installing and maintaining power and electrical systems for business and homes, installing wiring and electrical equipment and installing electrical machines in factories. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), some electricians work in either maintenance or construction, but most work in both areas. Maintenance electricians also repair electrical systems or equipment. Electricians read blueprints to determine wiring placement. They also occasionally inspect electrical equipment to make sure everything works properly.

Electricians work in a variety of environments including indoors, outdoors, in businesses, factories, homes and construction sites. Since electricians may work outdoors, they may have to deal with bad weather. An electrician’s career involves some physicality. Electricians must be able to lift heavy items, stand, bend and kneel for long periods. They face a risk of injuries like cuts, falls and electric shocks. They may be required to travel frequently. Most work 40 hours a week, but may be required to work overtime and on-call shifts.

Electricians may complete a four-year apprenticeship program that combines paid training and classroom instruction. According to the BLS, “In the classroom, apprentices learn electrical theory, blueprint reading, mathematics, electrical code requirements, and safety and first aid practices.” A high school diploma or GED is required to participate in an apprenticeship program. Those who complete the program are qualified to do construction and maintenance work. Electricians can also attend vocational-technical school to receive training. Electricians must also pass a national exam to obtain licensure.

According to the BLS, “In May 2008, median hourly wages of wage and salary electricians were $22.32.” The top earners in the field earned more than $38.18 in 2008, while the lowest 10 percent of employees earned under $13.54. Electric power generation, distribution and transmission companies paid electricians the most. Those employed by employment services earned the least.

Experienced electricians can advance in their careers to supervisory jobs such as construction superintendents or project managers. Some may start their own business. Others may transition to a career as an electrical inspector. It is important for electricians to know English and Spanish if they wish to advance to supervisory roles. Employment is expected to grow 12 percent between 2008 and 2018. A growing population leads to more homes, schools and restaurants that need wiring, so the demand for electricians will increase.

Electrician Salary Information

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, as of May 2006 the median wage of an electrician working in the United States was $20.97 an hour. Based on a 40-hour work week, that translates to an average yearly income of $43,617. The middle 50 percent of electricians earned between $16 and $27 an hour while the upper 10 percent were paid more than $34 an hour.

Electricians facilitate the connection of electricity to homes, businesses and other structures, installing wires, fuses and other electrical components. Some electricians also install and maintain the electrical components of machinery.
Most electricians specialize in either construction or maintenance. Those who specialize in construction spend their working days installing wiring systems into homes, factories or businesses. Maintenance electricians maintain and upgrade existing electrical components of structures and machinery.
In addition, some electricians work in factories and do complex installations and repairs on large motors, industrial equipment and generators. Electricians are often hired as consultants to determine if existing wiring, equipment or fuses are in safe working order.

Electricians work in a wide variety of settings. They work inside homes, businesses and factories, and outdoors on electrical lines. They often must work during inclement weather and may be required to lift heavy objects and machinery.
Most electricians work a standard 40-hour work week, but they may sometimes be required to work overtime. They may also be required to travel long distances to work sites.
Some maintenance electricians may be required to be on call and respond to emergencies any time of day. Because of this, many electricians may be required to work evenings, overnights, weekends or holidays.

Electricians must always follow strict standard safety procedures to avoid being injured by the dangerous electrical currents they work with. They must also take care to avoid injuries by falling from high work sites, or being injured by the large machinery they often must maintain.

Most electricians learn the trade through apprentice programs. These programs pair classroom instruction with supervised on-the-job training. Several lectricians unions sponsor these apprentice programs throughout the country. Most apprentice programs last for an average of four years.
Once an apprentice has completed his training, he is qualified to do both maintenance and construction work. In addition, he has learned how to read blueprints, the electrical codes of the area in which he will work, and important first aid and safety information.
Once an apprentice has completed training he may still be required to attend safety seminars and more specialized training throughout his career. Most states also require electricians to be licensed and may require apprentice electricians to pass certain examinations before licensure is bestowed.

According to the U.S. Department of Labo, jobs for electricians should increase around 7 percent between 2006 and 2016. This is considered to be average growth compared to other occupations.
As the economy and population continue to grow, the demand for qualified electricians will remain very steady. As technology is developed that requires more and more skilled workers, this will only improve the job outlook for this profession.
In addition, many electricians are expected to retire over the next decade, which will create even more demand for skilled electrical workers to take their place. This will be especially true for those who have specialized skills in working with new and complex technology.

How to Become an Electrician

If you are looking for a challenging, rewarding, hands-on career, do not curse the darkness - become an electrician.

Take courses in math, science, electronics and mechanical drawing, if offered in high school or vocational school.
Consider taking advantage of military training in the electrical field; many Army and Navy programs in particular offer excellent preparation for aspiring electricians.
Contact an organization that sponsors an apprenticeship program, such as The National Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee or the National Electrical Contractors' Association (see necanet.org). Most electricians participate in such programs, which provide at least 144 hours of classroom instruction and 8000 hours of on-the-job training over the course of a 4-5 year apprenticeship.
Get your license. Almost all municipalities require electricians to pass a licensing exam that tests their knowledge of electrical theory, the national electrical code, as well as local electronic and building codes.

Electrician Training Class

Electrician Job Description Information

Job Duties

Working Environment

Education and Training

Earnings

Advancement Opportunities and Job Outlook

Electrician Salary Information

Career Objective

Work Environment

Job Safety

Training

Job Outlook

How to Become an Electrician