A career in electricity is a great way to get paid well and have long-term job security. Electricians are responsible for the power, communications, lighting and control systems that make our homes, businesses and factories run. If you love the idea of being able to make a difference in people’s lives and help them work better, then this could be a career for you.
An electrician is a skilled tradesperson who specializes in electrical wiring of buildings, transmission lines, and other equipment. They install and maintain these systems and are also responsible for repairing or upgrading them.
They work in a variety of industries, including construction, transportation, and electronics. Their jobs include reading blueprints, inspecting and installing electrical systems, ensuring that they are up to code, and testing to ensure that they meet safety standards.
In addition to their job duties, they are required to attend continuing education courses in order to keep up with the latest safety practices and changes in the electrical code. They may also take training from manufacturers on specific products and systems that they work with.
The demand for an electrician will continue to grow as more new buildings are built and old ones renovated. As a result, more electricians will be needed to work on new construction and for maintenance of existing buildings over the next decade.
Qualifications for an electrician vary depending on the type of electrical work they do and their area of specialty. For example, construction electricians install electrical wiring in new buildings, as part of a remodeling project or as part of the design and construction of an entire building. Some electricians specialize in specialized areas, such as marine electricians or hospital electricians.
Typically, a high school diploma or equivalent is required to become an electrician. However, some employers prefer those who have completed an apprenticeship program. This is typically four years long and involves on-the-job learning as well as classroom instruction.
You can also obtain an electrician’s license by passing a test administered by your state or local government. The test covers information from the National Electrical Code and state and local electrical codes that are designed to ensure safe electrical installation.
Working as an electrician requires a combination of skills and personality traits. These include:
Critical thinking – In order to identify problems with electrical products and systems, electricians must be able to think logically. They often use a multimeter to check the voltage, current, and resistance of electrical devices to determine what is going wrong.
Communication – Being able to communicate effectively with customers and coworkers is important for an electrician’s job. They often have to work with customers one-on-one and need to be able to answer questions.
Physical endurance – It is common for electricians to stand or kneel for extended periods of time, which can wear on the body. This is why it’s important to have strong muscles and a strong core.
Electricians need to be cautious and careful when they work with wires because they could get burned or shocked by them. This is why it’s so important to hire a licensed electrician for all your home electrical work. This will ensure that you get the highest quality results and protect your family.
