Electricians |
Who are Electricians?Is This Program in My Area?What Do Electricians Do? Electricians work in homes, businesses and at construction sites to install and maintain the wires, fuses and other components that carry electricity to lights, appliances and electrical equipment. Electricians read blueprints and technical diagrams that show where circuits, outlets, load centers, panel boards, and other equipment should be. Electricians usually specialize in either installing or maintaining electrical equipment and devices. Electricians who install wiring work on constructions sites for buildings, homes or in factories where they make sure all the wires and electrical components necessary are present and correctly connected. Electricians who specialize in maintaining electrical equipment inspect and fix machines and devices when their electrical or wiring systems malfunction. Electricians are required to follow the National Electrical Code, and State and local building codes to ensure the wiring and electrical components don’t pose a safety threat. Electrician and Electrical Training Electricians must complete two areas of electrician training, formal electrician school training and an apprenticeship. At electrician school students attend electrical classes that provide electrical training that qualifies them for both types of electrician work. Electrical training and electrical classes are offered by vocational schools, technical colleges, trade schools or at a specialized electrician school. These electrician school programs provide electrician training in electrical theory, wiring connection and installation, conduit installation, electrical outlets and switches, blueprint reading, mathematics, electrical code requirements, and safety and first aid practices. Those wanting to earn an advanced electrical engineering degree attend advanced electrical training and electrical classes at community colleges and 4 year universities. These electrical engineering degree program offer advanced techniques along with management training for those desiring to eventually open their own shop. After completing electrician training at an electrician school the electrician must complete a 4 year apprenticeship to gain practical on-the-job training. Apprenticeships can be arranged through an electrician school or directly with an electrical contractor. Electrician Certification Most States require electricians to be licensed. For licensure, some states require candidates to complete electrical classes at electrician school electricians and pass a licensing exam. Other states will only license electricians who have earned a 4-year electrical engineering degree and passed the State exam. The State exam tests the electrician’s knowledge of electrical theory, the National Electrical Code, and local electric and building codes. The type of electrical work performed can also determine the types of certifications needed. Electricians who work for contractors require different State licenses that those required for electricians who work with the public. In some States, electrical contractors need certification as master electricians. Since technology is continually changing, electricians periodically attend electrical training courses to update their information and maintain their certification. Electrician Job Prospects There is always a high demand for skilled, trained electricians. Electricians are able to find gainful employment with commercial construction companies, car manufacturers, computer manufacturers, home builders, repair shops, local, state and federal governments and any other industry that involves producing or building products using electricity. Many experienced electricians will start their own independent contracting business and will work at several different job sites. Electrician Job Security and Salary The demand for electricians is growing steadily and in expected to increase 7 percent over the next 8 years. Businesses and contractors are requiring more electricians to keep up with jobs involving installing and servicing electrical devices and wiring in new homes, manufacturing plants factories, offices, and other structures. Employers also tend to hire and pay higher salaries to electrician school graduates than people who didn’t attend formal electrician training. Because of this electricians can expect to earn annual salaries that range from $27,000 to $73,000. |