A Career As an Electrician
A career as an electrician can be very lucrative. Not only does it pay well but training options are cheaper than a four-year university degree. If you’re looking for a hands-on, physically challenging job, this could be the career for you. Keep reading to learn more about the qualifications and benefits of this profession.
Education and Training
Electricians are trained to handle electrical wiring and lighting systems in homes, commercial buildings, and outdoor spaces. They are skilled at diagnosing problems, and implementing solutions. They are also responsible for testing and repairing electrical components, and adhering to safety protocols. They often read blueprints, and use a variety of hand tools and power tools to complete their work. They may be required to troubleshoot complex issues, and use devices like ammeters, voltmeters, thermal scanners, and cable testers to determine if equipment is working properly.
Many electricians choose to attend a trade school or apprenticeship program in order to learn their skills and gain on-the-job experience before becoming licensed. These programs typically last four or five years, and include 144 classroom hours as well as 2,000 hours of hands-on apprenticeship training. In some cases, apprentices can apply academic credits towards their apprenticeship, shortening the length of the program. Once they are licensed, electricians can become journey workers or master electricians, depending on their area of specialization and their state’s requirements for licensure.
Some electricians decide to set up their own business, offering their services as independent contractors. Others become electrician trainers, teaching others to be proficient in the trade. Still others advance in their careers to become building services engineers, or even move into electrical design. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that job opportunities for electricians will be higher than average between 2014 and 2024. Hillside Expert Electrical have done many remodels and renovations. They can upgrade and design your electrical system based on the way you use your devices. We will install your Smart Home technology to provide you with the security, comfort, convenience or energy efficiency that you desire. To ensure your safety and success on passing a home inspection, they maintain control throughout the design and construction process to ensure that your home and business are wired to the National Electrical Code (NEC) and California standards. You may visit their website for more details!
Job Duties
As an electrician, you will perform a variety of tasks related to electrical installation, maintenance and repair. Your duties may include inspecting and repairing wiring, equipment, appliances and fixtures to ensure that they are safe and functioning correctly.
You will also be responsible for determining and correcting electrical faults, such as those caused by short circuits or improper connections. You will need to use a range of hand and power tools as well as test equipment. You may also need to install or service street lights, intercom systems or electrical control systems. You can also choose to specialize in a specific field such as linemen who work on transmission lines and power systems or electricians who work on solar and wind energy installations.
Most electricians enter the field through an apprenticeship or by attending a trade school program. Then, they must obtain a journeyman electrician license through a series of exams and on-the-job training. Many of them belong to unions that help them gain employment and advance in their careers.
If you are interested in hiring an electrician, you can attract qualified candidates by highlighting the benefits of working for your company and industry in your job description. You can highlight benefits such as a competitive salary, the opportunity for advancement and the chance to work on projects that make a difference in people’s lives. You can also mention any recognition or awards that your company has received, such as being named a top workplace or winning industry awards for safety and innovation.
Salary
Depending on where you live, salary ranges for Electricians can vary. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, electricians who work on new construction projects can expect to make more money than those who specialize in maintenance and repair. In general, salaries for this profession tend to increase with experience.
If you want to earn more, consider seeking additional certifications that qualify you for different types of jobs. This will allow you to become a more valuable asset for your employer and help you demand a higher salary.
In some cases, employers may even pay for you to take classes and training that will help you expand your skill set. For example, if your boss doesn’t have anyone who can troubleshoot and perform service calls, you might be able to learn the skills necessary to fill that role, making yourself invaluable to your company.
Many electricians are part of a union, which offers benefits like health insurance and retirement savings programs. Unions also negotiate higher wages and better working conditions for their members. Martinez says that being a part of her local union has given her peace of mind when it comes to knowing how much she is earning and how much she will be paid in the future. She notes that her job can be physically strenuous, but the financial rewards have made it worth it for her.
Work Environment
A career as an electrician can offer stability and growth opportunities, but it can also be a very demanding job. It is not uncommon for electricians to work long hours and irregular shifts, especially when there are emergencies that cannot wait until regular business hours. In addition, working with electricity can be dangerous if proper precautions are not taken.
Electricians can work both indoors and outdoors on construction sites, residential homes, and businesses. They may spend a lot of their time climbing up and down ladders, and they might have to crawl into small spaces or confined areas. In some cases, they must travel long distances to different sites. They can also be exposed to heat, cold and inclement weather conditions, as well as other risks such as electrical shock, falls, and cuts.
Apprentice electricians typically work under the supervision of experienced journeyman electricians and learn their trade through on-the-job training. Their duties include reading blueprints, discovering the locations of circuits, outlets and load centers, and installing and connecting wiring with hand tools such as conduit benders, screwdrivers, pliers, knives, hacksaws, and wire strippers, and power tools such as drills and saws. They also use a variety of meters, including ammeters, ohmmeters, and voltmeters to examine and test electrical components.
You might think replacing or repairing an outlet is simple. But it is crucial to know what is causing the problem or it will occur again. The fundamental issue is not fixed. You can be putting your safety at danger in the interim and ultimately wind up spending more money. We follow the rule: don't attempt to solve a problem until the source has been identified! Visit our website or Call us at 818.896.5400 today!
Experienced electricians often collaborate with other construction specialists such as elevator installers and heating and air conditioning workers, to design and install electrical systems in new construction. They may also consult with maintenance specialists and engineers to determine if equipment needs replacing or repairing. No job is too small for professional care. Electricity is serious business, and Hillside Expert Electrical are here to help.
A career as an electrician can be very lucrative. Not only does it pay well but training options are cheaper than a four-year university degree. If you’re looking for a hands-on, physically challenging job, this could be the career for you. Keep reading to learn more about the qualifications and benefits of this profession. Education…