How to become An Electrician

Electricians are unsung heroes who light up our world and power our devices; they are skilled professionals who design, install and maintain essential electrical systems and products to bring industries, agriculture, transportation, communications, and manufacturing up to code.

• Electrician Technician
• Industrial Electrician
• Construction Electrician

What do Electricians do?

An Electrician would typically need to:

• Plan, install and maintain wiring, lighting, ventilation systems, and control systems according to municipal codes
• Read and interpret electrical, architectural and mechanical blueprints; understand the electrical specifications to calculate job requirements
• Install switches, switchboards, motors, relays, lighting, power outlets, cable trays, ladder racks, circuit breaker panels, and emergency lighting; use hangers and brackets to support them
• Form and test completed electrical circuits; check circuit breakers, transformers, and other electrical components with testing devices to find out the causes of malfunction
• Use hand tools and power tools to repair, replace and upgrade electrical equipment, fixtures, and wiring; safely remove and replace faulty equipment
• Train and supervise junior electricians and apprentices

The area of speciality and level of competency determine whether Electricians work indoors, outdoors, or in both locations. They may find themselves working in cramped conditions inside buildings under construction. They may also work outdoors on power and telecommunications systems.

Electricians often have to travel to job sites for varied lengths of time. You may find yourself having to travel more than 100 miles for a job that takes only a few days before moving to a different site.

The work schedule of Electricians differs according to their professional role. Maintenance Electricians have regular 40-hour weeks working on maintenance and troubleshooting. However, they may need to work on an on-call basis or overtime to solve electrical issues.

The schedules of independent contractors and junior electricians are the most flexible and differ from one week to the next; they may have to work long hours to get a job done or work outside their regular schedule because of the unpredictability of electrical faults. In most cases, the number of hours does not stretch beyond 45-hours a week.

Finding a new job might seem challenging. Electricians can boost their job search by asking their network for referrals, contacting companies directly, using job search platforms, going to job fairs, leveraging social media, and inquiring at staffing agencies.

Electricians are generally employed by:

• Independent contracts
• Manufacturing industry
• Self-employed
• Government
• Employment services

Professional associations and organisations such as the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers are crucial for an Electricianinterested in pursuing professional development or connecting with like-minded professionals in their industry or occupation.

• The need to travel to job sites that are sometimes very far away
• Dangerous working environment with a possible risk of shocks and burns; the need to stand or kneel for long periods may take a physical toll
• Labour-intensive work involving lifting heavy objects

A promising Electrician should ideally complete a four-year comprehensive training or apprenticeship period and accumulate around 2000 hours of on-the-job experience; it qualifies them to undertake maintenance and construction work.

Trainees learn mathematics, safety & first-aid practices, electrical code requirements, electrical theory, and reading blueprints. Specialised training includes learning about fire alarm systems, cranes and elevators, soldering, and communication theory.

As in any career, reading as much as possible about the profession and interviewing those working as Electricians are other important ways to explore your interest.

Most Electricians have a high school diploma or an equivalent degree. Aspiring Electricians typically attend technical schools that offer basic electrical information, safety standards & practices, and circuitry courses. Additional classes in mathematics will come in handy while making numerical calculations on the job.

Certification from an objective and reputed organisation in fibre optics, instrumentation, and electrical administration can help you stand out in a competitive job market and increase your chances of advancement.

Electricians typically need a license to work. A journeyman Electrician license will enable you to work on commercial and residential electrical systems without direct supervision.

Individual government entities conduct the licensing process. It typically requires the passage of an examination in addition to the fulfilment of eligibility requirements, such as a minimum level of education and a specific number of hours of work experience.

Performance, experience, and the acquisition of professional qualifications drive the career progression of Electricians. Those who work full-time may seek promotion as a Technician or a Manager. With significant experience, you may become a Construction Project Manager.

Many start their own business and manage a team of other electricians, take up teaching positions, or set up consultancy services.

Electricians who specialise in specific fields such as refrigeration and solar power have the best job prospects.

Foundation degrees, a master Electrician license, or a degree in building service engineering would help you specialise and increase your earning potential. Ensure you stay up-to-date with safety procedures, electrical codes, and new products throughout your professional life. Electricians may also seek mastery in inspection, testing, and certification of installations.

A master electrician license would increase your employability and help you progress in your career. While gaining the experience needed for this specific license, you may also work towards obtaining speciality licenses.

Some Interesting Facts about Electricity

Electricity can travel through only closed loops called ‘circuits’, which is why birds get electrocuted only when they stand on not a single but two electric lines; the bird’s body closes the circuit and allows electricity to flow through it.

A spark of electricity can have up to 3,000 volts, whereas a bolt of lightning can measure up to 3 million volts.

Sewing machines, fans, kettles, and toasters were the first domestic appliances powered by electricity. A microwave uses more electricity to power its digital clock than it does heating food.

Types of Electricians

Generally, Electricians define themselves as inside wiremen or outside linemen. Inside wiremen install new electrical systems using blueprints and troubleshoot problems and focus on electrical wiring inside new and old buildings.

Outside linemen work with transmission lines, transformers, and traffic signals. They need to be physically fit and have the ability to withstand varying weather conditions. They may sometimes be required to trim trees and assemble electrical substations.

Potential Pros & Cons of Freelancing vs Full-Time Employment

Freelancing Electricians have more flexible work schedules and locations. They have full ownership of the business and can select their projects and clients. However, they experience inconsistent work and cash flow, which means more responsibility, effort and risk.

A full-time Electrician, on the other hand, has company-sponsored health benefits, insurance, and retirement plans. They have job security with a fixed, reliable source of income and guidance from their bosses. Yet, they may experience boredom due to a lack of flexibility, ownership, and variety. When deciding between freelancing or being a full-time employee, consider the pros and cons to see what works best for you.

Electricity travels at the speed of light, which is 186,000 miles per second.

Electricity has become so fundamental to our lives that we take it as much for granted as we do Electricians who make sure that we lead our lives in comfort. It is not an easy profession by any count but can bring infinite satisfaction.

A good Electrician listens to the customer but doesn’t treat what they say as the absolute truth. The customer’s perspective of the problem may differ from yours since they don’t have the necessary training.