In the current job industry, there is a wide range of career opportunities which largely require technical proficiency. One of such jobs is that of an electrician. Many might consider this job to be a low paying one; however, this career has proven to generate a respectable income. You need to be excellent at subjects like math and science, and also have a good know-how of electrical subjects and concepts.
What Does An Electrician Do?
An electrician has to read blueprints of the electrical system to get an overview of its functioning, connections, circuits, etc. He has to assess the needs of clients, and install wiring and electrical appliances as per the appropriate setup. He has to be able to work with complicated electrical testing devices; such as ohmmeters, voltmeters, and other equipment, and make sure that all components in the system are safe and perfectly working. He has to be adept in setting up fuses, wires, and circuits for most appliances. This is the general work done by them.
Becoming an Electrician
Prepare early. Yes! You will need to start the preparation from high school itself. It is suggested to perform well in fields like math and science. A high school diploma will also be useful if you want to choose this field. The very first step is to enroll for a vocational training course, which will give you the fundamental knowledge of electrical concepts.
Apprentice programs are sponsored by unions such as International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, National Electrical Contractors Association, and Independent Electrical Contractors Association, just to name a few. The curriculum of these programs include both classroom lectures and hands-on experience on the job.
Be it in the field of maintenance and construction electrical work, these apprentice programs effectively prepare you to take up the job responsibilities. Generally, these courses are of four years duration, and include teachings on laws of electrics, circuitry, electrical safety practices, referring to blueprints, and soldering and similar other related skills. The on-the-job part of the program requires the person to undertake work assignments under the supervision of an experienced electrician.
After successful completion of the program, it is recommended to take up classes to be aware of the changes in the National Electrical Code, other updated safety practices, and latest electrical equipment. The last step is to start with the licensing formalities, which vary from state to state. In order to be licensed to work as an electrician, you will need to pass an exam which will usually test your knowledge of the field. In case you want to become a public electrician or an inspector, there are other specialized licensing requirements to be carried out.
The average salary of an electrician is reported to be around a decent $47,000. Note that the salary range may vary as per geographical location, type of employer, and most importantly, the number and type of projects. The job has a lot of challenges and minute details to be taken care of, and hence, needs a lot of commitment and dedication.
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