If you are interested in a career that pays well, offers job security, and has plenty of growth opportunities, then you should consider becoming an Electrician. You can enroll in a pre-apprenticeship program or a trade school program and earn while you learn.
The program will usually last four to five years and combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. You will also be mentored by a journeyperson electrician. Visit https://www.oldtownelectricboise.com/ to learn more.
A career as an Electrician can be rewarding, challenging and lucrative. This is a hands-on profession that requires a high level of physical work and meticulous attention to detail, as well as an understanding of electrical engineering and safe working practices. It is also a profession that offers various specializations, such as residential, commercial and renewable energy sectors.
In order to become an electrician, you will need to complete a program at a vocational school or technical college. These programs typically last between 8 and 18 months and provide you with classroom and lab-based training, as well as on-the-job experience with an experienced electrician. You will learn about electrical circuitry and wiring, trade math, OSHA standards, commercial, industrial and residential wiring, and other important aspects of this specialized job.
Another route to becoming an electrician is through an apprenticeship, which is required in most states. This route is generally the most cost-effective way to learn the skills necessary for the trade. However, it is important to understand that these apprenticeships are highly specialized and do not offer any general education courses, which may limit your options for future careers in other fields.
Other options for gaining the relevant skills and qualifications to become an electrician include online courses and professional certifications. These resources can be particularly helpful if you are trying to break into the field, and they often provide the necessary training for specific types of projects, like residential or solar power wiring.
Lastly, many electricians begin their careers by completing an associate degree in electrical technology, which is offered at many colleges and technical schools across the country. This two-year degree provides a strong foundation in circuit theory, system design and safety practices, and can be especially useful for students who are hoping to one day advance into supervisory roles or focus on specific areas of the industry, such as solar or wind power. Depending on your situation, it may be worthwhile to apply for federal grants or scholarships before starting your coursework. You can also use your own savings to help pay for school.
Work Environment
Electricians work on electrical wiring, lighting systems, and other electrical equipment in commercial and residential buildings. They install these systems during construction and maintain them to ensure proper function. They also perform routine maintenance and repairs to ensure safety protocols are followed. These tasks can be physically demanding, as electricians often need to climb ladders or scaffolding and stand for extended periods of time. Additionally, they must be able to read blueprints and technical diagrams to understand the location of circuits and outlets.
Because the work environment is often chaotic and unpredictable, achieving a good work-life balance can be difficult for Electricians. Unpredictable hours, emergency call-outs, and physical demands can lead to high levels of stress that may bleed into personal lives. However, these challenges can be mitigated by establishing firm boundaries between professional and personal life, practicing effective time management, and prioritizing safety-sensitive jobs.
While many electricians work for construction companies, some are self-employed contractors or start their own businesses. This arrangement offers flexibility and the ability to choose clients and projects, but it can also create a high workload and increased administrative tasks. In this case, utilizing scheduling software can help streamline job commitments and reduce the risk of overbooking.
As Electricians advance in their careers, they may take on more managerial roles and mentor apprentices. These responsibilities can increase their workload and put a strain on personal time, so it’s important to prioritize rest and relaxation. It’s also a good idea to invest in continuing education to improve productivity and stay abreast of new technologies and safety practices.
Electricians work both indoors and outdoors, depending on the type of project. Those who specialize in power and telecommunications typically work on construction sites, while those who focus on home services tend to work in residential settings. The job can also be hazardous, as electricians frequently work with live wires and are exposed to potential health risks. To mitigate these risks, they wear rubber-insulated gloves and sleeves, hard hats, and safety shoes. In addition, they use a variety of tools, including hand and power drills, extension cords, and wrenches.
Job Duties
Almost every home, office building and factory is equipped with electrical power, communications, lighting and control systems. Electricians install and repair these systems to keep them working properly. They also ensure that the work they do meets local and national electrical codes and safety regulations. Other job duties include performing first aid or CPR as needed, administering fire-alarm and security system tests, ordering parts, demonstrating knowledge of renewable or green energy components and systems, and working productively with coworkers and the public.
A common career path for an electrician begins with an apprenticeship program that lasts 4-5 years and includes both classroom and on-the-job training hours. However, trade schools offer a quicker route to becoming an electrician with an associate degree that takes less than two years to complete.
After finishing an apprenticeship, aspiring electricians can go on to become journeymen by passing a licensing exam and receiving certification from their state’s department of labor. Some electricians choose to open their own independent businesses, where they are responsible for hiring other electricians and coordinating with contractors and clients.
Some electricians specialize in residential settings, where they may be called upon to rewire or inspect equipment in homes and apartments. Others choose to focus on commercial environments, where they can install and troubleshoot electrical systems in buildings like offices and other workplaces. They can even assist with the designing and planning of new electrical systems during construction of a commercial space.
Those who choose to focus on industrial spaces can work with heavy-duty electrical systems that are found in manufacturing plants and processing facilities. They can help with maintenance, repairs and installations of these systems, including motor controls and programmable logic controllers. They can also help reduce downtime for machines by ensuring that their systems are working properly and addressing any issues as soon as they occur.
Other job responsibilities of an electrician may include installing and testing circuit breakers, wiring, switches and other devices. They are often required to use hand tools and test equipment, which require a high level of physical fitness and a strong attention to detail. They must be able to climb scaffolding and crouch in tight spaces, and they must be comfortable with the potential for dangerous situations like electrocuting themselves or catching on fire.
Salary
An Electrician is one of the highest-demand tradespeople, and as such, earns a competitive salary. Experienced electricians can boast a nuanced understanding of intricate electrical systems and troubleshooting prowess that employers are willing to pay a premium for. Certifications, akin to electrical badges of honor, can also play an important role in sculpting an electrician’s salary landscape, with specialized industry certifications often commanding the highest salaries.
Electricians who operate their own business also tend to make more money than those who work within an established electrical company. This is because independent contractors can liaise with clients directly, both before the job to assess its scope and afterwards when invoicing and securing payment. This can help to increase revenue for both the electrical contractor and the client.
While an Electrician can find employment in a number of industries, some of the most lucrative opportunities are found in manufacturing, utilities, and hospitals. Medical establishments in particular rely on industrial electricians to maintain the complex, electrically-based equipment used for diagnostics and treatment. The salary range for an electrician working in a medical setting typically reflects this critical need.
For those who enjoy a variety of challenges and an impactful career, becoming an Electrician can offer an exciting and rewarding path forward. It’s a profession that requires a high level of precision and adherence to codes, and that can take you anywhere from bustling urban settings to remote rural areas.
But the real payoff comes when you own your own business. Electricians who decide to go it alone can cut out the middle man — their employer — and pocket their profits, while still enjoying the backing of an established electrical company for payroll and invoicing services. If you’re looking to maximize your profits, consider implementing an integrated service management and payroll system that automates timesheet tracking and bonuses and overtime calculations. With ServiceTitan, you can connect QuickBooks or Sage Intacct to our platform to streamline bookkeeping and payroll. To see how ServiceTitan can improve your profit margins, schedule a demo today.