What Does a Electrician Do?
An Electrician is a skilled tradesperson who specializes in designing, installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting electrical wiring systems in residential, commercial, and industrial environments. Think of home lighting systems, major appliances or the power grid - all of this is the handy work of an electrician!
Being an electrician involves more than just replacing lightbulbs. You could be installing wiring for a newly constructed building, maintaining electrical infrastructure, or quickly identifying and fixing faults in wiring systems. An electrician's job is protective, ensuring that all electrical work adheres to safety standards.
As an electrician, your work environment can vary significantly. One day you could be working indoors in a cosy suburban home; the next, you might be outdoors on a construction site or upgrading electrical systems in a factory. It's a job that keeps you on your toes.'
Being an Electrician is a hands-on job and physically demanding at times, requiring good hand-eye coordination, physical strength, and a keen eye for detail. But if you enjoy problem-solving, like working with your hands, and are fascinated by how things work, a career as an Electrician could be the perfect fit for you!
Skills Required
Technical Skills
- Electrical System Installation
- Electrical Troubleshooting
- Circuit Design
- Knowledge of Electrical Codes
- Blueprint Reading
Soft Skills
- Problem Solving
- Communication
- Physical Stamina
- Attention to Detail
Technical Skills
- Electrical System Installation
- Electrical Troubleshooting
- Circuit Design
- Knowledge of Electrical Codes
- Blueprint Reading
Soft Skills
- Problem Solving
- Communication
- Physical Stamina
- Attention to Detail
Education and Training Requirements
Required Education
- High School Diploma: Complete high school education or obtain GED equivalent. Courses in Mathematics and Physics are highly recommended.
- Postsecondary Electrician Program: Enroll and complete a technical program at a trade school or community college that teaches basic electrical information and safety practices.
- Electrician Pre-Apprenticeship Training: Complete a pre-apprenticeship training program, which provides comprehensive preparation for the electrician apprenticeship.
- Electrician Apprentice Program: Take part in an apprentice program sponsored by a certified electricians association. This program lasts typically for four to five years and includes both classroom instruction and at least 2,000 hours of on-the-job training per year.
- Licensing: To work independently, an electrician must obtain a licensing typically by passing a licensing exam after the apprenticeship program.
- Continuing Education: Complete ongoing education for new methods, codes and advancements in the field as required by the relevant electrical licensing board.
- High School Diploma: Complete high school education or obtain GED equivalent. Courses in Mathematics and Physics are highly recommended.
- Postsecondary Electrician Program: Enroll and complete a technical program at a trade school or community college that teaches basic electrical information and safety practices.
- Electrician Pre-Apprenticeship Training: Complete a pre-apprenticeship training program, which provides comprehensive preparation for the electrician apprenticeship.
- Electrician Apprentice Program: Take part in an apprentice program sponsored by a certified electricians association. This program lasts typically for four to five years and includes both classroom instruction and at least 2,000 hours of on-the-job training per year.
- Licensing: To work independently, an electrician must obtain a licensing typically by passing a licensing exam after the apprenticeship program.
- Continuing Education: Complete ongoing education for new methods, codes and advancements in the field as required by the relevant electrical licensing board.
Licensing and Certification
State Requirements
Required in most states