Electrician are tradespeople that specialize in electrical wiring of buildings, stationary machines and related equipment. They may also be involved in the maintenance and repair of existing electrical infrastructure, and some electricians work on airplanes, ships and other mobile platforms. There are many different routes into this reliable trade, but generally, to become a licensed journeyperson electrician, you will need at minimum a high school (or equivalent) education followed by classroom-based vocational training at a trade school or similar educational institution and then a paid apprenticeship under the supervision of a licensed journeyperson electrician. In addition, some states require you to register as an apprentice and pass a licensure exam prior to beginning work.
A career as an electrician is highly rewarding and offers a lucrative income, especially for those with the right qualifications and skills. The path into this skilled trade is often easier than people might expect, if a person is truly committed and stays on track with their educational pursuits and apprenticeship training. However, like any other career, it is important that a person understand what they are getting themselves into and puts in the time and effort to succeed.
One of the most important qualifications for becoming a skilled electrician is having the right mental makeup and aptitude. Being able to think logically and methodically is key to the success of this trade, as it allows an electrician to troubleshoot issues quickly and effectively. In addition, being comfortable working at heights and in confined spaces is a must.
Other important considerations for becoming an electrician include being able to follow written and oral instructions, as well as being able to work in a fast-paced environment. Since many electrician jobs are completed on a deadline, it is important to be able to work under pressure and remain focused to meet customer expectations.
Another critical qualification is having good communication skills, as it is important for an electrician to be able to relay any issues that may arise on a job site to their supervisor. Communication is also essential when interacting with customers and clients, as an electrician must be able to explain technical information in a way that is easy for non-experts to understand.
In the coming years, there is a great deal of interest in alternative energy sources such as solar and wind power. As such, there is a growing need for qualified electricians to help install and maintain these systems. In addition, there are a number of other specialized electrician jobs that can be found in the field, such as those who work with aerial equipment and those who are trained to work on highway electrical systems.
Overall, the job satisfaction level of electricians is very high. This is likely due to the fact that most electricians are highly satisfied with the level of income they earn and the opportunities available to them. In addition, the ability to work independently and on a variety of different projects is an appealing aspect of this profession.