As more young people graduate from college and then are unable to find good paying jobs, it is becoming quite clear that college may not provide the best career opportunities. It now seems pertinent for high school graduates to begin looking at other professions besides those associated with the college degree. One of those professions that has a great future is that of an electrician. These highly trained individuals will be in great demand over the course of many years.
Working As A Tradesman
An electrician is known as a tradesman who specializes in the electrical wiring of buildings and stationery equipment. This work may involve new wiring or repair and maintenance of existing wiring. There are four main areas of work for electrical wiring including commercial, residential, light industrial and industrial wiring. A trained electrician can troubleshoot and repair all types of electrical wiring problems. Each state has specific building codes that electricians must follow to insure safety.
Electrician's Training
Because the work does have potential safety concerns, an electrician must get a license to operate in most states. Training starts as an apprentice trainee, followed by journeyman and then ending as master electrician. The apprentice usually works under the direct supervision of another higher trained individual. The journeyman can work unsupervised under the guidance of a master electrician. The master electrician supervises the job site and is responsible for securing all permits related to various jobs. All licensing for electricians is dependent on completing a required length of time in experience and taking state regulated tests.
Vocational Schools
Besides getting on the job training, vocational schools have excellent training programs for electricians that are taught by experienced people. In these programs, the student is taught how to read blueprints, how to plan and carryout a project and how to determine what type of tools to use. Some of the tools used frequently are wire cutters, screwdrivers, lineman’s pliers, voltage indicators, cable cutters, multimeters and many more. The student will learn how to use the tool and where it is appropriate to use.
Physical Work
The electrician’s work requires good hand and eye coordination and the ability to work in some physically demanding situations. There are frequent times when climbing a ladder or working on scaffolding is necessary. The weather may be very cold or extremely hot. Working spaces may be cramped with bending, squatting or kneeling needed to make electrical connections. Many of the jobs can be emergency situations on noisy or dirty worksites.
However, if one can put up with some of these obstacles, then the career is well worth the effort. A master electrician salary averages $50,000 in the United States with some areas of the country being higher and some lower.
