|
________________________
Thanks for your support!
To the world you make the
difference of only one person.
To one person, however,
you
can make all the
difference in the world.
Thank you for investing in
the lives of others through your
secure online contribution.
_______________________
The Prosperity Center
Youth Services Division
MISSION:
"Youth In Action!"
AAU Basketball Program
Rockingham X-PLOSION
 ®
| |
Overview
Electricians
install, test, and maintain electrical systems.
In the past electricians chose to work either in construction or maintenance.
Today many work in both. In general, construction electricians assemble and
install electrical systems. Maintenance electricians maintain and repair
systems.
Construction electricians begin jobs by reading blueprints. They learn where to
put circuits, outlets, and other equipment. Electricians use this information to
plan how they will install the wiring. In factories and offices, they install
conduit (pipe or tubing) in walls and concealed areas. Then they install metal
or plastic boxes for switches and outlets. Next, they pull insulated wires or
cables through the conduit to the boxes and complete the circuits. In houses,
electricians use plastic-covered wires instead of conduits and wires.
Once the wires are installed, electricians connect them to circuit breakers,
transformers, and other components. They twist the ends of the wires together
using pliers, and cover the ends with plastic connectors. Sometimes they use
soldering guns to melt metal onto the twisted wires. When the wiring is
finished, electricians test that all the circuits work properly. They follow the
national electric code as well as state and local building codes when installing
systems. Some electricians have helpers. Electricians teach helpers how to
complete tasks and supervise their work.
Electricians may install fiber optic or coaxial cables. These are used for
computers and telephones. They connect motors to electrical power. They may also
install electronic controls for industrial equipment. All electricians use hand
tools such as screwdrivers, pliers, knives, and hacksaws. They also use power
tools and testing equipment, such as voltmeters.
Maintenance electricians keep electrical systems and equipment in good working
order. They inspect equipment and fix any problems that they find. They also
check equipment for safety and warn managers when equipment is not safe. They
may install new electrical equipment. When breakdowns occur, they work quickly
to find the problem and make the repair. They use equipment such as
oscilloscopes to diagnose problems. They may change items such as circuit
breakers, fuses, electrical components, or wire. When working on complex
electronic devices, they may consult engineers or industrial machinery
repairers.
Work
Activities
The following
list of occupational tasks is specific to this career.
- Read
blueprints to learn where to put wiring.
- Plan
method of installation and determine which tools to use.
- Install
conduit (piping), junction boxes, and wiring.
- Inspect
and test electrical systems to diagnose problems.
- Test
electronic components using ammeters, voltmeters, oscilloscopes, and other
equipment.
- Repair
or replace faulty wiring, equipment, and fixtures.
- Follow
federal, state, and local electrical and building codes.
- Train
others to install, maintain, or repair electrical systems and parts.
People in this
career perform the following list of tasks, but the tasks are common to many
occupations.
- Repair
and maintain electronic equipment.
- Handle
and move objects.
- Carry
out ideas, programs, systems, or products.
- Get
information needed to do the job.
- Monitor
events, materials, and surroundings.
- Inspect
equipment, structures, or materials.
- Provide
information or drawings about devices, equipment, or structures.
- Perform
activities that use the whole body.
- Identify
objects, actions, and events.
- Communicate
with supervisors, peers, or subordinates.
- Control
machines and processes.
- Make
decisions and solve problems.
- Update
and use job-related knowledge.
- Judge
the value of objects, services, or people.
Working
Conditions
In a typical work
setting, people in this career:
Interpersonal Relationships
- Supervise
or train other electricians or electrician helpers.
- Are
responsible for the health and safety of coworkers.
- Are
responsible for the work done by those they supervise.
- Have
a medium level of social contact. They explain tasks to helpers, but also
work alone a lot of the time.
Physical Work Conditions
- Often
work indoors.
- Sometimes
work in dusty, dirty, hot, or cold conditions.
- Sometimes
are exposed to hazardous conditions. There is some likelihood of being
moderately injured from this exposure.
- Sometimes
wear goggles or other protective clothing.
- Sometimes
are exposed to loud noises as construction happens around them.
Work Performance
- Must
fully complete and be exact in their work. Errors could cause serious
injuries to themselves or others.
Hours/Travel
- Usually
work 40 hours per week.
- May
work overtime to meet deadlines.
- May
work nights, weekends, and be on-call, if working as a maintenance
electrician.
- Frequently
travel to new job sites, if working as a construction electrician.
Physical
Demands
People in this
career frequently:
- Use
hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
- Stand
for long periods of time.
- Sit
while examining parts.
- Bend
or twist the body.
- Repeat
the same motions.
- Walk
around job sites. May run if there is an emergency.
- Climb
ladders and scaffolds.
- Kneel,
stoop, crouch, or crawl.
It is important for
people in this career to be able to:
- Use
hands and fingers to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
- See
details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
- Hold
the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the
arm.
- Make
fast, simple, repeated movements of fingers, hands, and wrists.
- See
differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
- Bend,
stretch, twist, or reach out with the body, arms, and/or legs.
- Move
two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and
one arm) while remaining in one place.
It is not as
important, but still necessary, for people in this career to be able to:
- Determine
the distance between objects.
- Speak
clearly so listeners can understand.
- Use
stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without
getting tired.
- See
objects in very low light.
- Make
quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
- Keep
or regain the body's balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
- Use
muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.
- See
details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
- Quickly
and repeatedly bend, stretch, twist, move or reach out with the body, arms,
and/or legs.
- Be
physically active for long periods without getting out of breath.
- Use
muscles to jump, sprint, or throw objects.
- Recognize
and understand the speech of another person.
- Choose
quickly and correctly among various movements when responding to different
signals.
- Coordinate
movement of several parts of the body, such as arms and legs, while the body
is moving.
- React
quickly using hands, fingers, or feet.
- Use
muscles for extended periods without getting tired.
Skills
and Abilities
People in this
career need to:
Communicate
- Understand
spoken information.
- Express
ideas clearly when speaking.
- Understand
written information and blueprints.
Reason and Problem Solve
- Notice
when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
- Follow
guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
- Identify
problems and review information. Analyze options and apply solutions.
- Remember
information such as words, numbers, pictures, and procedures.
- Analyze
ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
- Use
reasoning to discover answers to problems.
Use Math and Science
- Use
mathematical or scientific methods or formulas to solve problems.
Work with People
- Teach
others how to do something.
Work with Things
- Determine
the causes of technical problems and find solutions for them.
- Install
equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.
- Repair
machines or systems.
- Determine
the tools and equipment needed to do a job.
- Test
and inspect products, services, or processes. Evaluate quality or
performance
- Maintain
equipment on a routine basis. Determine when and what kind of maintenance is
needed.
- Operate
and control equipment.
Perceive and Visualize
- Imagine
how something will look if it is moved around or its parts are rearranged.
Knowledge
People in this
career need knowledge in the following areas:
- Engineering
and Technology: Knowledge of how to build machines, buildings, and other
things. Also includes knowledge of how to use computers, machines, and tools
to do work more usefully.
- Design:
Knowledge of making and using plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
- Computers
and Electronics: Knowledge of computer hardware and software.
- Building
and Construction: Knowledge of constructing buildings and other structures.
- Mechanical:
Knowledge of designing, using, and repairing machines and tools.
- Physics:
Knowledge of the features and rules of matter and energy. Areas of knowledge
include air, water, light, heat, weather, and other natural events.
- Education
and Training: Knowledge of teaching and the methods involved in learning and
instruction.
- Mathematics:
Knowledge of the rules and uses of numbers. Areas of knowledge include
arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and statistics.
- Public
Safety and Security: Knowledge of protecting people, data, and property.
Interests
People in this
career are people who tend to:
- Consider
achievement important. They like to see the results of their work and to use
their strongest abilities. They like to get a feeling of accomplishment from
their work.
- Consider
relationships important. They like to work in a friendly, non-competitive
environment. They like to do things for other people. They prefer jobs where
they are not pressured to do things that go against their sense of right and
wrong.
- Consider
independence important. They like to make decisions and try out ideas on
their own. They prefer jobs where they can plan their work with little
supervision.
- Consider
good working conditions important. They like jobs offering steady employment
and good pay. They want employment that fits their individual work style.
They may prefer doing a variety of tasks, working alone, or being busy all
the time.
- Consider
recognition important. They like to work in jobs which have opportunities
for them to advance, be recognized for their work, and direct and instruct
others. They usually prefer jobs in which they are looked up to by others.
- Have
realistic interests. They like work activities that include practical,
hands-on problems and solutions. They like to work with plants, animals, and
physical materials such as wood, tools, and machinery. They often prefer to
work outside.
- Have
investigative interests. They like work activities that have to do with
ideas and thinking. They like to search for facts and figure out solutions
to problems mentally.
Preparation
To work as an
electrician, you must:
have a high school diploma or GED;
complete on-the-job training;
complete classroom training;
have a license to work as a contractor;
pass a state licensing exam;
have good communication skills; and
be self-motivated.
Formal
Education
Most electricians learn their skills through apprenticeship training programs.
Union and non-union apprenticeship programs are available. To apply for an
apprenticeship, you must:
be at least 18 years old; and
have a high school diploma or GED.
Apprenticeship
programs usually consist of three to five years of on-the-job training. In
addition, each year you receive at least 144 hours of classroom training.
Classroom subjects include:
electrical theory;
electronics;
codes;
math;
blueprint reading; and
safety practices.
On the job,
apprentices learn to:
prepare conduits;
install and test wiring, outlets, and switches; and
repair wiring systems.
To find out more about
apprenticeships, contact your local apprenticeship agency.
You can also prepare to work as an electrician by taking courses at a
professional technical school or two-year college. Courses in electronics,
electricity, general math, and drafting prepare students to enter apprenticeship
programs. However, these courses are not required to qualify for an
apprenticeship.
On-the-job Training
Not all electricians learn their skills through an apprenticeship program. Some
receive informal on-the-job training from an experienced worker. Trainees
usually begin as helpers. They learn to install conduit, connect wires, and test
circuits. On-the-job training lasts several years.
Military Training
The military trains people to install and repair electrical wiring in offices,
airplane hangars, and other buildings on military bases. If you receive this
type of training in the military, you may earn credit for previous work
experience when you enter a civilian apprenticeship program.
Helpful
High School Courses
A high school
degree is almost always required to work in this occupation. You should take
courses in high school that prepare you to earn a high school diploma. This
includes courses in English, math, science, and social studies. You also need to
take courses in physical education, health, and applied art or second language.
Below is a list of
high school courses that will help prepare you for this specific occupation.
While you do not have to take all of them, you should consider them in planning
for high school. Some of these courses are also available at colleges and
technical schools.
Business
Introduction to Business
Construction Trades
Exploration of Construction Careers
Construction
Electricity and Electronics
Residential Wiring
Industrial Electricity
Electronics
Construction Trades Work Experience
Drafting
Drafting
Blueprint Reading
Energy, Power, and
Transportation Technologies
Energy and Power
Health and Safety
Education
Safety and First Aid
Industrial and
Technology Education
Exploration of Careers
General Industrial Arts
Industrial Safety and First Aid
Industrial and Technology Education Work Experience
Life and Physical
Sciences
Physics
Mathematics
Integrated Math
General Math
Applied Math
Pre-Algebra
Algebra
Business Math
Physical Education
Physical Education
Fitness and Conditioning Activities
Hiring
Practices
Most employers
prefer to hire electricians who have been through a formal apprenticeship
program. However, some employers will hire helpers and train them to be
electricians.
Applicants for apprenticeships must be at least 18 years old and have a high
school degree or GED.
Employers look for applicants who are in good health. They also look for
employees who can work without much supervision.
Licensing
/ Certification
Many states require
electricians to be licensed when they are contractors. Requirements vary by
state.
Wages
Nationally, the median wage for electricians is $3,450 per month ($19.90 per
hour). Half of all electricians earn between $2,590 and $4,590 per month ($14.95
and $26.50 per hour).
Wages vary by type of work. In general, electricians who work in the motor
vehicle industry earn more than those who work in construction. Pay also varies
with the area of the country, the employer, and the worker's experience.
Apprentices start at about half the wage of skilled workers but receive raises
as their skills improve.
Most full-time electricians receive benefits. Typical benefits include health
insurance, sick leave, and paid vacation.
Employment
Nationally, about 659,000 electricians work in this medium-sized occupation.
Three of every five electricians work in construction. Because the need for
electrical services is widespread, jobs for electricians are found in all parts
of the country and almost all industries.
Major employers:
Electrical contractors
Outlook
In North Carolina,
employment for electricians is expected to grow faster than the average for all
occupations through 2012.
Nationally, the number of jobs for electricians is expected to grow faster than
average through the year 2012.
Much of the demand for electricians will result from growth in the economy and
population. Electricians will be needed to help maintain wiring in existing
buildings. They will also be needed to help add wiring to new buildings. In
addition, new technologies should add to the need for electricians. Many houses
and offices will need new wiring for computers. In addition, many factories are
adding robots. Electricians will be needed to install them.
Employment of electricians is sensitive to the state of the economy. Both
construction electricians and motor vehicle electricians are affected by
downturns in the economy. When construction and car buying decrease, these
electricians may work fewer hours or be laid off.
Many job openings will occur each year as current electricians retire or leave
this occupation for other reasons.
|
|
Employment
|
Employment
Change
|
|
2002
|
2012
|
Number
|
Percent
|
|
National
|
659,000
|
814,000
|
155,000
|
23.5
|
Advancement
Opportunities
Experienced
electricians who work for large companies have several options for advancement.
Those who have good people skills may become supervisors. Those who have good
organizational skills may become managers. Construction electricians may
transfer to electrical jobs in the shipbuilding, automobile, or aircraft
industries.
Some electricians start their own businesses. Those who have a master
electrician's license may become contractors.
Please see Electrical Wiring Courses.
For More Information Contact:
The Prosperity Christian Resource
and
Community Housing Development Center, Inc.
P. O. Box 2683, Reidsville, NC 27323
Tel: (336) 361 - 4066
FAX: (336) 348 - 1802
E-mail: webmaster@theprosperitycenter.com
|
