An electrical technician is a trained tradesman specializing in electrical installation, wiring of structures, transmission lines, industrial machinery, and other related electrical equipment. Electrical technicians may also be employed in the repair and maintenance of existing electrical infrastructure or the installation and design of new electrical equipment. In some instances, electrical technicians are also called upon to assess safety standards at sites where new electrical equipment is being installed. If you’re interested in a career as an electrical technician, there are several options available to you.
The vast majority of electrical technicians and electricians are employed by businesses that are responsible for laying underground utility lines and conducting routine maintenance on such lines. Some examples of businesses with which electrical technicians and electricians are frequently employed include: apartment complexes, apartment building owners, local governments, hotels and hospitals, and telephone companies. While many people assume that working in an office setting will enable them to rise to positions of management, there are actually a number of opportunities that exist within the ranks of Electrical Technician and Electrician. For example, there are opportunities that exist in both customer service positions and office management where Electrical Technicians and Electricians are employed.
There are multiple career paths that may work in close proximity to one another. For instance, there are numerous electrical technician and electrician careers that may work in building maintenance or construction projects. If you are looking for a position in a large office building maintenance department, your best bet may be to pursue a career path that involves the completion of either a 2-year associate’s degree in Electrical Engineering or a certificate course in this discipline. Typically, these courses provide hands-on training and the ability to apply theory to real-world situations.
Another option that may allow you to pursue a career path in the field of Electrical Technician and Electrician is an apprenticeship program. While there are no formal education requirements for entering an apprenticeship program, most apprentice programs require at least a high school diploma or GED. Additionally, most apprenticeship programs will require potential candidates to have taken and passed the necessary state and federal tests. Once you complete an apprenticeship, you can typically expect a salary that is comparable to the wages received by more experienced candidates with a similar level of skill and expertise. In fact, you may even be able to start a career as an apprentice and continue your education there as needed.
There are a number of safety practices that Electricians and Electrical Technicians must follow in their daily operations. One of these is emergency protocol. This includes checking on fuse boxes and circuit breakers, making sure all wiring is intact and unplugged, and checking the power outlet to ensure the circuit is not overloaded. Electricians and other electrical technicians are required to perform testing as well as inspection related to the safety of wiring and the safety of appliances. Additionally, they may also be required to perform routine maintenance on refrigeration equipment and circuit breakers.
Each state may have different certification requirements for becoming an apprentice. Check with your local boards for the specifics. However, many electricians and other certified technicians are able to get licensed through the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECCA) or the Partnership for Electricity. These organizations can help you find a rewarding apprenticeship program that can help you achieve your goals as an electrician or electrical technician.