Electrician

Career Profile
Electricians install, connect, test, and maintain electrical systems for a variety of purposes, including climate control, security, and communications. They generally specialize in construction or maintenance work, although a growing number do both. Most electricians learn their trade through apprenticeship programs. These programs combine on-the-job training with related classroom instruction.

Job Outlook
Employment of electricians is expected to increase as fast as average for all occupations through the year 2014. As the population and economy grow, more electricians will be needed to install and maintain electrical devices and wiring in homes, factories, offices, and other structures. New technologies also are expected to continue to stimulate the demand for these workers. For example, buildings need to increasingly accommodate the use of computers and telecommunications equipment.

Salary
Apprentices usually start at between 40 and 50 percent of the rate paid to fully trained electricians, depending on experience. As apprentices become more skilled, they receive periodic pay increases throughout the course of their training. Graduates from this program will become members of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. Entry level wages start at $11.59 with annual increases.

Electrician

Disqualifiers/Barriers

• At least 18 years old
• US citizen or legal resident alien
• High School or GED
• High School transcript
• 1 Credit of algebra or pre-algebra
• Severe criminal background

Important Skills

• Eye - hand - foot coordination
• Finger Dexterity
• Motor Skills
• Visual Acuity
• Color Discrimination
• Good Communication Skills
• Sustain activities for prolonged periods of time
• Problem solver

Electrician

License/Certification
After the completion of the 5 year apprentice training program, Electricians are encouraged to take a Journeyman Test for Certification.

Length of Training/Requirements
The IBEW has a 5 year apprenticeship program, which gives trainees a thorough knowledge of all aspects of the trade and generally improves their ability to find a job within the local area and outside the state.

Location of Classes
All training is held at the Electrical Apprentice School located at 4000 Caven Rd. Class attendance is required once a week for 4 hours at a time (usually on Mondays for first year apprentice) while maintaining a full-time on the job training (OJT).

Electrician

IBEW