Consider An Electrical Career

There are several reasons why an electrical career is a good choice if you are just entering the workforce or if you are looking for a career change.

Electricians, linemen and other jobs related to electricity are always in demand so there is the element of job security to consider. You can probably qualify for one of these positions with only a high school diploma too. Education is required but usually supplied by the employer in the form of an apprenticeship. Another reason jobs in electricity are desirable is because they tend to pay higher wages than most other professions that don't require a college degree. Here is a look at some of the jobs available in this industry.

Outside Lineman

A lineman works on outside wiring attached to utility poles. In this job you may work from a bucket truck or you might have to climb utility poles, therefore you should be in good physical condition to even consider this profession. In addition, you will have to work in all kinds of bad weather repairing downed power lines. This is an important and dangerous job. An apprenticeship is required that could last for up to five years. This is to make sure you will be safe around high voltage lines when working solo. This is a high paying electrical career since the job is risky, and the working conditions unpleasant at times.

Residential Wireman

An electrical career as a residential wireman is ideal if you enjoy working with your hands and enjoy the construction industry. A residential wireman installs the wiring system of a home. With this job you could install electrical systems in new houses or you might upgrade outdated wiring in older homes. The working conditions are pleasant as most of the work is done indoors, however the job is physically demanding as it involves climbing ladders, bending and lifting. This field of employment requires an apprenticeship of about four years in order to fully learn the trade. In fact, as an electrician you should be committed to lifelong learning in order to maintain your license and stay abreast of the latest advances in technology.

Inside Wireman

An inside wireman is similar to a residential wireman except in this case you would work on commercial or industrial buildings. With this job you would be responsible for wiring the lighting and heating systems and connecting them to the outside power line. In addition you would work on fire alarms, security systems, and anything else that requires hooking into the power supply of the building. This electrical career requires that you learn a wide variety of skills and become proficient with the craftsmanship of your trade.

Installer Technicians

An installer technician works along side the inside wireman and is responsible for installing low voltage wiring in the building. This includes data lines and phone lines. With new construction, installers usually put low voltage wires in before the light fixtures or heating. Other times an installer technician may have to rewire existing buildings when the owner wants to upgrade a phone system or install new computer workstations. This electrical career requires that you keep current with new trends and standards in the telecommunications industry as well as general construction.

Job Outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, job growth is favorable for those working towards an electrical career. These jobs are expected to outpace other occupations as far as demand goes because of the need to upgrade existing structures and to keep pace with new construction. In addition, many baby boomer electricians and linemen will be retiring from the workforce over the next couple of decades which will open up many new job opportunities.

Qualifications

While some local colleges and trade schools offer degrees in electricity related courses, in most cases all that is required for entry is a high school diploma and an aptitude for math. The first step is to get accepted into an apprenticeship which is used in place of a college degree in the electrical industry. An apprenticeship combines classroom learning with hands-on experience so you will be well qualified and an asset to potential employers once you reach journeyman status.

When you complete apprenticeship training and pass the licensing test, you are ready for the workforce at a higher salary. You can spend your electrical career working for contractors in construction or working for power companies or the government. You can even start your own business and work independently if that is your dream.

An electrical career is one to be proud of because not everyone is suited to climbing a utility pole in the middle of a blizzard. However, schools, hospitals, businesses and homeowners depend upon electricity to operate safely and that's when electricians and linemen step up and keep our cities running.

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