Electricians play an important role in our daily lives. For example, you can read this information because an electrician installed the wiring needed to supply the electricity with which you power your machine. Basically, electricians are responsible for the installation and maintenance of the wiring systems that carry electricity to the required points and the devices that control the flow of electricity.
Some electricians work in the construction industry where they install new wiring systems while others focus on the maintenance of the installed systems. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, about 79% of Amerocan electricians work in construction or are self-employed.
Education
People interested in becoming electricians go through apprenticeship programs that last 4 years. To qualify for the programs, they must have either a General Equivalency Diploma or high school diploma and be at least 18 years old. Any person without a strong background in mathematics may need to take more classes.
The apprenticeship programs usually combine both classroom work and practical training, which is paid. Each year comprises one hundred forty-four classroom hours and two thousand practical hours.
The classroom training covers mathematics, blueprint reading, electrical code requirements, electrical theory as well as first aid and safety practices. Depending on the field of work to be pursued, the apprentices may also cover fire alarm systems, communications, soldering as well as cranes and elevators.
It is also possible to take classroom training from a polytechnic before joining an apprenticeship program.
The electricians also need to keep abreast with changes in the industry, such as learning about changes in the National Electrical Code.
Besides educational requirements, the apprentices must be fit physically and have good hand-eye coordination. They must also identify colors well.
Salary Expectations
The average annual salary for entry-level electricians is $62,911, which is made up of the following components:
Base Salary $ 42,726
Bonuses $ 377
Social Security $ 3, 297
401 K /403 B $ 1, 638
Disability $ 302
Healthcare $ 6, 507Pension. $ 2, 759
Time Off $ 5, 305
Job prospects
The future for electrician jobs is still bright, especially for electricians with a broad range of skills, such as video wiring, voice and data. Technological advances will create more demand for these professionals.