Becoming an electrician can be a rewarding career. There are several options to choose from as an electrician, including commercial and residential positions. Here are some of the most common electrician careers:
Residential Electricians
Residential electricians are also known as home electricians. They are skilled and licensed professionals who specialize in managing the electrical needs of residential buildings. Their roles are diverse, from installing new electrical systems to maintaining existing ones and troubleshooting any issues that may arise. They confirm that all electrical systems function efficiently and safely. Their tasks may also include wiring during construction, upgrading older systems to meet current standards, repairing faulty systems, and conducting regular inspections for safety. Residential electricians have the advantage of setting their schedules if they are self-employed.
Commercial Electricians
Commercial electrician are licensed professionals who specialize in the electrical needs of commercial buildings such as offices, malls, restaurants, and other business establishments. Their key responsibilities revolve around designing, installing, maintaining, and upgrading electrical systems. Their work often involves working with large-scale electrical systems, including lighting, HVAC controls, and security systems. They also confirm that these systems meet the local and national electrical codes.
Industrial Electricians
Industrial electricians operate in industrial settings such as manufacturing plants and factories. These electricians install, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair industrial electrical equipment and associated controls. Industrial electricians often monitor electrical controls, wiring, and worksite equipment. They also install new electrical systems to replace aging infrastructure or damaged components, which includes running conduits and pulling wires. You may need to complete relevant training and internships for a certified industrial electrician career. On average, you may spend 4-10 years post-employment on on-the-job training.
Journeyman Electricians
A Journeyman Electrician is a professional tradesperson who has advanced beyond the apprentice stage and acquired the skills necessary to work independently on various electrical tasks. They sit at an intermediate level in the electrical trade hierarchy, between an apprentice and a master electrician. Their responsibilities may involve installing, maintaining, and repairing electrical systems in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. They are qualified to work without supervision and can oversee the work of apprentices, offering guidance and training where needed. To become a Journeyman Electrician career, individuals must first gain experience as an apprentice, working under the supervision of licensed electricians. This phase of on-the-job education allows them to learn practical skills while also studying theoretical aspects of the field.
Master Electricians
Master electricians have attained the highest level of licensing and are distinguished by their extensive experience, advanced skills, and comprehensive field knowledge. A master electrician’s responsibilities encompass everything from designing and installing complex electrical systems to supervising large-scale projects. They are also qualified to manage a team of apprentice electricians, confirming that all work is completed safely and to industry standards. To become a master electrician, individuals must work as a journeyman for a specified period, typically between two and four years. After this, they are eligible to take the master electrician examination. Passing this test demonstrates their advanced knowledge of electrical systems, local building codes, and leadership capabilities. Master electricians can work across various residential, commercial, and industrial sectors. They may also choose to own and operate their own electrical services business.
Automotive Electrician
Automotive electricians focus their expertise on vehicles. With the growing complexity of automotive electrical systems, especially with the rise of electric and hybrid cars, their role is becoming increasingly significant. An automotive electrician career may involve diagnosing, repairing, and maintaining the electrical components of a vehicle. This includes everything from the car’s lighting system, battery, alternator, and starter motor to the more complex components like engine controls, fuel injection systems, anti-lock braking systems, air conditioning, and infotainment systems. Automotive electricians install new electrical equipment such as radios, alarms, and tracking devices. They use various tools and diagnostic equipment to find faults and ensure the vehicle’s electrical systems work correctly.
Ignite Your Electrician Careers with a Team of Electrical Contractors
If you’re considering a career as an electrician, you have plenty of options. Electricians may enjoy year-round job opportunities, work in diverse settings, and collaborate with various professionals, from building engineers to architects. You can harness these opportunities by joining comprehensive training programs, which blend technical education with hands-on, paid on-the-job training.
