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Electrician Job Description: What’s The Job All About?

Last updated March 13, 2024 by David Walter

Contents

Detailed Job Description for an Apprentice Electrician

Apprenticeships are the most effective approach for new entrants to meet certification criteria in many areas. If you want a career as an electrician, here is the place to start. Some contractors use the term “helper,” whereas others use the term “apprentice.”

In addition to classroom instruction, new apprentices/helpers must acquire professional on-the-job experience to meet certification requirements. It is possible to undertake the electrician apprenticeship in addition to the training.

Some would-be aid workers want to train after finishing secondary education, while others opt to train while still in high school. Before enrolling in a formal training program, some apprentice with local Master Electricians.

If the field of study needs a license before beginning an apprenticeship, the student earns the license while still in school and then begins the apprenticeship as on-the-job training.

Apprentice Electrician

Apprentice electricians are pivotal in the electrical industry, handling a diverse array of tasks from installations to repairs, across private residences and commercial settings.

Their role is critical, often stepping in to solve urgent electrical issues, sometimes even outside of conventional working hours. Their contribution is not just about completing tasks; it’s about ensuring reliability and safety in critical moments, reflecting the significant impact and importance of their apprenticeship journey.

Tasks may include installing new circuit breakers and wiring in place, as well as the replacement of fuses and fuse boxes. Wiring outlets and fixing systems in buildings and industrial environments like factories are additional responsibilities.

Installations call for deft hands and a keen ability to follow directions. The correct tools are essential for every worker, apprentice or not, to provide a safe and productive environment. Check out our electrical maintenance tools list for more information.

Apprentice electricians are provided installation blueprints in the form of outlines and should already be familiar with electrical gear. This information is gained through classroom instruction rather than practical experience. Check out these books for electrician apprentices if you want to get a jump start on your education.

Electrical Work of a Journeyman

electrician-mark-england

The journeyman electrician curriculum must be completed under the direction of a Master Electrician in nearly all states. There is an exam required by the state licensing office at the end of the course. In addition to a written exam, you’ll need to demonstrate your electrical knowledge and skills in a hands-on practical exam.

Securing this certification opens doors to a diverse range of lucrative opportunities in the electrical field, allowing you to advance your career at your own pace. The flexibility of the journeyman status means you can easily transition across states, with many regions recognizing out-of-state licenses. Ongoing education through CEUs ensures you’re always at the forefront of industry standards and code changes, enhancing your professionalism and marketability.

A qualified electrician may choose to specialize in a particular field. A skilled electrician, for instance, may find employment fixing motors and other electrical machinery in offices and factories. They also do routine wire maintenance.

To put it simply, residential electricians are the individuals that go inside people’s homes and fix the electricity. A journeyman electrician’s services are also in demand on building sites, where new wiring must be installed. An individual can advance to the status of Master Electrician once they have satisfied the prerequisites set out by their state of residence.

Role of a Master Electrician

Electrician and truck

Master electricians are licensed professionals with extensive expertise and training who are qualified to complete virtually any electrical task. The master electrician is the apex in the electrical industry.

A master electrician is someone who has either worked as a journeyman for 5–9 years or has a degree in electrical engineering and has passed the master electrician test. The master electrician’s education and experience provide them the ability to deal with any situation that may arise throughout the course of a project.

Whoever wants to become a master electrician must be willing to put in the time and effort required to get there. A master electrician has a lot of weight on their shoulders. They evaluate jobs, secure permits, and supervise electricians in training and on the job.

Master electricians excel in turning plans into reality, overseeing the installation of electrical systems while prioritizing safety and structural integrity. Their expertise paves the way for becoming electrical contractors, allowing them to launch and manage their own businesses upon obtaining a state license. This transition from master electrician to entrepreneurial leader highlights the profound level of skill and autonomy achieved at this pinnacle of the profession.

Different Kinds of Electricians

Some examples of sub-types of electricians are shown below. One might focus on these subfields within the broader field of electrical work by studying the Electricians Job Description in depth.

Due to the specificity of the job descriptions, it is essential that you be a licensed electrician before deciding on a specialty. Developing expertise in these areas is essential for any electrician looking to take their career to the next level.

Job Duties of a Residential Electrician

This skilled worker installs the electrical infrastructure in a private residence. He’ll collaborate closely with the project manager and other specialists. The top qualities of a reliable home electrician are:

  • Skill in understanding house plans
  • A familiarity with standard wiring practices for homes
  • Able to use common equipment such as wrenches and drills
  • Familiarity with residential building’s section of the National Electrical Code
  • Cooperates well with workers in the construction industry

Functions of a Commercial Electrician

Commercial Electrician

This craftsman’s major focus will be on commercial projects such as the fit-out of a brand-new shopping center, mall, department store, warehouse, etc. The ideal characteristics of a business electrician are:

  • Having the literacy required to read and interpret commercial building plans
  • Expertise in using ladders, aerial lifts, and scissor lifts
  • Acquiring the fundamentals of commercial wiring techniques
  • Possess the capacity to collaborate with the project’s general contractor and any other tradespeople currently on site.
  • Skill in installing EMT conduit and MC type wiring
  • Expertise in installing tap cans, transformers, and large-scale commercial electrical services.

Job Duties of an Industrial Electrician

Industrial Facility

This craftsman will work in large production-style facilities where there are large amounts of motors and PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers, which is typically programmed using ladder logic).

This expert will be employed in factories with several motors and programmable logic controllers. Programmable Logic Controllers, which is typically programmed using ladder logic.

A programmable logic controller, or PLC, is a specialized computer system used for control and automation in industrial settings, such as the management of assembly line machines. Top qualifications for an industrial electrician include:

  • Competence in reading and interpreting construction drawings for commercial and industrial structures
  • Expertise in the field of motors and starters
  • Expertise with motor VFDs (Variable Frequency Drives)
  • Expertise in both PLC centers and diagrams

Role of an Electrical Technician

Electrician Technichian

This skilled worker will be employed by a contracting service. It’s safe to say that he’s the most important person in an electrical firm. This electrician has years of experience and is proficient in all the skills required of a residential, commercial, and industrial electrician. He possesses other skills as well:

  • Advanced knowledge in troubleshooting
  • Advanced knowledge in diagnostics
  • Very good problem-solving skills
  • Knowledge in Generator installations
  • Knowledge in Uninterrupted Power Supplies (UPS)
  • Knowledge in Thermal Imaging
  • Knowledge in Advanced Dimming Systems
  • Ample experience with troubleshooting
  • Expertise on the cutting edge of diagnosis
  • Expertise in figuring out complex issues
  • Competence in Generator Setup
  • Expertise with Backup Power Systems (UPS)
  • Expertise in Thermal Imaging
  • Able to Understand State-of-the-Art Dimming Systems

Conclusion

The electrical industry relies heavily on apprentice electricians, who engage in a wide range of tasks such as installations, maintenance, and repairs. Their training, which varies from post-secondary education to concurrent high school programs, is comprehensive, culminating in a rigorous exam under a Master Electrician’s guidance. This journey ensures that every apprentice is well-prepared for

Some states need CEUs for license renewal so that professionals may stay current on changes to construction codes. A master electrician is someone who has either worked as a journeyman for 5–9 years or has a degree in electrical engineering and has passed the master electrician test. They evaluate jobs, secure permits, and supervise electricians in training and on the job. Developing expertise in these areas is essential for any electrician looking to take their career to the next level. The ideal business electrician has years of experience and is proficient in all the skills required of a residential, commercial, and industrial electrician.

This craftsman’s major focus will be on commercial projects such as the fit-out of a brand-new shopping center, mall, department store, warehouse, etc. His top qualifications include: Expertise in reading and interpreting construction drawings for commercial and industrial structures.

Content Summary: 

  • Apprenticeships are the most effective approach for new entrants to meet certification criteria in many areas.
  • If you want a career as an electrician, here is the place to start.
  • Some contractors use the term “helper,” whereas others use the term “apprentice.”
  • In addition to classroom instruction, new apprentices/helpers must acquire professional on-the-job experience to meet certification requirements.
  • It is possible to undertake the electrician apprenticeship in addition to the training.
  • Some would-be aid workers want to train after finishing secondary education, while others opt to train while still in high school.
  • Before enrolling in a formal training program, some apprentice with local Master Electricians.
  • If the field of study needs a license before beginning an apprenticeship, the student earns the license while still in school and then begins the apprenticeship as on-the-job training.
  • In the electrical industry, apprentice electricians and their assistance do a variety of activities, including installation, maintenance, replacement, repair, and more.
  • Assisting workers are needed in both private homes and public businesses.
  • The scope of responsibilities extends beyond the completion of specific projects; urgent matters may also necessitate attention.
  • Some of the time, working irregular hours is necessary in these situations.
  • The excitement is well-deserved, as the efforts of those taking part in apprenticeships are invaluable in times of need.
  • Tasks may include installing new circuit breakers and wiring in place, as well as the replacement of fuses and fuse boxes.
  • Wiring outlets and fixing systems in buildings and industrial environments like factories are additional responsibilities.
  • Installations call for deft hands and a keen ability to follow directions.
  • The correct tools are essential for every worker, apprentice or not, to provide a safe and productive environment.
  • Apprentice electricians are provided installation blueprints in the form of outlines and should already be familiar with electrical gear.
  • This information is gained through classroom instruction rather than practical experience.
  • The journeyman electrician curriculum must be completed under the direction of a Master Electrician in nearly all states.
  • There is an exam required by the state licensing office at the end of the course.
  • In addition to a written exam, you’ll need to demonstrate your electrical knowledge and skills in a hands-on practical exam.
  • After obtaining this certification, you’ll be qualified for a wide variety of rewarding jobs in the electrical field and paid accordingly.
  • Your ultimate level of categorization is up to you .
  • Further, moving to a new state won’t prevent you from landing a fantastic job because many states honor licenses from other states.
  • Some states need CEUs for license renewal so that professionals may stay current on changes to construction codes.
  • A qualified electrician may choose to specialize in a particular field.
  • A skilled electrician, for instance, may find employment fixing motors and other electrical machinery in offices and factories.
  • They also do routine wire maintenance.
  • To put it simply, residential electricians are the individuals that go inside people’s homes and fix the electricity.
  • A journeyman electrician’s services are also in demand on building sites, where new wiring must be installed.
  • An individual can advance to the status of Master Electrician once they have satisfied the prerequisites set out by their state of residence.
  • Master electricians are licensed professionals with extensive expertise and training who are qualified to complete virtually any electrical task.
  • The master electrician is the apex in the electrical industry.
  • A master electrician is someone who has either worked as a journeyman for 5–9 years or has a degree in electrical engineering and has passed the master electrician test.
  • The master electrician’s education and experience provide them the ability to deal with any situation that may arise throughout the course of a project.
  • Whoever wants to become a master electrician must be willing to put in the time and effort required to get there.
  • A master electrician has a lot of weight on their shoulders.
  • They evaluate jobs, secure permits, and supervise electricians in training and on the job.
  • They need to have the ability to put any plan into action and manage the setup and installation of electrical and lighting components.
  • They must also watch out for the workers’ safety and the building’s integrity to make sure everything goes well .
  • In order to become an electrical contractor, one must first become a master electrician.
  • A new electrical contractor in possession of a valid state license may immediately open for business.
  • Someone can now start and run their own electricity company.
  • Some examples of sub-types of electricians are shown below.
  • One might focus on these subfields within the broader field of electrical work by studying the Electricians Job Description in depth.
  • Due to the specificity of the job descriptions, it is essential that you be a licensed electrician before deciding on a specialty.
  • Developing expertise in these areas is essential for any electrician looking to take their career to the next level.
  • This skilled worker installs the electrical infrastructure in a private residence.
  • He’ll collaborate closely with the project manager and other specialists.
  • The top qualities of a reliable home electrician are: Skill in understanding house plans A familiarity with standard wiring practices for homes Able to use common equipment such as wrenches and drills Familiarity with residential building’s section of the National Electrical Code Cooperates well with workers in the construction industry Functions of a Commercial Electrician
  • This craftsman’s major focus will be on commercial projects such as the fit-out of a brand-new shopping center, mall, department store, warehouse, etc.
  • The ideal characteristics of a business electrician are: Having the literacy required to read and interpret commercial building plans Expertise in using ladders, aerial lifts, and scissor lifts Acquiring the fundamentals of commercial wiring techniques Possess the capacity to collaborate with the project’s general contractor and any other tradespeople currently on site.
  • Skill in installing EMT conduit and MC type wiring Expertise in installing tap cans, transformers, and large-scale commercial electrical services.
  • Job Duties of an Industrial ElectricianThis craftsman will work in large production-style facilities where there are large amounts of motors and PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers, which is typically programmed using ladder logic).
  • This expert will be employed in factories with several motors and programmable logic controllers.
  • Programmable Logic Controllers, which is typically programmed using ladder logic.
  • A programmable logic controller, or PLC, is a specialized computer system used for control and automation in industrial settings, such as the management of assembly line machines.
  • Top qualifications for an industrial electrician include: Competence in reading and interpreting construction drawings for commercial and industrial structures Expertise in the field of motors and starters Expertise with motor VFDs (Variable Frequency Drives) Expertise in both PLC centers and diagrams Role of an Electrical TechnicianThis skilled worker will be employed by a contracting service.
  • It’s safe to say that he’s the most important person in an electrical firm.
  • This electrician has years of experience and is proficient in all the skills required of a residential, commercial, and industrial electrician.
  • He possesses other skills as well: Ample experience with troubleshooting Expertise on the cutting edge of diagnosis 

About David Walter

David qualified as a Master Electrician in 2009, after working as a Journeyman for 3 years. David has over 20 years experience working as an electrician. He loves troubleshooting complex electrical issues, and coaching the next generation of apprentice electricians. In his spare time David enjoys playing golf and spending time with his family.

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