electrician

Be in the Light
An electrician installs, connects, tests, and maintains electrical systems for purposes such as climate control, security, and communications. To install and maintain electrical systems, an electrician must combine manual skill with knowledge of electrical materials and concepts.

When you become an electrician, you'll typically specialize in construction or maintenance work. If you use your training from electrician schools to specialize in construction work, you'll primarily install wiring systems into new homes, businesses, and factories. If you use your training to specialize in maintenance work, you'll primarily maintain and upgrade existing electrical systems and repair electrical equipment.

Soak Up the Light
Training to become an electrician is offered by a number of electrician schools. And, employers often start graduates of electrician schools at a more advanced level than those without the training.

At electrician schools, you'll learn electrical theory as well as how to install and maintain electrical systems. You'll also take classes in blueprint reading, math, electrical code requirements, and safety and first aid practices. You may also receive specialized electrician training in soldering, communications, fire alarm systems, and cranes and elevators.

When you first become an electrician, you'll drill holes, set anchors, and attach conduit. As you gain experience as an electrician, you'll measure, fabricate, and install conduit, as well as install, connect, and test wiring, outlets, and switches. You'll also learn to set up and draw diagrams for entire electrical systems.

To be licensed as an electrician, you'll need to pass an exam that tests your knowledge of electrical theory, the National Electrical Code, and local electric and building codes. As an experienced electrician, you'll also need to take courses at electrician schools to stay up-to-date with changes in the National Electrical Code and new materials or methods of installation. Installing low voltage voice, data, and video systems is a common continuing education course at electrician schools.

Shine the Light
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, electricians held about 656,000 jobs in 2004. Nearly two-thirds were employed in the construction industry; the remainder worked as maintenance electricians in other industries. In addition, about one in 10 electricians were self-employed. Employment of these graduates of electrician schools is expected to increase 9 to 17 percent through 2014.

In May 2004, median hourly earnings of electricians were $20.33, with the highest 10 percent earning more than $33.63.

Become an electrician, and watch your future light up like a Christmas tree.

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