Introduction To Electrical Careers
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Objectives
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Career Research
Electrical Trades and Related Careers
Explore Career Opportunities
Identify Education, Training and
Apprenticeships
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The Future Looks Bright
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Job satisfaction
Excellent pay
Challenging future
Career movement
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Nature of the Work
Electricity is essential for light, power,
air conditioning, and refrigeration.
 Electricians install, connect, test,
and maintain electrical systems for
a variety of purposes, including
climate control, security and
communication.
 They also may install and
maintain the electronic controls for
machines in business and
industry.
 Although most electricians
specialize in construction or
maintenance, a growing number
do both.
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Work Activities Specifically
Performed By Electricians
Read blue prints to plan installation
of electrical equipment.
Install conduit, lighting, switches,
panel and breakers, and pull wire for
these circuit.
Test and troubleshoot electrical
systems to diagnose and repair
problems.
Follow federal,state, and local
electrical and building codes.
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Aptitudes & Skills
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Perform math operations
efficiently
Spatial perception
Use logical, step-by-step
procedures.
Working with high tech
equipment
Scientific related data
Plan, layout and implement
ideas, programs, and
systems maintenance.
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Working with hands
Supervise or train other
electricians.
Make decisions and solve
problems.
Perform activities that
uses the whole body.
Good interpersonal
Communication skills.
Updates job related
knowledge
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Working Environment
Physical Demands
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Stand for long periods of time.
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Climb ladders and scaffolds.
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Kneel, stoop, crouch, or crawl.
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Sometimes lift, push, pull, or
carry heavy objects.
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Working under emergency and
extreme circumstances.
Working Conditions
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Often works outside in noisy
surroundings.
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Work on new and sometimes
old building .
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Work in cramp and confined
sometimes poorly ventilated
spaces.
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Sometimes works in dangerous
and hazardous situation, with
the possibility of falling or
electrical shock.
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Related Careers
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Maintenance electricians spend much of their time in preventive maintenance. They
periodically inspect equipment, and Locate and correct problems before breakdowns
occur.
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Electrical inspectors examine the installation of electrical systems and Equipment to
ensure they function properly and comply with electrical codes and standards. They
visit work sites to inspect new and existing sound and security systems, wiring, lighting,
motors, and generating equipment. They also inspect the installation of the electrical
wiring for heating and air conditioning systems, appliances, and other components.
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Automotive electricians work exclusively with vehicle electrical and electronic
systems.
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Electrical and electronics engineering technicians help design, develop, test, and
manufacture electrical and electronic equipment such as radios, radar, sonar, television,
industrial and medical measuring or control devices, navigational equipment, and
computers. They may work in product evaluation and testing, using measuring and
diagnostic devices to adjust, test, and repair equipment.
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Electrical and electronics engineers design, develop, test, and supervise the
manufacture of electrical and electronic equipment. Electrical equipment includes power
generating and transmission equipment used by electric utilities, and electric motors,
machinery controls, and lighting and wiring in buildings, automobiles, and aircraft.
Electronic equipment includes radar, computer hardware, and communications and
video equipment.
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Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2011. All rights reserved.
Preparation and Training
Most electricians learn their
Skills through apprenticeship
training programs.
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Other preparations consist of:
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Apprenticeship programs consist of
three to five years on-the-job
training. In addition, each year you
receive at least 144 hours of
classroom training.
Classroom subject include:
electrical theory, codes, math,
blueprint reading and safety
practices.
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Taking courses at a professional
technical school or two year colleges.
Receiving informal on-the-job training
from an experienced electrician.
Trainees learn to install conduit, connect
wires, and test circuits. Training usually
last for several years.
Military training is another options, in
which you may earn credit for previous
work experiences when you enter a
civilian apprenticeship program.
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Helpful High School Courses
A high school degree is usually required to work in this occupation.
Many high schools today offering career technology and school-tocareer programs, in construction and building trades. Here are a list of
courses that will help you prepare for this specific occupation:
 Construction Trades: Exploration of construction Careers, Electricity
and Electronics, Residential and Industrial Wiring.
 Drafting: Blueprint Reading, and Drafting Electrical and Electronics
 Health and Safety Education: Safety and First Aid
 Industrial and Technology Education: Exploration of Careers,
General Industrial Arts, and Industrial Safety and First Aid.
 Mathematics: Integrated Math, General Math,
 Applied Math, Algebra and Business Math.
 Business: Introduction to Business
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Occupational Outlook
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Many job openings will occur each year as current electricians retire
or leave this occupation for other reasons.
Much of the demand for electricians will result from growth in the
economy and population. Electricians will be needed to help
maintain wiring in existing buildings. They will also be needed to
help add wiring to new buildings. In addition, new technologies
should add to the need for electricians. Many houses and offices will
need new wiring for computers. In addition, many factories are
adding robots. Electricians will be needed to install them.
Employment of electricians is sensitive to the state of the economy.
Both construction electricians and motor vehicle electricians are
affected by downturns in the economy. When construction and car
buying decrease, these electricians may work fewer hours or be laid
off.
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Nationally, the number of jobs for electricians
expected to grow as fast as average through the
year 2010.

National
Employment
2000
2010
698,400
818,900
Employment Change
Number
Percent
120,500
17.3
Advancement Opportunities
Experienced electricians who work for large companies have
everal options for advancement. Those who have good people
skills may become supervisors. Those who have good
organizational skills may become managers. Construction
electricians may transfer to electrical jobs in the shipbuilding,
automobile, or aircraft industries. Some electricians start their own
businesses. Those who have a master electrician's license may
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become contractors.