The general public often associates electrical work with construction and blue-collar jobs. This is a common misconception that might have an effect on your career choices in the future. The fact of the matter is that a career as an electrician is complex and requires a lot of education and preparation.
Being informed about the profession can help you see the advantages you will enjoy if you make the choice to pursue a career as an electrician. Learn more about becoming an electrician by reading through these three surprising facts about electrical work.
- Master Electricians Complete Lengthy Training
Many people who choose to pursue a career in the electrical field aspire to become a master electrician. A master electrician is able to perform any electrical task, which typically results in a higher amount of pay for each job a master electrician completes.
It takes a significant amount of time and training to achieve the status of master electrician. You will need to complete between 500 and 1,000 classroom hours of education and between 8,000 and 10,000 hours on the job as an apprentice before you can be designated a journeyman.
A journeyman electrician will then complete an additional 4,000 hours on the job to gain enough experience to take the master electrician exam. Achieving the status of master electrician is a process that requires dedication, ongoing education, and experience that one can only achieve over the course of several years.
- The Electrical Field Is Diverse
You aren’t limited to repairing or installing residential electrical equipment when you choose to pursue a career as an electrician. The modern world’s growing reliance on technology has created a diverse demand for experienced electrical workers.
Jobs are available in the residential, commercial, industrial, and power supply sectors. This diversity means that you can find electrical work associated with anything that piques your interest.
Electrical workers are needed to keep industrial machinery functioning properly. Electricians can join the armed forces and serve their country while performing electrical duties. No matter if your interests lie in working with animals, sports, engineering, or construction, you will be able to find a need for an electrician in almost any industry.
- Electricians Are Very Active
Electricians are often thought of as being sedentary while performing job-related duties. This perception can deter you from pursuing a career as an electrician if you want a profession that requires more physical activity. It’s important to recognize that working as an electrician can be a very active and physically demanding job.
Electricians climb onto roofs and into attics in order to access electrical panels and wiring. An electrician will do a lot of bending, stooping, lifting, and squatting throughout the workday, so physical fitness is important. Each electrical job you undertake as an electrician will pose new challenges. Very little time is spent sitting behind a desk when you are employed as an electrician.
The high level of activity associated with the electrical profession makes electrical work a good option for individuals who want variety and action while on the job.
The electrical field is all-encompassing and offers you many opportunities to customize your career to suit your needs over time. Trade professionals will always be in high demand, which means that pursuing a career as an electrician can offer a significant amount of job security.
If you are considering a career in the electrical field, contact the Independent Electrical Contractors of Greater Cincinnati for help. We can provide the training, experience, and job placement needed to help you get your career as an electrician off to a successful start.