Becoming an Electrician – What You Need To Know
As you look around, you will quickly realize that there is electricity all around us. It powers our homes, computers, and even our vehicles. Without it, we would all be lost.
Since electricity is such a powerful and useful tool in our world, it should come as no surprise that skilled electricians are always in demand and needed too. Electricians are meaningful and they provide a service that we require.
Working with electricity is not always easy and it requires you to have a strong foundation in electrical knowledge. However, once you have acquired those skills, you will be a needed asset in the community.
Electricians are in demand and the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects job growth to continue at a steady 9%. If you have always had an interest in wires and electricity, you can make a great salary working as an electrician too. The average salary for an electrician is estimated at $26.53 per hour or $55,190 annually per the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Ready to become an electrician technician? Let’s look at some of the things the team at UEI College thinks you should know before you head down this career path.
YOUR JOB MAY IMPRESS YOU
Okay, we get it – an electrician installs wires in homes. Or do they? While the broadest definition of an electrician technician is someone who installs and maintains electrical equipment, there is much more to the job than you may realize.
Many electricians work in the residential arena but there is another subset of them that work in industrial and commercial buildings.
As an electrician technician, you may find yourself installing smoke detectors, ceiling fans, alarm systems, audio systems, and more.
If you’re interested in becoming an electrician, you should consider enrolling in UEI College’s Electrician Technician Program. The great thing about the program is that it can be completed, and you can earn your diploma in as little as 10 months, placing you on the fast to beginning a new and rewarding career.
THE WEATHER CAN BE A KILLER
One of the biggest surprises that new electricians are hit with is the weather. In your role as an electrician technician, you will be required to work in all types of weather – that means rain, snow, heat, and cold.
In most cases, you will be required to provide your own protective gear, which means you will need to stock up and dress appropriately for the weather.
YOUR WORK MATTERS
While this should go without saying, you can never be too safe. As an electrician technician, you have a lot of power and responsibility in your hands. This means you need to make sure you are ALWAYS safe and ALWAYS following protocol.
If you do not take the proper steps or you do not install wiring properly, you could seriously injure or kill yourself or worse, someone else.
ELECTRICIANS ARE HEROES
Not only do you have a high level of responsibility that follows you around, you will come to realize that many people rely on you. You are the main individual who can power an entire building and make it possible for things to happen. Your services are in demand and citizens will call on you and expect you to deliver.
YOU CAN SPECIALIZE IN VARIOUS AREAS
One of the things that many new electricians do not realize is that there are many areas to specialize in. One of the most popular areas is construction and the second most popular residential but you can specialize in underwater applications, communication systems, alarm or fire systems, and much more. Your opportunities are nearly endless.
MAKE SURE YOU HAVE THE RIGHT SKILL SETS
A good Electrician Technician program can teach you all the skills you need to be successful in this field, but there are some skills you need to ensure you have prior to seeking employment. Some of those skills include physical endurance, ability to problem solve, and the ability to pay careful attention to details.
START YOUR JOURNEY TODAY AT UEI COLLEGE
UEI College – West Covina is proud to offer an Electrician Technician program. This program can be completed in as few as 9.5 months and will prepare you to enter an entry-level role as an electrician technician. Our program is designed to help you develop the skills you need through mock wiring stations and real-life scenarios.
If you would like to learn more about our Electrician Technician program, contact us today!