Are you interested in becoming an electrician? Well, you are just on the right track as there is a steady and growing demand for electricians in the industry. With the impacts of the Great Recession gradually dissolving away and the construction boom on, there is no doubt that the demand for electricians is here to stay.

A closer look at the numbers shows that the job outlook for electricians will grow by 20% in the coming years. This is a significant growth when compared to other occupations. Moreover, with the current healthy economy, the construction industry is thriving, and it means more jobs for those electricians with the right training and qualifications. The on-demand nature of electrical work finds more rush among the masses to acquire the skills and knowledge required to become a good electrician. Further, emerging new technologies will challenge electricians in new ways. Thus, the electricians would be expected to take on new responsibilities in the coming years.

To begin with, it is essential to have a high school diploma or its equivalent. Electricians start with Apprenticeship programs to get hands-on training along with classroom instruction. The apprenticeship program can last for four or five years. Apprenticeship programs comprise of 2,000 hours of on-the-job training and 144 hours of the classroom each year. They get specialized training in soldering, blueprint reading, mathematics, electrical theory, electrical code requirements, and safety practices. They work under the supervision of experienced electricians and practice and master the main tasks.

National Electrical Association or individual electrical contracting companies sponsor the apprenticeship programs. Although most electricians get their education and training through an apprenticeship, some attend a technical school. Before they can work on the project, they need to get their license from the state, and the licensing can vary from state to state. The electricians must be aware of State and local building codes when performing their work. Along with the right training, the electricians should be good with their customer service, critical thinking, and troubleshooting skills.

Electricians focus on construction and maintenance of an electrical system. They specialise in the installation of wiring systems into factories, businesses, and new homes. They start their work by studying the blueprints and other technical diagrams about the electrical system. Once they have understood the system, they connect the wires to circuit breakers, outlets, transformers, and other components. They use different tools and equipment like screwdrivers, pliers, conduit benders, drills, wire strippers, knives, and pliers. They also make use of voltmeters, ohmmeters, ammeters other equipment to test connections and assess their safety.

Electricians are expected to work fast and make the repairs as soon as possible to minimize inconvenience. Thus, often they work under pressure and tighter guidelines.

Electricians may work both indoors and outdoors and in residential areas, commercial areas or industries and factories. They work in difficult conditions and have to stand or kneel for long periods. On top of that, they are exposed to workplace hazards like an electrical shock, falls, and cuts. Thus, they should follow strict safety procedures to keep safe and minimize those risks. Moreover, when they work outdoors, they are subjected to rough weather elements that can add to those risks. Often, the electricians have to travel long distances to reach their work sites.

Typically, the electricians work for about forty hours a week and sometimes, they need to work overtime, depending upon the type and urgency of the work. The maintenance work for offices and industries is often carried out during the weekends or work nights. Many companies that run 24 hours a day may hire three shifts of electricians.