Industry
Outlook for Electricians
The growth rate in the
electrical field is anticipated to grow faster
than average throughout the next five to ten years. A large portion of
open positions will arise from experienced electrical workers that
choose to leave the field either through retirement or to pursue other
opportunities.
Electrical contractors may
be required to work in tight, cramped spaces and usually need to be able to climb ladders.
They may also be required to
work in inclement conditions. Depending on the industry in which they
are employed they may work 40 hours per week or more. They may also be
required to be on call and to work evenings, weekends and/or holidays.
Employment
Prospects for Electricians
As this field continues to
grow, the opportunities for employment prospects will continue to
expand as well. In addition to the traditional areas of new
construction and repair and maintenance, it is anticipated that employment
prospects will exist in factories as well as
expanded opportunities in building renovation and rehabilitation.
Electrical workers may
specialize in new construction and therefore either work for themselves
or a contracting company. Other prospects include motor vehicle parts
manufacturing, government services and the military.
Job Search for
Electricians
Open positions within this
field can be found through a variety of techniques; although a large
portion of open positions are connected to union work. Networking
within occupational and union circles can prove to be most beneficial.
Other ways of finding work include searching the classifieds and
checking industry web sites and job boards.
Resumes for
Electricians
Due to the fact that this
occupation relies so heavily on experience either the functional
or combination resume format would be the best type
of resume to use when applying for work within this field. Both of
these resume formats allows the candidate to focus on work experience
and specifically experience related to certain tasks.
Cover Letters
for Electricians
The cover letter used when
applying for work within this field should focus on experience and
whenever possible mention beneficial references,
especially if the candidate was referred to the position by someone.
Training
& Qualifications for Electricians
The largest source of training
in this field is apprenticeship programs lasting anywhere from three to
five years. These types of programs are commonly offered through local
union organizations and associations, such as:
- National Electrical Contractors Association
- International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers
- Associated Builders and Contractors
- Independent Electrical Contractors Association
Individuals who choose not to
enter a training or apprenticeship program may learn skills by becoming
employed as an electrician’s helper;
however it should be noted that fewer opportunities exist for this type
of position and the candidate is not as likely to receive training they
need to complete the wide range of tasks necessary to performing the
work of master electricians.
In some cases, training and
apprenticeship programs train a candidate to work only with specific
types of electrical and voltage systems or to work in very specific
environments. In other cases, the candidate may be trained to do both
maintenance and construction work.
In addition to being in good
physical condition, candidates interested in this line of work should
have good color vision due to the fact that they must be able to
distinguish between multi-colored wires to accurately and safely
perform the job.
Most training programs
require candidates to be at least 18 years of age with a high school diploma or GED.
Upon the completion of
training most areas require candidates to pass an examination in order
to become licensed. The examination usually tests knowledge of
electrical theory, the National Electric Code
and local building codes. On going education may be required in order
for the successful candidate to keep up with changes that affect the
industry.
Advancement within this field
is possible. As individuals gain experience they may advance to the
position of supervisor and eventually to that of superintendent.
Additional pay and responsibility are attached to such promotions. They
also eventually open their own business or become an inspector.