What education do Electricians need?

The most common requirement is: Post-secondary certificate. Preparation level: medium preparation.

What skills do Electricians use most?

Troubleshooting, Repairing, Active Listening, Speaking, Critical Thinking, and Active Learning.

Electricians

Also called Electrician, Industrial Electrician, Inside Wireman, or Maintenance Electrician

Electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical wiring, equipment, and fixtures. Ensure that work is in accordance with relevant codes. May install or service street lights, intercom systems, or electrical control systems.

Who tends to enjoy it

Hands-on

People who like building, fixing, working with tools, machines, plants, or animals.

Organizing

People who like keeping things accurate, orderly, and running on schedule.

Curious

People who like figuring things out, research, science, and solving problems.

What you'd actually do

Prepare sketches or follow blueprints to determine the location of wiring or equipment and to ensure conformance to building and safety codes.
Place conduit, pipes, or tubing, inside designated partitions, walls, or other concealed areas, and pull insulated wires or cables through the conduit to complete circuits between boxes.
Work from ladders, scaffolds, or roofs to install, maintain, or repair electrical wiring, equipment, or fixtures.
Use a variety of tools or equipment, such as power construction equipment, measuring devices, power tools, and testing equipment, such as oscilloscopes, ammeters, or test lamps.
Assemble, install, test, or maintain electrical or electronic wiring, equipment, appliances, apparatus, or fixtures, using hand tools or power tools.
Connect wires to circuit breakers, transformers, or other components.
Maintain current electrician's license or identification card to meet governmental regulations.
Plan layout and installation of electrical wiring, equipment, or fixtures, based on job specifications and local codes.

A typical day involves

Wearing safety gear Using your hands Face-to-face with people Standing Part of a team Deadlines and time pressure Walking or running Indoors without climate control Outdoors in all weather Around hazardous equipment

Skills that matter most

Troubleshooting
Repairing
Active Listening
Speaking
Critical Thinking
Active Learning

What you'll need to know

Building and Construction
Administration and Management
Mechanical
Mathematics
Design

Where to study for this

College programs that commonly lead to this career, and how many US colleges offer each.

Electrician 549 colleges

Related careers

Installation, Maintenance, and Repair

Helpers--Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers

Help installation, maintenance, and repair workers in maintenance, parts replacement, and repair of vehicles, industrial machinery, and electrical and electronic equipment. Perform duties such as furnishing tools, materials, and supplies to other workers; cleaning work area, machines, and tools; and holding materials or tools for other workers.

Little to some preparation

Construction and Extraction

Carpenters

Construct, erect, install, or repair structures and fixtures made of wood and comparable materials, such as concrete forms; building frameworks, including partitions, joists, studding, and rafters; and wood stairways, window and door frames, and hardwood floors. May also install cabinets, siding, drywall, and batt or roll insulation. Includes brattice builders who build doors or brattices (ventilation walls or partitions) in underground passageways.