Electrical Technician ANGELO DELACRUZ

What they do • Read blueprints or technical diagrams

• Install and maintain wiring, control, and lighting systems

• Inspect electrical components, such as transformers and circuit breakers

• Identify electrical problems with a variety of testing devices

• Repair or replace wiring, equipment, or fixtures using hand tools and power tools

• Follow state and local building regulations based on the National Electric Code

• Direct and train workers to install, maintain, or repair electrical wiring or equipment

Different Type of Electrical Technicians • Inside electricians- maintain and repair large motors,

equipment, and control systems in businesses and factories. They use their knowledge of electrical systems to help these facilities run

• Residential electricians- install wiring and troubleshoot electrical problems in peoples’ homes. Those who work in new-home construction install outlets and provide access to power where needed. Those who work in maintenance and remodeling typically repair and replace faulty equipment. For example, if a circuit breaker repeatedly trips after being reset, electricians determine the reason and fix it.

Key Qualities • Business skills

• Color vision

• Critical-thinking skills

• Customer-service skills

• Troubleshooting skills

Work EnvironmentElectricians have a higher rate of injuries and illnesses than the national average. Although few accidents are potentially fatal, common injuries include electrical shocks, falls, burns, and other minor injuries. Workers must therefore wear protective clothing and safety glasses to reduce these risks.

Training• To become an electrical technician you must take a 4 to

5 year apprenticeship program. For each program you must also complete 144 hours of lass work and 2,000 hours of paid on-the-job training.

• In every classroom course you will learn about electrical theory, blueprint reading, mathematics, electrical code requirements, and safety and first-aid practices. Most states require electricians to pass a test and be licensed. But requirements vary by state. The tests have questions related to the National Electrical Code, state electrical codes, and local electrical codes.

Training Requirements Minimum age of 18

High school education or equivalent

One year of algebra

Qualifying score on an aptitude test

Pass substance abuse screening

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Yearly Pay Yearly Pay

Pay Comparison

As you can tell by this chart compared to these other two jobs an Electrical Technician

pays much better yearly.

My personal reasons to get this job• You can save money by getting an Technical

Certification instead of a college degree

• Being an electrician is a “hands-on” type of job

• You can help people in your community with electrical work in their house

• Training for this job is also a “hands-on” experience and less book work

Cite• http://www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/

electricians.htm#tab-3