A person who installs, operates, or repairs electrical wiring or electric devices. Electrician often work on construction sites or power stations, and may also be responsible for maintaining the electrical equipment in buildings or other structures. They may focus on residential or commercial electrical systems, or they may specialize in a specific area such as outdoor electricians, who work on power lines and stationary machines, or inside electricians, who focus on the wiring and other components of buildings. There are several ways to become an electrician, but the most common is to complete a four- or five-year apprenticeship. Some vocational schools offer courses that prepare students for an apprenticeship.
A career as an electrician has many benefits, including good job security and relatively high pay. In addition, the nature of the job allows workers to enjoy a flexible schedule. Maintenance electricians, for example, usually keep regular business hours and don’t have to work on weekends or public holidays. However, electricians who are on-call or who do emergency repairs can expect to put in extra hours.
Electricians must be comfortable working with dangerous live wires and equipment. They must have excellent vision and hand-eye coordination to safely perform their duties. They also need to be able to read and comprehend technical diagrams and blueprints, as well as the instructions and specifications provided by their employer or supervisor.
Those who work as electricians must have strong critical-thinking skills to solve complex problems. They must be able to evaluate the results of product and system testing and determine the best course of action for resolving issues. They also need to have customer service skills, as they may be responsible for communicating with residents and other clients when working on their homes or businesses.
Because of the nature of their work, electricians can experience a variety of physical ailments. For instance, they may experience burns and cuts when working with dangerous materials. They also must regularly climb ladders and crawl into tight spaces, which can take a toll on their backs, necks, and joints. They are also exposed to electricity multiple times a day, which poses the risk of electrocution.