Being in the Shoes of an Electrician for a Day
Electricians work in a dynamic and rewarding field with plenty of room for growth. Various electricians may have different daily to-do lists since, as with any job, there are a wide range of possible specializations. Let's take a peek at what a day in the life of a handful of these specialists would be like.
Daily Duties of an Electrician
Although some electricians keep regular business hours, you'll probably be called in to work on nights, weekends, and holidays. Since problems with electricity's wiring and voltage might arise at any time, you'll need to be available 24/7 in case of an emergency. You'll probably spend the morning in the office. After punching in, you'll be given a list of duties and sent out with the equipment you need to do them.
It's important for electricians to be ready for both unexpected emergencies and tasks that take much longer than expected. It may not be a localized issue, since one cable may be the source of problems in many rooms. Therefore, it may be necessary to investigate the whole building (in great detail) to identify the problem and resolve it.
If you have a knack for solving mysteries and taking a systematic approach, a career as an electrician could be perfect for you. If you have a short fuse (pun intended!), you may want to reconsider this employment choice.
The Workday of an Entry-Level Electrician
For the first four years of your career as an electrician, you'll be an apprentice, learning the ropes on the job and improving your skills as you go. It's likely that you'll have to undertake a variety of tasks, from installing new wiring and switches to troubleshooting existing issues. Find out more about the requirements for becoming an electrical apprentice.
The Journeyman
You will spend the years after your apprenticeship as a journeyman, earning a level of expertise between that of an apprentice and that of a master electrician. Before you reach the pinnacle of your field, you have the opportunity to leave an indelible mark on the numerous individuals you interact with throughout your journey to mastery. You'll benefit significantly from making these relationships.
Always Room for Professional Development
As an electrician, you may choose to specialize on one field, such as solar panels or motor controls, or take a more comprehensive approach. In the event that your niche becomes very popular (say, if many people in your neighborhood decide to purchase solar panels tomorrow), the demand would far exceed the supply, propelling you to the top.
You have the option of joining a union, working as a freelancer, or joining the ranks of an established firm's regular employees. This is a lucrative professional path that offers plenty of room for growth in whichever direction you want to go.
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