It is no doubt that electricians move the world. Electricians are responsible for lighting homes and enabling electricity within everything from residential houses, commercial buildings to big airplanes and ships (Peter 22). Just what does one require to become an electrician is an important question for those who are aspiring to become electricians. However, before answering that question, it is important to first look at what the electricians do. There are various things that electricians can specialize in but normally, the standard fields that a certified electrician can involve him or herself include; planning and designing the layout, and installation of all electrical systems, they are also involved in the designing and installing new electrical components , electricians are also involved in repairing and maintaining electrical components and inspecting of electrical systems regularly and using equipments such as the ohmmeters, voltmeters and oscilloscopes in testing electrical systems (Peter 32).
All those skills require a stable background since the work of electrician requires one to be very keen since a mistake can lead to electrocution. It is also important for those aspiring to be electricians to be good in hand-eye coordination, to be physically fit and excellent in color vision since electricians use colors to identify wires (Peter 25).. Having accomplished this, it is important now to focus on the kind of education qualifications that one requires and also the legal requirements to be an electrician. Formal education can be accessed through post secondary education programs or through apprenticeship. The level of education is upon one since depending on the school, there are certificate courses, diplomas and degrees available. Diplomas and certificate courses are short term while the degree may take a little longer. Whatever program one decides to take, electrician training involves various things among them, building codes, commercial and residential wiring, inspection of electrical component and systems, safety codes, all regulations including local, state and national, high and low voltage electronic components and systems, power installation and distribution, designing and modification of electrical components and their repair and maintenance practices and also increasing and reducing electrical capacity. In many cases, training will also involve familiarizing with the National Electrical Code (Peter 27). Familiarizing oneself with the National Electrical Code is important in licensing examinations and also in ones career since all the electrical works will be required to adhere to the National Electrical Code.
The cost for the training of an electrician varies depending n the type of a program one choose and also the school. However, the cost or training an electrician for a certificate level can cost a few thousands to more than twenty thousand dollars in case of a degree. After successfully completing education, the next most important step is becoming a certified electrician. For one to become a certified electrician there is a certification examination that one is supposed to undertake (Peter 28). This kind of examination varies from one state to another and it is therefore advisable to always check with the local departments to understand the specifics and also the current fees. Most of the licenses only allow one to work in that particular area of jurisdiction could be a state or a municipality but this does not mean one cannot work in other states since most of the licenses also include interstate agreements (Peter 28). It is not possible to determine for how long it would take to get licensed after sitting for the examination since it depends on specific educational and other licensing requirements which all vary from one state to another. Becoming a master electrician calls for more qualifications academically. In most states however, with a bachelor degree in electrical engineering, one can be allowed to sit for the master electrician examination (Peter 29). Unlike a journeyman electrician, a master electrician is licensed to design and plan electrical systems and it is possible to take positions in management and supervisory roles and can also start own business as an electrical contractor.
Once qualified, it is possible to secure a job in various industries such as building contractors, local government and non government organizations and can also decide to start a business as an electrical contractor. When considering starting of a business as an electrical contractor, it is important to first acquire a license. The business will take normal course just like any other business but it is important to include the name of the contractor under which the business is registered and also state that the business holder is licensed under act while advertising for the business.
A carrer as an electrician does have advantages and disadvantages just like any other career. The work of an electrician is interesting and many electricians do say that their jobs are fulfilling. It is an active career which is also hands on and in many cases, such jobs gives satisfaction. For the electricians, lighting and warmth are necessary for living and they therefore consider themselves important for giving families both. Electricity is important in the 21st century and in the coming centuries in all aspects of life and it is therefore considered a very stable career. On the other hand, the career in electricity can also pose some risks such as electrocution or fires (Peter 22). This however requires one to be keen to details. The work of an electrician will also require one o be physically fit at all times since there are times when one is supposed to deal with very high heights especially when working in very high buildings.
The current prospects for the electrician jobs are considered to be good since there is are new advancements in technologies that will involve electricity. In fact, there has been reported job employment increase of 12% since the year 2008 and is expected to remain the same till the year 2018 (Peter 32). The world populations are growing everyday and demand for electricity and electrical appliances and components will obviously be on the increase. With the expanding population, more schools, restaurants, shopping malls residential and commercial buildings will also be on the increase and hence more jobs for he electricians.
While a business will always pay well if well managed, careers as an electrician pay varies from across industries. In many cases, depending on the qualifications of person, annual average salaries for electricians are $48 000 for the median average to $ 80, 000 for the top paying jobs (Peter 31). The other advantage about this career is that there is room for innovation at all levels and therefore can b used as leverage for those who aspire to start their businesses an electrical contractor. It is always good and even more fulfilling to self employ and this has been the dream for many and it is achievable.
Works cited
Peter, L. Electrician Career Information . London: Broadview Press, 2008. Print
