What You Need To Know Before Choosing A Career As An Electrician
Are you thinking of taking up a career as an electrician? If you are, you’ve come to the right place! As the demand for electrical contractors has increased in recent years, and as the security that comes with the job is long term, more and more people are looking to build a career in this profession.
Moreover, your investment in education for this career isn’t as significant, and your chances of obtaining a job are higher than other areas of specialization. Similarly, choosing a job as an electrician allows you to explore new opportunities like starting your own business, progressing to higher positions, or new areas of expertise.
The responsibilities of an electrician
As an electrician, you are required to set up and fix electrical channels that direct electricity from the source to points where people can safely and effectively use it. To do this, you’ll need to be able to:
1. Read blueprints or technical diagrams to locate circuits, outlets, and other electrical equipment that is already installed or needs to be installed.
2. Identify and solve problems and overcome electrical challenges that get in the way of achieving the client’s requirements.
3. Install, replace, and maintain wiring, control, and lighting fixtures and systems.
4. Inspect electrical components to determine the state they are in and if you need to make any changes or repairs.
5. Follow State codes and local building regulations to guarantee safety from electrocution, short circuits, and fires.
Requirements to become an electrician
To become a certified electrician in Canada, you need a High School Diploma with excellent mathematical skills. You also need to complete relevant College Pre-Employment Courses and obtain on the job education or training. You can acquire first-hand training by undertaking an apprenticeship program for four to five years. An apprentice must be above the age of eighteen and must learn about blueprints, electrical safety, and first-aid practices, electrical code requirements, mathematics, and electrical theory.
To practice, you must register with the government and obtain a license. You’ll also need WSIB (Workplace Safety and Insurance Board) insurance to protect your clients and yourself from risks and damages. Along with these requirements, you’ll also need to develop skills like adaptability, problem-solving, and teaching. Mentoring skills, leadership, teamwork, and communication are equally essential to build a reputable career as an electrician.
If you possess all these essentials to operate as a full-fledged electrician, you can earn as much as $75,000 to $85,000 per year (plus overtime). However, you’ll need to complete different levels in this profession before you can earn these wages.
On completion of your four-year apprenticeship, the new roles you can work towards are foreman or supervisor, project management, or specialization in specific areas such as data, controls, automation, security, and service. You can also engage in electrical engineering to boost your prospects for the future.
If you don’t diversify in your skill, and simply engage in new construction jobs, you could be subject to layoffs. For this reason, it is essential to develop your skills and also diversify into others to make yourself indispensable.
To learn more about the profession of an electrician, reach out to Growler Electrical Automation Ltd. As leading residential and commercial electricians in Calgary, AB, we are experienced in a broad range of electrical jobs. We pay attention to details and are reliable irrespective of the task entrusted to us. If you’re interested in learning from us, reach out to our team here. We offer training in all our areas of specialization and are happy to teach you the trade. For information about our services, please click here!