What do they do?
Electricians plan, layout, install, and repair wiring, electrical
fixtures,
and equipment. They install and maintain electrical wiring and
equipment.
Electricians also follow detailed plans to connect wiring and install
and test
switches, controls, signal devices, relays and circuit breakers.
Work Activities
- Read diagrams or blueprints and plan electrical
installations.
- Prepare cost estimates, order materials, and keep records.
- Measure, cut, and install electrical tubing.
- Observe and test installed wiring and equipment to ensure safety
standards
and codes are met.
Skills & Abilities
- Skills in understanding the basics of electricity.
- Skills in indentifying, understanding, and following safety rules
and
regulations.
- Skills in reading blueprints and specifications.
- Skills in using hands accurately to handle and manipulate wiring,
tubing,
and other materials and tools of the trade.
- Be able to understand the procedures of electrical
installation and
repair.
- Be able to accurately read and follow written materials.
- Be able to coordinate eye-hand movements, and have hand and finger
deterity.
- Be able to see distances, shapes, and dimensional forms.
Work settings
Environment: Work indoors and outdoors; may be required to
travel long
distances to work sites.
Hours: Work 40 hours a week; may work longer hours during the
peak of
construction season.
Employers: Electrical contractors, manufacturers, utility
companies,
government agencies, general contractors, and self-employed.
Employment & wages
By 2000, it's estimated that 3,220 electricians will be employed in
Nebraska.
Growth and/or turnover create approximately 104 annual job openings.
It is
estimated that 554,000 electricians will be employed in the U.S. by
2005.
Projected growth
Nebraska - About as fast as average, 13%
National - Little change or more slowly than average, 5%
Nebraska annual beginning wage: $10,400 to $25,000
Nebraska annual experienced wage: $15,600 to $32,400
National annual average wage: $20,400 to $36,000
Licensing / Certification & Training
Electricians must be
certified by
the Nebraska Electrical Board. To be licensed, an electrical
contractor must be
a graduate of an accredited four-year college plus have one year of
experience
as a licensed journeyman or have five years experience in layout,
supervision,
and installation. A journeyman electrician must have at least four
years
approved experience or successful completion of an approved two year
educational
program and three years of approved experience. An apprentice
electrician must
be registered with the Electrical Board and be supervised by a
licensed
electrician.
- Electricians usually learn their trade through apprenticeship
programs.
- Electrical skills also can be learned through on-the-job training
or through
formal programs at technical schools or community colleges.
Helpful high school subjects
High school subjects that may help prepare individuals for this
occupation
include algebra, geometry, physics, industrial technology, drafting,
electronics, speech, composition, and computer
applications.
Bibliography
Nebraska Career Information System: Occupations (1996-97 ed.),
pp.
428-429.
Complete Guide for Occupational Exploration (1993 ed.), pp.
181-203.
Dictionary of Occupational Titles (4th ed. Revised, 1991), p.
876.
Occupational Outlook Handbook (1996-97 ed.), p. 383.
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