Apprenticeship

WHAT DO ELECTRICIANS DO?

If you are interested in becoming an apprentice electrician, then it is very important for you to understand exactly what electricians do. It is necessary to understand what is expected of you and if you can see yourself doing the job of an electrician in the future. This understanding will help you make some important decisions about whether you should start your career as an apprentice electrician or not.

To begin with, an electrician is an expert in the installation, maintenance and repair of electrical systems. As an apprentice electrician you will receive on the job training on completing tasks that are related to electrical power.

Secondly, every time a brand new building is constructed, electricians are tasked with drafting a blueprint that specifies where all electrical wiring will go. This job requires some strategic and forward thinking as you would be required to position conduits in the wall space to support the electrical wires that will provide electricity to all the electrical power outlets inclusive of plug sockets. Electricians are also responsible for setting up correct wirings if air conditioning and heating systems are needed inside the buildings. Starting out there are many different types of apprentice electrician jobs you can do your apprenticeship in and learn how these tasks are done.

Thirdly, once the construction of a building is completed, the electrician is required to install the plug sockets and power outlets as a way of ensuring that power is available for all the electric equipment that will be used. Electricians may also be involved in installing and taking care of complicated electrical breaker boxes as well as voltage meters.

Fourthly, some apprentice electricians may be contracted to work in businesses where they are required to take care of computers as well as other electrical parts of the industry. Furthermore, many other electricians may work in factories where they are involved in repairing generators, manufacturing equipment as well as motors.

There are a wide variety of different apprentice electrician jobs you can work in to gain exposure to different electrical skills. Starting a career as an apprentice electrician will give you knowledge and experience to help you flex your "electrical muscles" and one day become an experienced electrician. During your apprenticeship, you will learn how to safely handle electricity and how to install electrical components. Once training is complete an electrician can pursue professional certification or licensing.

A basic curriculum for electrician trainees includes hands-on and practical training. Students must be able to understand and interpret architectural plans for residential and commercial buildings. Also required is a working knowledge of the National Electrical Code (NEC) and any state codes for different types of dwellings such as single or family and the types of electrical services that are applicable. Students must also have a basic understanding of mathematical concepts as they apply to electronics.