4 answers
james
Student
Gulfport, Mississippi
2
Questions
Asked
904 views
What does a electrician do on a regular day basis?
1.What do you think is the best field to get into in electrical.
2.Typically how long does it takes to get a certificate in electrical.
3.What are some tips to become a successful electrician.
4 answers
Dustin Allen
Electrical Design Engineer
2
Answers
Mesa, Arizona
Updated
Dustin’s Answer
An electrician installs the electrical components in a building, such as the panels, outlets and lighting. The electrical trade is one of the more advanced of the trades. There is currently a huge shortage in qualified electricians in the United States. It is a physical job, but one you can make very good money at once you have the experience.
Lineman is probably the best paying field for an electrician
It takes generally a 4 years apprentice program to reach a journeyman level
Take pride in your work and learn the NEC front to back
Dustin recommends the following next steps:
Thank you!
james
Elliot Jordan
Web Developer
78
Answers
Indianapolis, Indiana
Updated
Elliot’s Answer
Hi James,
These and similar questions are great for google - you will find more good answers there quickly. I'd imagine a 2 year program at many community colleges or trade schools would be a good start but more research is needed. Explore the Occupational Outlook Handbook (https://www.bls.gov/ooh/) - this field has a 14% growth rate over the next 10 years - pretty good! The other answers provided have good insights - figure out if being "Lineman" would appeal to you or similar roles. Good luck.
These and similar questions are great for google - you will find more good answers there quickly. I'd imagine a 2 year program at many community colleges or trade schools would be a good start but more research is needed. Explore the Occupational Outlook Handbook (https://www.bls.gov/ooh/) - this field has a 14% growth rate over the next 10 years - pretty good! The other answers provided have good insights - figure out if being "Lineman" would appeal to you or similar roles. Good luck.
Donald Giovacchini
Senior Sales Manager
5
Answers
Jersey City, New Jersey
Updated
Donald’s Answer
Hi James, I hope you are well.
While i'm not an electrician. In fact, i'm a Sr Sales Manger for a Wealth Management company but I came across your post and wanted to answer it for several reasons. First, my father, uncle, and pretty much everyone in my family have been in construction their entire life. I also flip homes on the side and deal with many subcontractors including electricians.
Here are my thoughts for you:
1) Education
Being a subject matter expert is a must. Never think you can just get by if you wing things or fake it til you make it. Not going to work because you'll lose credibility fast and the word will get out. These days, your reputation is all you have so be the person who is most knowledgeable. I will also say that its important to not only learn by yourself, its even more important to learn from someone who is successful. So take the job for a reputable company that has their stuff together. Learning is not just about the trade but how they conduct business from all angles.
2) Business mindset
After several years of working for someone else, you will probably start thinking about starting your own company. As I stated above, learning is not just about the trade but its how to be a successful business. From customer relations, to feedback, to incentives, managing costs, understanding credit for growth opportunities, technology for booking and to receive payment. Your mind needs to be working overtime in your early years.
3) Organization
Organization is key to anyone's success. How do you store your tools to where you keep your files, how you follow up with business partners or customers timely will matter a whole lot. Any time you feel that things are getting out of sort, you need to step back and create plan. the plan needs to be feasible and repeatable. Creating plans for yourself take the thinking out of your decisions which will make you more effective on the top. so create a standard of being organized.
4) People
Possibly the most important. People need to trust who they are working with so what will you do to win their trust? is it regular follow up and check ins? educating your clients before and after work is done? is it just being nice? You will also need to build a network around you by putting yourself out there. Where do other sub contractors hang out? Get to know them and make sure they get to know you. This is how you win jobs.
Hope this helps!
Donnie
While i'm not an electrician. In fact, i'm a Sr Sales Manger for a Wealth Management company but I came across your post and wanted to answer it for several reasons. First, my father, uncle, and pretty much everyone in my family have been in construction their entire life. I also flip homes on the side and deal with many subcontractors including electricians.
Here are my thoughts for you:
1) Education
Being a subject matter expert is a must. Never think you can just get by if you wing things or fake it til you make it. Not going to work because you'll lose credibility fast and the word will get out. These days, your reputation is all you have so be the person who is most knowledgeable. I will also say that its important to not only learn by yourself, its even more important to learn from someone who is successful. So take the job for a reputable company that has their stuff together. Learning is not just about the trade but how they conduct business from all angles.
2) Business mindset
After several years of working for someone else, you will probably start thinking about starting your own company. As I stated above, learning is not just about the trade but its how to be a successful business. From customer relations, to feedback, to incentives, managing costs, understanding credit for growth opportunities, technology for booking and to receive payment. Your mind needs to be working overtime in your early years.
3) Organization
Organization is key to anyone's success. How do you store your tools to where you keep your files, how you follow up with business partners or customers timely will matter a whole lot. Any time you feel that things are getting out of sort, you need to step back and create plan. the plan needs to be feasible and repeatable. Creating plans for yourself take the thinking out of your decisions which will make you more effective on the top. so create a standard of being organized.
4) People
Possibly the most important. People need to trust who they are working with so what will you do to win their trust? is it regular follow up and check ins? educating your clients before and after work is done? is it just being nice? You will also need to build a network around you by putting yourself out there. Where do other sub contractors hang out? Get to know them and make sure they get to know you. This is how you win jobs.
Hope this helps!
Donnie
Thank you so much, Donald!
james
Mark Bernier
Program Manager
4
Answers
Boston, Massachusetts
Updated
Mark’s Answer
Hi James,
I have a friend who is an electrician, and would like to add a couple of thoughts to the above answers:
1- I believe that the certification process varies by state, so you should check into that for your area.
2- There is typically an apprenticeship phase required where you would work for and alongside professional electricians to complete that minimum requirement.
3- I believe that, depending on your employer, they may be more focused on commercial versus residential or both types of work, so that may be a factor to think about for you.
4- As with ANY job, a strong work ethic, can-do attitude, technical knowledge and personable demeanor all go a long way to the basics of success.
Best of luck,
-M
I have a friend who is an electrician, and would like to add a couple of thoughts to the above answers:
1- I believe that the certification process varies by state, so you should check into that for your area.
2- There is typically an apprenticeship phase required where you would work for and alongside professional electricians to complete that minimum requirement.
3- I believe that, depending on your employer, they may be more focused on commercial versus residential or both types of work, so that may be a factor to think about for you.
4- As with ANY job, a strong work ethic, can-do attitude, technical knowledge and personable demeanor all go a long way to the basics of success.
Best of luck,
-M
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