How to Become an Electrician

Electrician is an essential part of our daily lives. However, there are many risks associated with electricity. Often, these risks can be minimized by understanding the basics of electrical safety. Jim Orosz, P.E., a professional engineer at Robson Forensic, discusses some basic ways to safeguard the public from exposure to overhead and underground electrical lines.

Education Requirements

Electrical engineers innovate and design systems that keep buildings, computers, factories, power grids and telecommunications productive and efficient. They’re behind the technologies we all rely on every day, from batteries to cell phones to computers to electric motors. Depending on the industry, most electrical engineering jobs require at least a bachelor’s degree from an accredited engineering program. Some advanced professional positions may also require advanced degrees or professional licensure.

An electrical engineering technology degree prepares students for entry-level work in the field. These programs are designed to teach students practical skills and theoretical concepts that can be applied in real-world situations. Many programs also offer cooperative education, which gives students the opportunity to gain professional experience while studying at school. This helps students build a resume and gain practical job experience, while making connections with potential employers.

Students who want to be licensed as an electrical engineer must complete a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university and pass the Fundamentals of Engineering exam and the Principles and Practice of Engineering exam. They must also meet a number of other requirements, including having three to four years of relevant work experience. Licensing is required in all states for engineers whose work affects the health, safety and welfare of the public. Some employers also encourage their employees to get licensed.

Experience Requirements

A candidate for this position needs at least a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering. In some cases, a master’s degree may be required. The candidate also needs to have extensive industry experience. Additionally, a candidate for this position must pass an exam to become a licensed professional engineer.

The ideal candidate for this job has extensive manufacturing experience and the ability to work independently or as part of a team. They must also have good verbal communication skills and the ability to meet deadlines. They must be able to read and interpret blueprints, production illustrations and wiring diagrams, and they should be able to perform accurate calculations. In addition, the candidate must be able to set up and operate automated wire processing machines according to authorized production documents and machine instructions.

Electrical technicians need to be able to communicate effectively with non-technical personnel and explain technical information in a clear manner. This is especially important for people in supervisory positions who need to make decisions based on the results of investigations and inspections conducted by a company’s engineers.

In addition to the above requirements, a candidate for this position should have a high level of attention to detail and an ability to prioritize tasks. In many cases, an Electrical Technician will need to work nights and weekends to meet project deadlines.