Many sectors benefit from the skills of electrical experts who assemble electrical gadgets and goods.
If you want to become an electrical technician, you need to first grasp what education and training you will need.
This article defines an electrical technician, discusses their key tasks, and outlines the actions you can take to pursue this career path.
What is an electrical technician?
Electrical technicians assist in the maintenance and construction of various electrical systems, such as computers and appliances.
Their work focuses on the assembly and management of various electrical goods available for purchase by consumers.
Electrical experts often adhere to a specified design plan while assembling items and electrical systems to guarantee that the gadget is correctly assembled and performs properly.
They frequently work as part of a production team in offices and factories, usually under the direction of an electrical engineering specialist.
What does an electrical technician do?
Throughout the day, electrical technicians are responsible for a variety of tasks, including:
- Putting together, testing, and maintaining electrical systems and wiring
- Device and electrical component repair
- To ensure correctness, read design drawings and blueprints.
- Notifying people about faulty equipment and appliances
- Managing and supervising other electricians and technicians
- Special electrical supplies and equipment must be ordered.
How to become an electrical technician
The following are the steps to becoming an electrical technician:
1. Complete a high school diploma
A high school diploma or GED equivalent is the bare minimum for becoming an electrical technician.
If you are still in high school, it may be advantageous to study specific programs and courses that will help you advance in your profession as an electrical technician.
Because electrical technicians frequently do important mathematical calculations, such as calculating the force of an electrical current and finding the angle of a circuit, courses in algebra and trigonometry might be beneficial.
If you are an adult who still needs to complete your high school diploma, you have the option of finishing your diploma or taking the GED exam.
If you’re not sure where to begin, consider browsing online for many alternatives to complete your high school education or refresh your mathematical skills with useful online courses.
2. Continue your education
When pursuing a career as an electrical technician, there are various further schooling options to consider.
Each one can give you a unique educational experience and can be finished in a variety of time frames.
3. Electrical maintenance certificate
Electrical maintenance certificates are often offered as a one-year program at vocational institutions and programs.
This degree equips individuals with an excellent understanding of electrical and mechanical maintenance difficulties, as well as useful credentials to begin a career as an electrical technician.
Some businesses, however, may favor people with undergraduate degrees since they provide a longer period of learning and training.
- Associate of Applied Science in Electrical Technology
The associate degree in electrical technology is a two-year program that teaches students vital information about electrical circuits and devices through classroom instruction and hands-on experience.
The degree covers a variety of topics relevant to a job as an electrical technician, such as rotational machinery and advanced electricity.
Internships can assist students earning this associate degree in building exceptional occupational skills.
- Associate of Applied Science in electrical and computer engineering technology
- Another two-year curriculum that prepares students for a career as an engineering technician is an associate degree in electrical and computer engineering technology.
Students can, however, specialize in electronics, which will help them develop well-rounded knowledge for a future as an electrical technician.
Individuals who seek this degree are frequently well-positioned for further education, such as a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering.
3. Gain relevant experience
Gaining relevant experience as an electrical technician will help you advance in your career and position you for future chances as a supervisor or manager.
Searching for entry-level electrical technician opportunities in a range of industries, such as government facilities, technical service firms, and computer systems corporations, might be advantageous.
Searching for jobs in numerous disciplines and industries might boost the number of accessible positions and help you locate an electrical technician career faster.
4. Obtain certifications
Electrical technicians can seek a variety of certifications to assist them in establishing their occupational knowledge and attract the attention of future employers.
Organizations such as the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) provide electrical technicians with credentials such as the Electrical Power Testing certification.
Individuals engaged in electrical power generation or transmission may benefit from this certification.
Electrical technician skills
Several abilities that electrical professionals employ during their careers are listed below:
- Observation
Electrical professionals must have good observation abilities to detect serious problems with electrical devices and uncover malfunctioning equipment.
Finding faults faster can help organizations offer functional products and increase production by replacing faulty instruments as soon as possible.
- Problem-solving
When inspecting malfunctioning electrical systems and choosing the best method to repair them, electrical experts frequently employ exceptional problem-solving abilities.
They may need to revisit the design blueprints to guarantee they assembled everything correctly, and they may also need to devise a creative workaround for defective cables and equipment.
- Communication
Electrical professionals must have strong communication skills to communicate information to supervisors and address design issues with other electricians.
If an electrical technician detects a flaw in a design plan or an incompatible piece of wiring or equipment, it is critical that they effectively convey those issues to their bosses and coworkers to identify speedy and useful remedies.
- Mathematics
- Electrical technicians employ mathematical abilities regularly as they perform critical calculations and measurements to guarantee that items function properly.
- Electrical workers require outstanding mathematical skills to conduct their jobs properly, whether they are calculating wire lengths or comprehending power distribution.
- Administrative
If an electrical technician is allowed to supervise or manage other electricians, excellent administrative skills are required.
Supervising technicians may need to order new equipment and supplies or oversee the duties of other electrical technicians throughout the day to ensure they are efficiently executing their duties.
Electricians’ salaries and career prospects
The national average compensation for electrical technicians in the United States is $51,802 per year.
However, this compensation may vary depending on criteria such as experience level, education, and industry.
Electrical technicians working for the federal government, for example, may earn more than the national average.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the job outlook for electrical technicians is expected to grow by 2% between 2019 and 2029, adding 1,900 new positions.
They anticipate the largest prospects in computer and electronic systems, as well as professional, scientific, and technological services.
FAQS
Is there a distinction to be made between an electrician and an electrical technician?
While an electrical technician works in an office or factory servicing items’ electrical systems, electricians build electrical or wiring systems in homes and businesses.
Electricians work on bigger electrical systems, whereas electrical technicians install or repair smaller goods.
What abilities are required of electrical technicians?
Electrical technicians must have the following skills to do their job well:
- Problem-solving and complex critical thinking
- Data-driven and analytical
- Detail-oriented with a solid understanding of electrical systems and technology
How is the working environment?
Electrical technicians are frequently employed in a factory or office setting. They frequently acquire a product or design plan and begin producing or fixing the product following the plan.
Electrical workers often work standard full-time hours and adhere to a set work plan.
What industries do electrical technicians work in?
Electrical technicians frequently work in larger enterprises to repair or create consumer products.
They may work in the manufacturing industry every day with a different product to apply for any repairs or electrical construction.
Electrical technicians may also work in the research business, where they look for novel and effective ways to fix systems and keep them from breaking down while in use by consumers.
Conclusion
Electricians labor in a difficult environment. They assist in ensuring that we have electricity in our homes and that all of our electrical equipment and systems are operational.
A career as an electrician can be a rewarding one.
Our training prepares graduates for a variety of careers in the field, including power system technicians, electrical research technicians, electrical distribution sales, electro-mechanical technicians, industrial/manufacturing automation technicians, field service engineers, commercial/industrial electricians, and others.
Other work prospects and jobs for prospective electricians include:
- Aircraft Maintenance/Radar/Avionics
- Automation Technician
- Biomedical Equipment Technician
- Control Engineer
- Electro-Mechanical Technician
- Fiber-Optic Technician
- Nuclear Generator Test Service Technician
- Photovoltaic Installation Technician
- PLC/PAC Programmer
- Railroad Signal and Switch Operator
- Robot Production Technician
- Satellite Technician
- Specialized Marine Sonar Technician