“You can join the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers
(IBEW) Apprenticeship program, or you can get training through
Associated Builders & Contractors Inc.,” he said. “You can also get
on-the-job training through a private employer.”
For those with the skills and the training, electrical work offers job security as well
as many opportunities in a number of environments, including
communications, residential, commercial, industrial and motor controls.
“There isn’t much you can do without electricity in one form or another,” Davenport said.
Question: What does your job entail on a daily basis?
Answer:
“I work in residential, so it can change with the weather. It’s pretty
strong from spring to fall, then it slows sometimes in the winter. Being
a residential electrician means not having a typical day. You could be
installing lights to begin your day and be troubleshooting or upgrading a
panel by the end of it. It’s rarely monotonous. The hours vary. A lot
of times, you have to work with the client’s schedule. You might be at
work from dawn to dusk some days. I’ve taken service calls at 3 or 4 in
the morning.”
Q: What do you like most about your job?
A: “Being able to help someone when they need it most, and enjoying what I do for a living. I love my job.”
Q: What do you enjoy least about your job?
A: “Taking too long to diagnose or repair a problem.”
Q: What skills and characteristics are needed to be successful in your line of work?
A:“You definitely have to be mechanically inclined, be a good problem
solver and be able to think on your feet and outside the box. You also
have to be sociable and be able to read people and adjust accordingly.”
Q: What advice would you give someone who’s considering going into the electrician field?
A: “Take pride in your work and do it correctly the first time.”
Q: What do you think is the employment outlook for electricians?
A:“I think the need for good electricians will continue to grow. With the
continuing development of alternative energy sources, I think there
will be a lot of opportunity in that field.”
Link to source:
Hot jobs: Future for electricians is wired for growth
