Electrician Apprentice Job Description, Skills, and Salary
Get to know about the duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and skills requirements of an electrician apprentice. Feel free to use our electrician apprentice job description template to produce your own. We also provide you with information about the salary you can earn as an electrician apprentice.
Who is an Electrician Apprentice?
People from different areas of life are increasingly interested in trades because they can see the economic uncertainty of certain industries and how high college costs are. An electrician is often the most sought-after trade. The reliance on electricity in every aspect of our lives is a guarantee of job security.
Apprenticeships are a key part of becoming an electrician. Asking the average person about the purpose of an electrical apprenticeship program would result in them stating that it trains you to do your jobs. This is true, but the specific knowledge required to succeed in this stage of your career isn’t so well-known. This is a brief overview of what electrical apprentice does and how it sets the stage for their future careers.
An electrician apprentice is both a student as well as a professional. He or she spends many years learning the skills that are required to be an independent electrician. Apprenticeships are required for this profession so those without any experience can learn from master electricians or journeymen. Apprenticeships are offered by professional electrician organizations. They require extensive work experience and classwork.
It can take apprentices five years to learn the trade. Apprentices are expected to do substantial work and be committed to the trade. Apprenticeship programs will often pay a wage.
An electrician’s apprentice learns the trade from firsthand experience under the supervision of a licensed electrician. This can be done in a class, licensing coursework, or with an individual who has an agreement with a professional in the area. An apprenticeship might be required in some cases to obtain a license.
A formal training program through a technical college or trade school is required for most areas. Students may be able to sign up for apprenticeship training as part of their schooling. Sometimes, a license can be obtained at school and followed by an apprenticeship before the electrician can start working on his own. An electrician’s apprentice works with a master electrician in the field to do a variety of jobs.
Apprentices in electrical engineering are often employed as employees and paid for their work. It depends on where you live and the length of time an electrician’s apprentice must work. Some people only need to be apprentices for a few months while others may need to work for many years. One may be licensed without an apprenticeship in many cases. However, he or she must first work for another electrician before he or she can start their own business as a master electrician.
An electrician’s apprentice is different from an electrician’s internship. An apprentice is usually paid for their work and hired as an employee. However, an intern works only a few hours per week and is not typically offered any monetary compensation. Both options are possible, but an apprenticeship is preferred.
Apprenticeships completed while a student remains in school can be done on the school premises. This is more true for students who are studying industrial electricity than residential or commercial. If you are unable to complete the tasks on-site, you can work with an instructor at school and finish your apprenticeship that way. There are both good and bad things about school-based apprenticeships. If students and instructors do not get along, there will be no one else to work with until the end of the course.
These are some related jobs that you might consider to working as an apprentice electrician:
- Installing emergency alarm systems
This is what some professionals do. This is a good option for those who are looking for a shorter training program.
- Repairer of signal and track switches
Workers are needed to maintain and repair signaling and track switches in transit systems that have multiple vehicles and complex infrastructure.
- Computer Repair
This is a great career choice if you are interested in troubleshooting electronics and working with them. You might learn about industry-standard components and the most common repairs.
- Plumbers
Plumbing professionals can also work as independent contractors in highly skilled trades such as plumbing. They are often required to work in the same environment as electricians.
- Electrical engineers
If you are interested in the mathematics and theory behind electricians’ training, you might be able to pursue a degree in electrical engineering. Electrical engineers use their academic knowledge to create products for a variety of industries.
Electrician Apprentice Job Description
Below are the electrician apprentice job description examples you can use to develop your resume or write an electrician apprentice job description for your employee. Employers can also use it to sieve out job seekers when choosing candidates for interviews.
The duties and responsibilities of an electrician apprentice include the following:
- Learning from the master electrician, and completing all tasks.
- Assisting with the repair of equipment and electrical problems by identifying, analyzing, troubleshooting, and helping.
- Interpreting schematics and blueprints.
- Maintaining work logs and client accounts, as well as other administrative duties.
- Completing electrical installation and other maintenance tasks.
- Working overtime and irregular hours when necessary
- Communicating with clients in a professional and courteous manner
- Collaborating with plumbers and other construction workers.
- Interpreting electrical codes specifications, drawings, schematics, and blueprints to view the layout of commercial electrical equipment installations.
- Conducting tests on electrical equipment and parts to determine continuity, voltage, resistance, and current.
- Repairing and replacing AC/DC motors.
- Repairing or replacing electrical wiring, receptacles switch boxes, conduits, and feeders, as well as fiber-optic and line assemblies. Lighting and other electrical parts are also installed.
- Conducting preventive maintenance and testing of electrical equipment (including power distribution equipment), is recommended.
- Assembling and installing electrical circuits. Also, panels, conduit, protective devices, switches, and other equipment to accommodate the CEC/or NEC.
- Repairing electrical problems and replacements of components when production is frequently delayed
- Keeping maintenance records and conducting preventive maintenance programs.
- Calibrating, maintaining, or installing industrial equipment and related devices
- Conforming to industry standards, safety manual, and safety rules.
The following are other important tasks:
- Assist Electrician
The Electrician Apprentice’s main task is to support the Electrician. It may include basic tasks like handling tools. However, it could also mean working alone with the Electrician on tasks that require less experience or skill. As an Electrical Apprentice, the ability to complete tasks independently will increase.
- Complete Maintenance
The Electrician Apprentice completes all maintenance orders for electrical equipment. This includes troubleshooting equipment, diagnosing defects, and testing equipment. To solve problems, the Electrician Apprentice and Electrician work together.
- Completing installations
The Electrician Apprentice can either assist the Electrician in completing installation work orders or do less complicated tasks on their own. They will perform electrical wiring tasks, calibration, and alignment adjustments according to manuals, schematics diagrams, blueprints, and equipment specifications.
- Learning different technical procedures
The position of Electrician Apprentice is partly educational to become an Electrician. He or she will be responsible for all aspects of installing and maintaining electric systems, as well as federal and local regulations and safety requirements.
Qualifications
- An appropriate license or certification.
- Practical experience with electrical equipment and systems.
- Ability to read and understand technical manuals, schematics, and blueprints.
- Strong problem-solving, analytical, and troubleshooting skills.
- Willingness to learn and be willing to work overtime when necessary.
- Capability to deal with criticism effectively
- Valid driver’s license or reliable transportation.
Certifications
To be able to work in any area or state, electricians must have a license. To make their credentials more impressive and competitive, they can get certain certifications:
The International Association of Electrical Inspectors offers the Certified Electrical Inspector certification.
This certification demonstrates your ability to perform electrical inspections. This certification requires a high school diploma, or an equivalent, and 8,000 hours of experience as an electrician or as an inspector. An associate degree in engineering or electrical construction is required. You must also have proof that you have completed an apprenticeship. Finally, you will need to pass the practical and multiple-choice exams.
The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence offers certification in electrical and electronic systems to automotive electricians. This certification proves that you are proficient in servicing and diagnosing electrical systems in cars. You must pass a multi-choice exam to earn this certification.
Essential Skills
- Troubleshooting
Installation and maintenance are the main tasks of electricians. This means that they ensure things work as they should and diagnose and fix problems when they don’t.
To fix electrical wiring or circuitry, you will need to run tests and perform other diagnostic functions. This will allow you to identify the problem and correct it. This is called troubleshooting.
- Critical Thinking
Sometimes, it’s not obvious what is causing the problem or which component of an electrical system is malfunctioning. Sometimes, it is not always obvious what the problem is and may require a change in plans.
Both these situations require critical thinking to solve problems. A multimeter is used by electricians to measure voltage, current, and resistance to determine the best way to fix a power socket.
- Customer Service
Electricians interact with customers every day. Electricians who work in residential settings need to be approachable and ready to answer customers’ questions.
This aspect of the job is more sought after by skilled electricians. It’s a good way to build relationships with customers and improve your business.
- Business
Electrical work, like many other occupations, is a business. It is essential to be a successful electrician that you have the business acumen to ensure they get fair and equal compensation to their colleagues or better.
This applies more to self-employed electricians, who in addition negotiate terms for new projects, also manage inventory and payroll. Contractor electricians benefit from being able to negotiate better terms.
- Mathematics
Like other skilled trades, electricians must be proficient in mathematics. For certain aspects of the job, such as determining the amount of material required to complete a project and the size of the tools needed, mathematical proficiency is essential.
For optimal electrical performance and safety, precise calculations and measurements are essential.
- Communication and people skills are essential
It is important to be able to cater to a wide range of customers, including homeowners/occupiers as well as draft people and architects.
- Ability to work as a member of a team m
The size of the project will dictate whether you work alone or in a group. You might be part of a large team that includes engineers, foremen, and tradesmen.
- Problem Solving
There are many tasks that you will need to solve. These could range from simple tasks like determining the right size of a cable to use, to more complicated tasks like wiring or programming an electrical apparatus to automate installations.
How to Become an Electrician Apprentice
- Research electricity
You should learn as much as possible about any field before you start a career. Learn about electrical codes and electricity by reading books. Follow job postings related to the profession. Talk to electricians who are experienced. Learn about what they do and where they do it. Find out what their favorite things are about their jobs.
- Get Your High School Diploma
You will need your diploma/GED if you are not yet a high school graduate to become an apprentice electrician. A year of algebra can give a good start. You can also learn the principles of electricity through science and math courses like physics.
- Register for an Electrician Training Program
You will need to have solid electrical skills to be an apprentice. You should choose an electrician career training program. It will teach you the basics of electricity, and safety codes while giving you the chance to practice what you have learned in a real-world setting. A combination of classroom instruction and laboratory work will be necessary to fully comprehend what it is like to work with real electrical equipment, distribution systems, and other industrial equipment.
- Sponsor an Electrician Apprentice
To train and teach future workers, apprenticeship programs are offered to private companies. You can find participating companies by yourself, although the programs are overseen by the state. They can be found through local unions and career centers as well as Veterans’ programs.
- Get ready for your interview as an apprentice electrician
You should take your apprenticeship seriously. It could be the first step on your journey to be a master electrician or journeyman. Do your research on the company, and make sure to polish your cover letter and resume. When you meet with the company, don’t just tell them what you want to learn. Instead, explain why you would be a valuable asset to the company.
Where to Work as an Electrician Apprentice
Electricians can choose to specialize in a variety of industries, including filmmaking, automotive manufacturing, and renewable energy industries.
Electrician Apprentice Salary Scale
An average salary for an apprentice electrician is $65,165 annually. The amount earned will vary depending on where you live, your experience, and your education.