CAREER

AS AN

ELECTRICIAN
ELECTRICAL
CONTRACTOR
Research Number 113
ISBN 1-58511-113-9
DOT Number 824.261-010

CAREER AS AN

ELECTRICIAN
ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR
Excellent Opportunities and Earnings Following
Apprentice Training

Challenging and Rewarding Work in This Rapidly

Expanding Trade

Building and Maintaining the Electrical Infrastructure

WHEN YOU THINK OF ELECTRICAL WORKERS, do you picture a construction site

populated by powerfully built workers in overalls, hard hats, and tool
belts? Many people engaged in these fields do indeed work on
construction sites. But the stereotypical hard-hat portrait is changing –
rapidly in some aspects, gradually in others. For instance, more and more
electricians are employed to perform maintenance work for factories,
office buildings, and hospitals. Moreover, while there are certain physical
requirements for this work, they don’t require the worker to be male, as
women are entering the electrical careers in growing numbers.
Here’s another interesting fact: electrical contractors are often
retained for projects that don’t involve electrical power – such as fiber
optics. They also do jobs that can’t be described as conventional
construction – installation of a closed-circuit TV security system, for
instance.
Nonetheless, the basic job descriptions that you are probably familiar
with are still typical. Electricians install, modify, repair, refurbish, maintain,
and otherwise handle wiring, switches, devices, and fixtures for

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communications, security, climate-control, heating, lighting, and power
systems. And electrical contractors are still basically business owners who
coordinate and oversee large projects.
The nature of this work hasn’t changed as much as it has expanded.
Electricians and electrical contractors still do much of what they did 10,
even 50 years ago. But they also perform tasks that are way beyond the
job descriptions of even a decade ago – tasks that used to be performed
by a different type of professional, or tasks that didn’t previously exist
because the technology didn’t exist. The careers of electrician and electrical
contractor are fields in transition.
This is an exciting time to be in this line of work. New applications for
the skills of electrical workers are being discovered all the time, and
demand for electrical services is soaring. The United States relies more than
ever on dependable and well maintained supplies of electricity. So if you’re
interested in pursuing a career in one of the better paying skilled trades –
and one with a solid future – you’ve come to the right place!

PREPARING FOR THIS CAREER

THE BEST WAY TO TRAIN TO BECOME an electrician is through an
industry-approved apprenticeship program. Apprenticeship programs have
set minimum requirements for acceptance. Admission boards will evaluate
your physical and mental aptitude for the work, academic background,
and your activities outside of school.
Now is a good time to make sure you are comfortable with heights,
enjoy working with your hands, and don’t mind being outdoors in nasty
weather. That is, if standing on a kitchen ladder makes you dizzy, or if your
idea of unnecessary exposure to the elements is parking your car in an
unheated garage, you’re probably not a good candidate for work that
might have you tied to a roof for long periods of time.
Good grades are important for aspiring electricians seeking admission
to an apprenticeship program. A high school diploma is a minimum; you
won’t be accepted into a union without one.
Because electricians must perform basic calculations, read blueprints
and diagrams, and understand the principles of the physical world, your
high-school coursework should be strong in math (especially algebra) and
science (especially physics). Courses in engineering, electronics, mechanical
drawing, and shop also provide a good background. If these classes are
not offered as electives at your high school, you might consider taking

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them at a local vocational or technical institution. Special training is also
offered in the Armed Forces.
Electricians also have to be able to read technical material, such as
manufacturers’ manuals and architects’ specifications. They work with
people of different backgrounds, so classes in literature, the social
sciences, and foreign languages can be helpful in these respects. A
well-rounded education is always a good idea.
It may not be readily apparent why you should study things that are
unfamiliar to you, that don’t necessarily come easily to you, and that are
not so interesting to you. But, believe it or not, developing good study
habits will help, because you will have to continue learning throughout
your career. Most electricians take continuing-education courses to stay
current with technological advances.
If you hope eventually to own your own business or become an
electrical contractor, a well-rounded education will help you in everything
from handling personnel issues to solving problems.
Involvement in sports shows that you are a team player, which is an
essential trait for electrical workers.
Take your after-school job seriously. If it’s in the construction industry
or something else related to electrical work, all the better; but it doesn’t
have to be. The apprenticeship board will be delighted to see work records
that show you are dependable, hard working, and personable.
These recommendations are designed mainly to help you gain
admission to an apprenticeship program and reflect the kinds of attributes
and activities the board will be looking for. But they should also be things
you enjoy doing and would be naturally drawn to, if you’re a good
candidate for this work.

HISTORY OF THIS CAREER

THOUSANDS OF YEARS AGO, THE ancient Greeks noticed that amber (a hard,
fossilized pine resin) acquired the ability to attract bits of lightweight
matter, such as straw and feathers, when it was rubbed with cloth. Little
did they know they were conducting experiments with static electricity!
Other ancient peoples observed that other substances also possessed
powers of attraction, most notably a black rock known as lodestone or
magnetite, which attracted heavy objects. In the mid-1500s, Girolamo

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Cardano, an Italian mathematician, was the first to recognize that the
manner in which the two substances attract materials must be different.
William Gilbert, an English physician, expanded upon Cardano’s
findings in 1600. Gilbert was the first to distinguish between electric and
magnetic phenomena, and he applied the word electric (from the Greek
word for amber, elektron) to substances that attract light material when
rubbed with cloth. He noticed that substances such as glass, sulfur, and
wax behaved like amber in this manner.
Today, we know that what Gilbert called electrics are good insulators,
which allows them to hold an electric charge; and that lodestone is a
natural magnet.
The first people to harness electricity’s potential were scientists and
inventors, not electricians or contractors. The evolution of those careers
were dependent upon the formation of the electric power and light
industry, which didn’t take place until the late 19th century.
In 1837, Samuel Morse, who had been intrigued by electricity ever
since he was a student at Yale in the 1820s, proposed an electric telegraph
system to the US Congress, which was seeking to connect the financial
market of New York City with the cotton market of New Orleans. His
proposal was rejected. But six years later, Morse finally received a $30,000
grant to build a test line between Washington, DC and Baltimore.
Around this time, most educated people – not to mention the US
government – were aware of the phenomenon of electricity. But many
perceived it as an interesting but perilous experiment. When Samuel Morse
tapped-out the first telegraph message, “What hath God wrought?,” it
might seem to confirm the perception of electricity as threatening, but it
was really the opposite that actually occurred. People began to appreciate
the promise of electricity, rather than fear its unknown dangers. The first
telegraph wires were hung between Washington and Baltimore in 1844,
and the first telegraph station was built in Chicago in 1848. Within 20
years, transatlantic cable was being laid. Linemen were needed to install
the wires, and, as intrepid, thrill-seeking young workers lined up to take
the jobs, the new career of electrician was born.
In the 1870s, lamps illuminated by means of an electric arc were
installed in railroad stations, industrial plants, and public plazas in large
cities all over the United States. By 1879, when Thomas Alva Edison
perfected the incandescent lamp, the general public was quickly convinced
of the value of electric power, and Edison’s invention swiftly fueled
demand for the provision of electric services. The inventor opened the Pearl

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Street Generating Station, a steam electric power plant, in New York City in
1882, and the plant was soon providing direct current to illuminate over
one thousand incandescent lamps. By the end of the century, the United
States would boast more than 3,600 electric utilities.
As public demand for electricity grew, so did the need for trained
electricians. The skilled trade of wireman joined that of lineman.
Electricians often toiled 12 hours a day, seven days a week, under
hazardous conditions with no safety controls. Many workers earned as
little as 10 to 15 cents an hour.
The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) union
would have its roots in the 1890 World’s Fair in St. Louis, which employed
hundreds of linemen and wiremen from all over the country to erect the
exhibits showing off the “glorious display of electrical wonders.” With so
many electricians congregating in one place, the talk naturally turned to
working conditions and unionization. The first convention of what would
become the IBEW was held in 1891.
The use of electric utilities surged, and by the 1930s, they served
about two thirds of all US households. However, only 10% of farms
enjoyed the benefits of electric power, so President Franklin D. Roosevelt
founded the Rural Electrification Administration (REA) to introduce
electricity to unserved rural areas. By the 1990s, virtually every American
farm was served by electrical power and 50% had REA-funded systems.
The REA was recently replaced by the Rural Utilities Service.
Development of Electrical Contracting During the 1900s, the
United States experienced intermittent building booms. During the first
decade of the last century, there was a national housing shortage due to
population growth and a shortage of construction workers, who were
busy building industrial facilities. From that period through the mid-1960s,
with the exception of the World War periods and the Great Depression,
construction took place at a brisk clip. This phenomenon brought about a
new construction specialty, that of electrical contractor.
The main differences between electrical contracting in the 1950s and
electrical contracting today are largely matters of technology, although
procedures and safety practices have also evolved. For instance, in the
1950s, only a few power tools were used to install electrical systems.
Today, a wide variety of power tools are used, including hand-held,
battery-powered tools that need no power cord. Tools have also been
introduced that offer tremendous savings in time and labor, as well as
those that eliminate the possibility of hazards such as electrocution.

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 In the 1950s, contractors dug trenches by hand for underground
installation of cable or conduit (pipe or tubing that protects electrical
wires). Today, a computerized directional tool can bore underneath utility
lines to install electrical systems without necessitating a trench at all.
Digital instruments have replaced analog, and measuring and
alignment equipment such as spirit levels, tape measures, and plumb bobs
are becoming outmoded with the advent of lightweight laser tools. Even
simple identification labels have undergone dramatic facelifts to
accommodate increasingly complex electrical networks.
Great strides have been made to protect worker safety. Fifty years ago,
safety procedures and concerns were comparatively perfunctory. Today,
meticulous safety records are maintained concerning injury, illness,
occupational hazards, and maintenance and training (to ensure safe
equipment and operation). More and more contractors are establishing
formal programs to educate their field forces.
Fifty years ago, the work of an electrical contractor was fairly
straightforward and consisted largely of reading specifications and setting
up power systems. The electrical segment of a construction job
represented a small portion of the total cost and the fee was easy to
estimate. The contractor would simply calculate the approximate cost of
the job and double that to account for overhead and profit. Multiple
competitive bids were almost unheard of.
Today, contractors may compete with a long list of bidders for any
given job. The job description for an electrical contractor has broadened
and now includes the installation of electric power, lighting,
telecommunication equipment, electronic controls, security systems,
highway signs, and the erection of power or communication lines over
long distances. The amount of wiring that must be installed in buildings
has skyrocketed because of the increased use of telecommunication
equipment, closed-circuit television, and security and alarm systems. The
amount of electrical power required has swelled with the number and
complexity of environmental systems in operation, including heating,
cooling, ventilation, lighting, and sound control. Mechanical and electrical
systems now represent 25% to 35% of total construction expenditure.

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WHERE YOU WILL WORK
TRADITIONALLY, JOB OPPORTUNITIES in any given area fluctuate from one year
to another as local economic conditions shift. Currently, jobs for
electricians are most plentiful in the booming regions of the West,
Northwest and Midwest. However, as technology becomes more complex
and electricians necessarily broaden their skills base, regional differences in
employment opportunities are diminishing, and jobs can increasingly be
found in all parts of the United States. For similar reasons, electrical
contracting is less seasonal a business than it once was; there’s plenty of
work to be done that doesn’t require the cooperation of the elements.
About one-half to two-thirds of electricians work in the construction
industry. Approximately 10% of all electricians are self-employed, work as
independent contractors, or run their own businesses.
Maintenance electricians may work for large factories or office
buildings, in just about any industry that relies on electricity. (Can you
think of one that doesn’t?) Hospitals are among the key employers of
maintenance electricians.
Overall, electrical contractors derive more than one-quarter of their
income from industrial clients (factories and warehouses), and this
proportion is growing, largely at the expense of residential clients
(single-family homes, apartments, hotels, motels – about 10%) and
commercial clients (office buildings, banks, shopping centers, restaurants –
about 20%). Institutional clients (hospitals, schools, prisons, churches)
represent about 15% of the total picture.

THE WORK YOU WILL DO

WHEN A NEW PROJECT IS IN THE planning stages, electricians study blueprints
and specifications prepared by engineers and architects. These diagrams
and documents indicate where circuits, outlets, panel boards, and other
items should be located.
Electricians establish work areas, assemble tools and equipment,
arrange for materials and supplies to be ordered and transported to the
job site, and obtain clearances for such activities as digging. They
coordinate with the contractor and other skilled tradespeople in terms of
equipment requirements and schedules. A temporary construction trailer
may be set up at the site.

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 At all times, electricians must comply with local, state, and federal
building and electric codes, policies, and regulations. This means using,
inspecting, and maintaining the proper tools, equipment, and protective
wear; adhering to a job site safety program and attending weekly safety
meetings; and being prepared to administer first aid or perform an
emergency rescue.
Supervisors assign tasks to their staff, review work, provide feedback,
and possibly train an apprentice to perform a new task.

Electricians use a vast assortment of tools and equipment,

including:

Hand Tools
Allen wrench
Hacksaw
File
Punch
Socket set
Keyhole saw
Crimping tool
Hand drill
Vise
Adapter cables
Block and tackle
Level
Pipe wrench
Wire stripper
Fuse puller
Clamp
Torque wrench
Wood chisel
Caliper
Needlenose pliers
Wire cutter
Screwdriver
Measuring tape

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 Ruler
Plumb bob

Power Tools
Soldering iron
Drill press
Gas-operated auger
Air hammer
Coring machine
Roto stripper
Water pump
Fiber optic fusion splicer
Electric saber saw
Power cutting and threading machine
Electric screw gun
Electric saber saw
Hydraulic bender

Meters
Voltmeter (measures voltage)
Ammeter (measures electric current in amperes)
Oscilloscope (displays electrical waves on fluorescent screen)
Wattmeter (measures wattage)
Dielectric test set (evaluates how well a material can act as an
insulator)
Dynamometer (measures effective horsepower)
Optical time-domain reflectometer (displays reflections from a
discontinuity or load on a transmission line)

Climbing Tools
Gaffe
Safety belt
Body belt
Skates

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Heavy equipment
Crane
Electric lift
Power borer
Derrick
Bulldozer
Backhoe
Caterpillar

Electricians are sometimes divided into two categories,

construction and maintenance.

Construction Electricians Construction electricians are typically

employed during the secondary building phase. They install electrical
wiring, systems, controls, and equipment in industrial plants, offices,
apartment buildings and private residences, and other structures.
Construction electricians mount and connect switchboards, meters, and
the metal or plastic boxes that house electrical outlets and switches; they
wire communications, security, and climate-control systems; and they put
in coaxial or fiber optic cable for telecommunications equipment and
computers.
There are two primary types of construction electricians – outside
linemen and indoor wiremen.
The fundamental job of the outside lineman is to build transmission
lines that will supply power to local service areas from distant generating
plants.
One key responsibility of the outside lineman is the setting and
construction of the actual structures (such as poles, towers, or crossarms)
and devices that will hold the electrical wiring. If an old or damaged
structure is in the way, the first thing the lineman must do is remove and
dispose of it. Then the lineman must dig a hole using such equipment as a
power borer or an augur or hand tools like a shovel. Then, the structure (a
pole, for example) is hauled to the site and moved to the hole into which it
will be placed. If necessary, the lineman constructs a guy wire (cable used
to secure the pole) and fastens it with a power screwdriver. When it is
determined that the pole is at the appropriate depth and is properly
aligned, the lineman backfills the hole with dirt.

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 In erecting a tower, a lineman may fix its placement by pouring
cement into the foundation; when attaching a new crossarm, the lineman
marks the spots to be drilled, drills the holes, positions the crossarm
correctly, and may secure it with a brace. When maintaining and repairing
overhead distribution or transmission lines, the lineman must either climb
a pole, be transported in a “bucket” truck, operate a platform, or position
a hook ladder to reach and work on the lines.
The construction of a substation is also within the lineman’s job
description. A substation is a small building or enclosed yard that houses
equipment whose purpose is to adjust and monitor voltage, frequency,
and other electrical-service functions. The substation translates the
high-voltage power that it receives from transmission lines to
reduced-voltage power that can be handled by subtransmission lines,
which then deliver the power to the homes, schools, factories, office
buildings, and the other users of electrical service. Linemen are in charge
of assembling and erecting these facilities.
Among other duties, linemen string new wire and inspect and
maintain old wire; inspect insulators for defects and install new ones to
replace old or damaged ones; and install, repair, and maintain
underground electrical distribution systems.
Occasionally, linemen are called upon to trim trees that are interfering
with construction or overhead lines. The lineman surveys the tree to
determine what should be pruned and either climbs the tree harnessed to
a safety belt or is elevated in a bucket truck. The exposed parts of the tree
may have to be treated with insecticides or paint to protect them. The
lineman is also responsible for the appropriate disposal of the boughs and
foliage that were removed.
If you want to think of it chronologically, the wireman continues the
work of the lineman. That is, when the lineman has terminated work on
the line at the substation, the wireman’s begins work.
The wireman installs the conduit that holds the power feeders, which
travel from the substation to the switchgear inside the building that is
receiving the electrical service. A wireman measures the amount of conduit
needed, prepares it for use, and feeds it to a specific location inside the
building, where the conduit will be hidden inside the walls. Sometimes,
this worker must bore holes in metal or concrete to run conduit and may
apply paint or other identification to the cables indicating their voltage
and other features.

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 The wireman determines where the junction boxes should be
positioned and installs them, making sure each box is plumb (in precise
vertical alignment) and level (in precise horizontal alignment).
The wireman runs wire from the junction box to lighting fixtures,
makes electrical connections to the fixtures, and places lamps in the
fixtures. This worker may have to cut openings in the ceiling or attach
lighting fixtures to the ceiling, as well as locate switches and cover them
with plates and covers. To repair lighting fixtures that are malfunctioning,
a wireman determines the component that is not working properly. Then
the possible reasons for failure are reviewed, tests are done, and the faulty
piece is replaced or repaired.
A wireman might be called upon to coordinate with a local power
company in order to establish a temporary power system during
construction; provide power and controls to motors, heating, ventilation,
air conditioning, and other equipment; or install fire alarm systems,
security systems, and lightning protection systems.
Wiremen with special skills may also install and repair telephone and
data systems, or design a new one while the old system remains
operational. First, the wireman consults with the customer and possibly
the manufacturer of the computer control system. Then this specialist may
construct the telephone and data control panel, and/or distribution frame;
position cable trays to hold the wires; install jacks, patch panels,
telephone, data system hubs and devices, and telephone and data
switchplates. He/she may have to splice fiber optic cable and pull it,
coaxial, and/or twisted pair cable to individual workstations throughout
the building. The telephone control computer must also be programmed
to handle the phone service as required. Then special test equipment is
used to check the completed system and the necessary adjustments are
made.
Either linemen or wiremen may install outdoor lighting and traffic or
train signals. This involves laying out trenches for the conduit and
arranging to have the trenches excavated, graded and leveled. The conduit
is placed in the trenches on raceway supports, and a hole is dug for the
lighting base. After the lighting base is placed in the hole, it may be
secured with concrete or steel, and the pole to which the lighting fixture is
attached is anchored with bolts. The lineman might assemble such parts as
hardware for the traffic light. When installing traffic or train signals, the
lineman puts sensors in the road and establishes control cabinets so the
signal can be programmed. When the job is finished, power is turned on
and the apparatus is tested.

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 Installer/technicians work alongside wiremen, installing the network of
low-voltage cabling that is used for video, voice, and data outlets at
workstations. They also maintain and modify these systems.
Maintenance Electricians Maintenance electricians are mainly
troubleshooters. Those who work in office buildings and small factories
inspect equipment and anticipate and remedy problems before
breakdowns occur. This may include the installation of new equipment or
the replacement of such parts as fuses, switches, circuit breakers, electrical
and electronic components, or wire. When equipment failure does occur,
they promptly make repairs. Those who are employed by large industrial
plants may fix motors, electronic controllers, transformers, and generators
on machine tools and industrial robots.
Maintenance electricians may recommend that management cease
operation of equipment that may be hazardous, or may advise their
employers to make a costly replacement for the sake of efficiency or safety.
When working with very sophisticated devices and equipment,
maintenance electricians may collaborate with engineers, engineering
technicians, or industrial machinery repairers.
Those with residential clients may perform such tasks as rewiring or
replacing an old fuse box with a new circuit breaker to provide sufficient
capacity for additional appliances or home electronics.
Some electricians work in both construction and maintenance; others
specialize in one area.
Capable electricians can be promoted to such positions as foreman,
supervisor, project manager, and superintendent. Some become inspectors,
teachers, or construction consultants.
Electrical Contractors With experience, funding, proven
management skills, and, if necessary, formal instruction, experienced
electricians may become electrical contractors. This may require a license,
depending upon where they are practicing.
Traditionally, construction work has been turned over to a general
contractor who typically hired subcontractors to supply materials and labor
for different segments of the work, such as electrical or plumbing, as well
as a superintendent to oversee the construction. This is still true in 90% of
cases when the project involves constructing a building from the ground
up.
However, electrical contractors are increasingly being called upon to
be the general contractor, especially when the job is one of modernization,

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renovation, or major upgrade, since such projects typically consist of 50%
or more of electrical work. In this role, the contractor has a direct
relationship with the building owner.
Before being given a particular project, a contractor may have to bid
on it. During the bidding process, contractors are invited to submit a
proposal in which they agree to complete the building according to the
architect’s drawings and specifications for a particular price, either a fixed
sum or a percentage of the total cost of construction. It is customary to
award the job to the contractor who offers to do it for the lowest fee.
About 40% of the work that electrical contractors do (in terms of dollar
volume) is conferred in this manner.
About 45% of the work by dollar volume comes from previous
customers who approach the contractor without requiring a bid (although
they may negotiate the fee). The rest of the sales volume in the
electrical-contracting industry is derived from new customers who do not
initiate a competitive bidding process, usually because the contractor has
been recommended by another customer.
The electrical contractor (in the capacity of electrical specialist rather
than general contractor) guarantees such services as the construction,
renovation, rehabilitation, upgrading, updating, or maintenance of some
kind of wiring system. In addition to employing qualified electricians,
technicians, and installers, the contractor purchases equipment and
materials and supervises workers to make sure the timetable is being met
and all codes and regulations are complied with.
Contractors usually perform their work under the supervision of an
architect or engineer (or someone chosen by one of these professionals to
act as their agent), who, in turn, acts in the interest of the owner or client
by making sure that the project is carried out according to the plans and
specifications. Although the contractor’s immediate accountability ends
when inspectors have approved the building and the owner establishes
occupancy, the contractor, architect, and engineer can still be held liable
for any deficiencies in construction or design for several years thereafter.
Not only are electrical contractors serving as general contractors more
and more, but they are also taking on the roles of the architect and
engineer, particularly in terms of design and the preparation of
specifications. This trend is known as “design-and-build,” and it basically
means that the contractor does some of the design during the
construction process. It’s only logical, for instance, that a contracting firm
that conducts regular maintenance for an industrial facility should be
involved in the plans to expand or remodel the plant.

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 An electrical contracting company may employ as many as one
thousand people, although the majority have under 50 employees. As a
result, most advertising and marketing efforts are relatively limited and
local, the cheapest and most effective being word-of-mouth. Other small
firms rely on solicited referrals from previous clients, cold-calling to
prospective clients, advertising in directories, or networking with building
owners, architects, engineers, and builders.

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 PROFESSIONALS TELL YOU ABOUT THEIR
CAREERS

I Am a Journeyman Electrician and

Business Owner “I got into this line of work when
a friend asked if I would like to help him with a contract he had
wiring a department store in my community. I agreed, liked the
work, and purchased a local shop the following year and was in
business! That was 12 years ago.
My business provides a broad range of services including
residential wiring, commercial wiring, farm wiring and light
industrial. We install electrical systems, telephone and TV wiring,
computer networks, and we offer maintenance services.
My responsibilities are varied. I talk to potential customers,
take work orders, order materials, schedule work orders, instruct
apprentices, troubleshoot customer problems, estimate job costs,
invoice customers, oversee office staff, install electrical systems,
clean bathrooms . . . . In short, I do anything that needs to be
done for my business. I enjoy meeting customers and helping
them with their problems. I don’t like handling complaints or bill
collecting.
People who want to pursue this line of work should finish
high school, first of all, to make sure you have a good background
in math and physics. Stay away from alcohol, drugs, and tobacco;
no one wants abusers working for them. And finally, remember
that a firm’s employees are the front line that the customers see.
Personal appearance and habits make the first impression.”

I Am the Lead Electrician Employed

by a Hospital “I perform electrical installations,
assist in project management, work on life safety systems (fire
alarms, sprinklers), and follow-up on code compliances.
I chose electrical work because I wanted a career that was
flexible, and I do like the versatility. I can work as a self-employed
contractor or as an employee, however I like. I went to a local
community college and took a program that conferred a diploma.

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 I like almost everything about my job except working outside
in the winter.
I recommend that high school students who want to be
electricians get a good education, especially in math and science,
and particularly physics. Don’t depend on hands-on work all your
life; learn to use your brain.”

I Work as a Project Manager and

Estimator for an Electrical
Contractor “My employer has offices in Illinois
and Indiana, with projects throughout the country. We do
commercial, industrial, institutional, residential, traffic,
communications, and design-and-build projects – $40+ million
worth of contracts a year. We have major clients such as State
Farm, Mitsubishi, and MCI.
I have 18 years’ experience in the electrical field. I first worked
as an electrician’s helper for a couple of years, then I became a
navigation systems technician for the Air Force, and I worked for
11 years as an apprentice to the general manager of an electrical
contracting firm. I have also taught master electrician/electrical
contractor licensing classes, served on an Apprenticeship Training
Committee, and was appointed by the mayor to serve on the
Electrical Control Board. I am certified as a master electrician and
have electrical contractor licenses in several Midwestern and
Southern states.
In my current job, I provide estimates for new projects, order
materials, go to job meetings, and prepare billings. It’s very
satisfying to see a project built and completed from the ground
up, although it’s very frustrating to have a project go over budget.
I knew what I wanted to do for a long time. I studied this field
in vocational school, shop classes, and technical schools. That’s
what kids who are interested in the career should do – take
vocational school and high school programs that are available and
apply for the apprenticeship program when you graduate.”

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 I Am the General Manager for an
Electrical Contractor “The firm I work for does
commercial and industrial wiring. We also do controls, high
voltage, and telecommunications. I personally make sales calls,
perform project management, do estimating, and work on labor
relations. No two days are ever the same. Plus, this work is
technologically challenging, as the industry is changing rapidly.
I used to work in a lab as a formulation chemist during
college, but I didn’t like the work. I met an electrician at the lab
and started thinking about doing that work instead. I spent three
years in college and took a four-year apprenticeship to prepare.
Go down to your local Joint Apprenticeship and Training
office. They will be happy to come to your school and talk to the
students for career day. There are many variations to our type of
work. There’s something for everyone’s specific interests. If you
are interested in learning more, follow this link
http://www.njatc.org/ ”

I Am President of a Commercial
Electrical Contracting Firm in the
Washington, DC Area “Our firm is part of a group
of companies that include a mechanical contractor and a
full-service mechanical, electrical, and plumbing service company.
I oversee the entire office, I have final say on all estimates, and I
am responsible for the profit and loss performance of the
company.
I was 19 years old with one year of college behind me and
wasn’t sure if three more years was the best way to go. A friend of
my family was a master electrician and we spoke about my
becoming an apprentice and seeing how I would like working in
the field on a job site. So I went to work on the job site, which
happened to be the headquarters building for USA Today in
Rosslyn, VA when they started up the newspaper. I entered the
apprenticeship program for Local 26 IBEW and went on from
there.

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 I really didn’t have any electrical-related background before
starting in the field. I learned on the job and in the apprenticeship
training classes.
What I liked best about the work when I started in the field
was being able to wire something up and actually see it work.
Knowing how to do the work brought me a great deal of
self-satisfaction and confidence. A perfect example is the USA
Today job I worked on. A journeyman and I wired the big blue USA
Today sign on the side of the building which I see every time I
come out of Washington, DC across the Key Bridge. Seeing that
sign lit up every time still gives me a great feeling each time I see
it.
Now, as president of a company I started and having 275
electricians working for me, I enjoy seeing the projects completed
that we build and seeing the apprentices who work for me
graduate; we have two salutatorians with us from the last two
years of the apprenticeship program.
I can’t say there is much I don’t like about the electrical field.
The most frustrating part is dealing with general contractors who
are unqualified to build and cost us time and effort in doing our
jobs.
There are not many occupations where you can improve your
life as completely as the electrical trade. You get on-the-job
training, paid as you learn, good wages also. You get free
classroom training about the trade, as a union electrician, anyway
– I don’t know about non-union programs. You get fantastic
benefits once you are working for six months that include a fully
funded annuity plan, pension plan, health insurance plan, etc. and
scheduled wage increases every six months as long as you are
working regular hours. There are numerous opportunities for
overtime if you want to make more money.
You will be able to save on projects around your house and
not only electrical, as you will pick up other trades skills while on
different jobs. In addition, there are side job opportunities to
make a little extra cash or just to help out friends and family. I also
have met and am friends with some of the best quality people I
have ever met because of my affiliation with the electrical trade.

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 Regardless of what I do in the future, I will always have my
electrical field knowledge to fall back on to support myself should
the need arise – and I didn’t have to pay off big student loans!
Everyone these days wants more instant gratification, and the
electrical trade allows that along with being paid while you learn.
We have a definite labor shortage in the Washington area for
electricians right now, so I hope some people reading this will get
interested in the opportunities available in the electrical field and
settle in this area.”

I Am the General Manager for a

Large Electrical Contractor “My employer is a
50-year-old family-owned business. It has evolved into a
full-service electrical and communications firm that takes a
comprehensive approach to meeting all of our clients’ needs. We
can do everything from installing exterior lighting to helping a
client select new computer hardware.
In our electrical services, we concentrate on commercial
clients, not residential. We do new construction, as well as
repairing or replacing old wiring. We have experience working on
office projects and warehouses, all the way up to skyscrapers.
Whether it’s a planned installation or emergency repair, our firm
can help.
We have established a written hazard communication
program and it has always been our policy to ensure that the most
stringent provision of the statutes of OSHA, our State Department
of Labor, and the various industries we serve, are followed by our
employees. We have to continually monitor and enforce safety
rules and regulations.
We employ as many as 200 electricians at any given time. We
enjoy excellent labor relations with the IBEW union in our
four-county geographical area of operation. Still, what I dislike
most about this job is dealing with unions when there is any kind
of unrest or discord.
In addition to dealing with unions, as GM, I secure business,
generally promote the company, manage the sales force, oversee

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all employees, lead the distribution process, and take
responsibility for all fiscal matters. I enjoy the high-paced
environment and the contact with people.
I entered the electrical contracting field years ago when I
discovered how lucrative it could be. I took numerous courses in
the field from industry-sponsored and vendor firms. If you want to
get into the union apprenticeship program, you will need good
academic scores. They test hundreds, but only take a few. Most of
those accepted have a “B” average or better in high school.
At my own firm, we hire top-notch professionals who can do
the job in record time. Our service electricians average 20 years of
field experience and seven years with this particular contractor.”

PERSONAL QUALIFICATIONS YOU WILL NEED

LIKE OTHER SKILLED BUILDING TRADES, ELECTRICAL WORK REQUIRES CERTAIN
physical characteristics. You should enjoy being physically active, and you
mustn’t mind working outside, doing “grunt” work and getting dirty
(especially at first), or traveling. Your health should be good, as well as
your color vision (wiring is color-coded to prevent errors and injuries). At
least average physical strength is required, as are agility, mechanical skills,
stamina, and manual dexterity.
But it would be a mistake to conclude that electricians work only with
their hands. Because of the growing sophistication of many forms of
electrical work, the academic, intellectual, and personal standards that
electricians must meet are higher than ever, and higher than you may
expect. Electricians must have an aptitude for mathematics and sciences,
must have a high level of reading comprehension and understand abstract
concepts, and must be able to interpret the relationship between
one-dimensional blueprints and three-dimensional buildings.
Good judgment is essential. Electricians must be able to make sound
decisions at a moment’s notice. The ability to determine when it is safe to
proceed, and when it is not, is critical.
Interpersonal and communications skills are also important, as
electricians and electrical contractors work with a variety of different
people: the experienced electricians who will guide you when you are an

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apprentice, other skilled tradespeople, clients, and eventually, your own
employees and the young apprentices you choose to mentor. You’ll also
have to be patient with colleagues who disagree with your analysis of a
problem or with customers who can’t tell you what exactly is “broken”
about the equipment they’ve called you in to repair.
With the increased complexity and breadth of this work, today’s
electrical contractors must be qualified to combine many of the skills of
design, civil, and architectural engineers to work on a major electrification
project.
If you end up operating your own business, you will have additional
responsibilities, such as management and marketing.

ATTRACTIVE FEATURES
ELECTRICAL WORK IS APPEALING IN many respects. Thanks to the hard work of
the IBEW union, the pay is good, and the benefits are great including
health, life, and disability insurance, retirement plans, and regular salary
increases, ensuring security for you and your family during your working
years and a comfortable lifestyle thereafter. Retirement may seem, and be,
very far away right now, but why not pursue a career that will provide for
you after you quit working?
Moreover, job security for employed electricians is fairly solid, and the
outlook for this career is very promising.
Apprenticeship programs sponsored by the electrical workers’ union
and the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) both provide
compensation while you are learning and guarantee promotions to
apprentices who cultivate more advanced skills and enhance their
knowledge base.
The variety involved in this work is another attractive feature.
Professional electricians and electrical contractors will tell you that every
day on the job is different. Technological advances ensure that this work
will continue to be stimulating and challenging far into the future.
People in this field report a high level of job satisfaction. There are a
number of rewards to electrical work and contracting. Helping people and
happy clients are a couple of sources of fulfillment. You often get to see
prompt results of your work. Did you ever replace a light bulb and then
experience the satisfaction of pulling the switch and having the room
suddenly illuminated? The gratification for professional electricians isn’t

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exactly “instant,” but this is a field in which you can definitely see how the
work you have done makes something significant happen. The sense of
accomplishment felt by professionals in the electrical field is considerable.
Electrical contractors enjoy somewhat more delayed gratification, but
they do get to participate fully as a project evolves from concept to reality.
And those who guide apprentices or become employers enjoy seeing their
subordinates succeed and grow.

UNATTRACTIVE FEATURES
ELECTRICIANS OFTEN REPORT THAT the single feature they like least about their
work is the fact that it can be physically demanding and even hazardous –
such as when they are working on rooftops, ladders, and scaffolding;
standing or crouching for long periods; working in uncomfortable
positions; and exposing themselves to such dangers as cuts, electrical
shock, and falling from high places.
It should be noted, on the other hand, that electricians suffer serious
injuries due to electricity only half as often as the general population does.
Most incidents occur when workers are exhausted, rushed, or have been
given incomplete or incorrect information.
Also unpleasant, if not life-threatening, is working outside in hot, wet,
and cold weather; toiling under dirty and dusty conditions; and traveling
as much as 100 miles to a job site.
In addition, maintenance electricians may have to work nights,
weekends, holidays, and on an as-needed, emergency basis.
Electrical contractors are usually largely responsible for the success or
failure of their firms, and this can be very frustrating and stressful. Bidding
a job, staying within the project’s allotted budget, and dealing successfully
with other professionals in the building trades (including other
contractors) takes practice. There may be unpleasant administrative tasks
such as handling complaints, dealing with insurance and liability issues,
firing an employee, and bill paying and collecting.

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EDUCATION AND TRAINING YOU WILL NEED
THE MAJORITY OF CAREERISTS acquire their skills in the electrical trade
by completing a four- or five-year apprenticeship program. It’s a rigorous
program, but a worthwhile one. Working with union employers, you will
enjoy a salary as well as benefits, including healthcare and a retirement
plan. This is a terrific learn-while-you-earn opportunity, which culminates
in your status as a journeyman electrician. Not only will you gain an
extensive knowledge of all facets of the electrical trade, but graduating
from a formal apprenticeship program indicates that you have
demonstrated mastery in this craft, and will greatly improve your chances
of landing your job of choice. Indeed, training is so comprehensive that
graduates are qualified to do both maintenance and construction work.
Large apprenticeship programs are usually run by the National Joint
Apprenticeship and Training Committee (NJATC). The NJATC, in turn, is
co-sponsored by the IBEW and the National Electrical Contractors
Association (NECA). So, when you find an apprenticeship program in your
area – there are over 300 around the country – it will likely be a project of
the committee operating out of a local NJATC office and made up of local
IBEW unions and local chapters of the NECA.
Industry-sponsored programs have adopted uniform standards that
are used to choose and educate thousands of eligible men and women –
as many as 30,000 apprentices are in training at any given time. Typically,
a program will offer 144 hours or more of classroom instruction every year,
along with 8,000 hours of hands-on training on the job over the four- to
five-year period.
Programs offer apprenticeships and training leading to qualification as
residential wireman, journeyman lineman, journeyman tree trimmer,
journeyman inside wireman, and advanced journeyman.
While the requirements for admission into an apprenticeship program
may be slightly different from one part of the country to another, generally
speaking, applicants must be at least 18 years old and have completed a
high school education.
Program sponsors are selective and will look well beyond these basic
requirements. They are looking for candidates who have demonstrated
through their academic course work and their extracurricular activities that
they are interested in, qualified for, and have begun preparing for a
successful career in electrical work. If you are chosen, you will be asked to
sign an agreement with the IBEW-NECA sponsor indicating that you are

25
committed to participating in both the classroom and the on-the-job
training provided by the program.
In the classroom, apprentices learn about such basics as cable splicing,
blueprint reading, software use, and instrumentation. They study electrical
theory, electronics, and mathematics. Safety practices, first aid and CPR,
and an understanding of National Electrical Code requirements are part of
the curriculum, as well. Students also receive specialized training in
telecommunications wiring, LUCENT product installation, security systems
and fire alarms, programmable logic controls, and welding. In some cases,
hands-on training in the classroom is appropriate in conjunction with
instruction.
On-the-job training takes place under the supervision of a qualified
journeyman, and apprentices are expected to arrive at work on time, alert,
and pumped full of good attitude. At first, apprentices may perform
simple job tasks such as drilling holes and situating anchors. The work
becomes increasingly complex and skilled, as the ultimate aim of these
programs is to elevate men and women to craftsmanship status. Later jobs
may include measuring, preparing, and installing conduit; connecting and
testing wiring and switches; and drafting plans for complete electrical
systems.
When you complete your apprenticeship, you will receive a diploma
signifying your preparedness to start your career as an NJATC-trained
electrical worker. And once you’re a journeyman electrician, you are also
ready to teach qualified and deserving apprentices yourself!
In addition to NJATC, which was established in 1941, there is another,
more recently founded, industry-sponsored option for specialized training
and education. The National Advisory Coalition for Telecommunications
Education and Learning was formed in 1997 to train network technicians
in the telecommunications industry. It is appropriate for both beginners
and current telecommunications workers who want the most up-to-date
training.
The Coalition has developed a standardized curriculum that results in
the Associate of Science Degree in Applied Information Technology,
Telecommunications Track. The instructional format is truly state-of-the-art,
as the degree is taught entirely over the Internet. The instructor-led
curriculum uses a variety of media, including the World Wide Web, e-mail,
electronic discussions, videotapes, and textbooks. Although several
corporate representatives sit on the NACTEL board, so do members of the
Communications Workers of America and the IBEW. The Council for Adult

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and Experiential Learning serves as NACTEL’s program administrator and
project manager.
If, for whatever reason, you choose not to enroll in NACTEL or a
standard apprenticeship program, there are still other ways, formal and
informal, that you can learn this trade. Many have learned the trade
entirely on the job by working as assistants to experienced electricians.
Ideally, working by the side of a journeyman, you will learn the practical
skills such as installing conduit, connecting wires, and testing circuits, as
well as safety practices and electrical codes and regulations.
You may choose to augment this type of learning with education
through a trade school or correspondence courses. A trade school typically
offers to teach the basics of the electrician’s trade in a year or two and
may offer such premiums as a professional-quality tool kit upon
graduation. Course work is likely to be nearly as broad as that offered by
the formal apprenticeship program, but less in-depth, less technical, and
less sophisticated. A sample curriculum for a 12-month program might
include:
Working Safely with Electricity
Electricians’ Tools
Conduit and Conductors
Electrical Equipment
Wiring Electrical Components
Wiring Electrical Circuits
Interior and Exterior Lighting Control
Electrical Schematic Diagrams
Electrical Measurements
National Electric Code
DC Generators and Motors
AC Motors, Generators, and Rectifiers
Controls for Air Conditioning
Electric Heating
Transformers
Storage Batteries
Underground Power Systems
Electrical Blueprint Reading

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 Some beginners are lucky enough to be hired by electrical contracting
firms that are willing to provide on-the-job training. Local chapters of the
Associated Builders and Contractors and the Independent Electrical
Contractors may also be a source of education and training.
Most parts of the United States have licensing laws that require
electricians to pass an exam that measures their knowledge of electrical
theory and national and local codes. When the time comes, you will find
that there are plenty of publishers and educational institutions that will
provide books, videos, and seminars to help you prepare. You can also
expect to take continuing-education courses periodically, offered by your
employer or union, so you can keep current in changes in materials,
methods, technology, and the National Electrical Code.

THE OUTLOOK FOR THIS CAREER

THE US ELECTRICAL CONTRACTING industry – as well as the number of
electricians who work in it – has grown by around 10% annually for the
past decade or so. Electrical contracting is now a $70 billion business
compared to under $40 billion in the early 1990s, and has been growing
faster than other types of construction contracting.
Several key factors have combined to make this a high-voltage career.
First, ongoing advances in technology are creating new specialties.
Electricians will be needed to install automated manufacturing systems
and industrial robots in factories; to wire buildings to accommodate
computers; and to set up digital controls, “smart” phones, and complex
voice/ data/video, security, and fire alarm systems.
There is also the “design-and-build” trend, which has contractors
involved in the design process of electrical systems. Those who practice
design-and-build find that construction takes place more rapidly, and there
is a better relationship between the contractor and the owner of the
building. The broader the services a contractor can offer, the more valuable
the contracting firm is to clients . . . and the more employees the firm
needs to perform all the promised functions.
The trend toward downsizing also has actually charged up the
electrical contracting business. With smaller on-site maintenance staffs,
companies contract out more work to electricians who can perform
upkeep and troubleshooting tasks on an as-needed basis. And with the
rapid rate at which everything high-tech seems to become obsolete,

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maintenance electricians will be needed to refurbish and replace
outmoded systems.
Other factors expected to contribute to the demand for electricians
include a growing population (necessitating both new and renovated
structures for living and working) and a smaller pool of young people
entering apprenticeships in electrical work.
In the event of a recession, opportunities for electrical workers
employed in manufacturing and construction industries, which are
sensitive to economic fluctuation, may be curtailed somewhat.
Opportunities may also vary by region and season, although the growing
applications of electrical workers’ skills have tended to smooth over such
peaks and valleys.
There is no reason that women can’t make great electricians and
contractors – if you can get past the industry’s “lineman” and
“journeyman” terminology. Some very successful female electricians and
contractors believe that women bring their own special talents to the job,
including excellent organizational, planning, public relations,
problem-solving, and social skills. More and more women are entering the
field, and women will find an increasingly inviting workplace environment.
Overall, demand for electricians is outpacing the supply of skilled
workers, which is very good news for people who will be entering this
profession in the next several years. Even though the pace of growth will
slow down, the job outlook is expected to remain good for the foreseeable
future.

WHAT YOU WILL EARN

APPRENTICES IN JOBS SPONSORED by unions usually receive 30% to 50% of the
rate earned by experienced electricians. As they gain experience and skill,
apprentices receive regular pay increases throughout the program. Pay
structures are fairly rigid. Non-union employers can pay whatever they
want – and may pay as little as they can get away with.
After five years’ apprenticeship, journeyman electricians command
between around $30 and $50 per hour. Not all electricians are employed
full time, however. So annual salaries for experienced electricians generally
range from around $30,000 to about $75,000. Union members usually
earn more than non-union electricians.

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 In addition to a salary, full-time electricians, especially those
represented by a union, typically receive benefits such as health and
disability insurance and paid vacations and sick days. Time off can be taken
at the discretion of the employee, but it’s considered bad form to take a
vacation before a job is finished.
The earnings of electrical contractors who run their own businesses
are unpredictable. These professionals enjoy unlimited earning potential
but also face the financial risks of all business owners. Some electrical
contracting firms are built into national or international conglomerates,
while others remain small and local. It is not unreasonable to expect to net
at least $200,000 a year (that is, earnings after expenses) if you own a
medium-sized electrical contracting business in a medium-sized city.

GETTING STARTED
THE BEST WAY TO GET STARTED ON your career as an electrician/electrical
contractor is to make sure you like this work, make sure you’re good at it,
and take steps that will show the admissions board that you are preparing
yourself for a successful future in this stimulating and fulfilling field.
To find out what the specific requirements are for the apprenticeship
program in your area, contact your local chapter of the National Electrical
Contractors Association (www.necanet.org) or National Joint
Apprenticeship and Training Committee (www.njatc.org).
If you do not participate in a formal, industry-sponsored
apprenticeship program, you can still learn what you need to know
through a number of venues, including trade schools, correspondence
schools, the US military, and informal on-the-job training. It might take
longer, and you may not be paid while you learn, but eventually you will
be qualified to enter this attractive field.
If you go the on-the-job-training route, see how the training measures
up with that offered in an apprenticeship. Is any classroom training
included? Will you be rotated to different supervisors, allowing you to gain
experience in a variety of settings? How do wages and benefits compare
with those earned by union-sponsored apprentices?
When you are interviewed for your first job, assure your prospective
employer that you do not mind getting dirty and working hard; describe
your hobbies and personal interests that indicate your interest in and
aptitude for this work; and be prepared to answer hypothetical questions
(“If one person on your crew isn’t pulling his weight, what would you

30
do?”) and to take an aptitude test to measure your math skills and manual
dexterity.
Sparked by numerous factors in their favor, the electrical professions
are extremely attractive. Pay is good, the work is challenging and
rewarding, and opportunities abound. If you like to work with your hands,
help people, and see tangible results of your efforts, this field is a great
choice. Good luck!
ASSOCIATIONS

n American Council for Construction Education

n American Institute of Constructors (www.aicnet.org)
n Associated Builders and Contractors (www.abc.org)
n Associated General Contractors of America (www.agc.org)
n Construction Management Association of America
(www.access.digex.net/~cmaa)
n Electrical Contracting Foundation (www.ecfound.org)
n Federated Electrical Contractors (www.fec.org)
n Homebuilders Institute
n Independent Electrical Contractors, Inc.
n International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers
(www.ibew.org)
n International Union of Electronic, Electrical, Salaried,
Machine, and Furniture Workers
n National Advisory Coalition for Telecommunications
Education and Learning (www.nactel.org)
n National Association of Home Builders
n National Association of Women in Construction
(www.nawic.org)
n National Electrical Contractors Association
(www.necanet.org)
n National Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee
(www.njatc.org)

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PERIODICALS
You can find the addresses of these professional journals and magazines in
a directory of publications at the library. You may find recent issues of
some of the more popular periodicals in a large public library or university
library. You can also write to the publication directly and request a sample
copy and information on obtaining a regular subscription. Reading current
periodicals can be an excellent way of getting a feel for what is happening
in this field.

n CEE
n Electrical Construction and Maintenance
n Electrical Contractor (www.ecmag.com)
n Newsletters at (www.ecmag.com/newsletters)
n Electronics Now
n Lightseek
n Popular Electronics

Copyright 2005 Institute For Career Research CHICAGO

Careers Internet Database www.careers-internet.org

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