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Electrical technologists can work with electrical engineers to keep the electrical circuits running well. You may be involved in wiring, reading blueprints, diagnosing and fixing electrical problems, and complying with state and local regulations. Furthermore, you may work on lighting systems, circuit breakers, and communication systems. Your job could be contractual or steady, while common specializations include maintenance electrician or expert in home/commercial wiring. If you enjoy challenging projects, working with your hands, and an exciting work environment, a career as an electrical technologist may be worth considering.
The Job Outlook is Positive
You cannot depend on the economy to be good, but you can try to select a career path that has a higher chance of providing job opportunities in the future. Becoming an electrical technologist can help you improve your chances of a stable career and comfortable future compared to some other career choices due to its expected growth rate. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the number of electricians’ jobs in 2012 was 583,500, with an expected growth rate from 2012 to 2022 of 20 percent. In comparison, the national average growth rate of jobs in all sectors is projected to be 11 percent. Factors contributing to the rapid increase of electrical jobs include installation of alternative power source systems, maintenance of older electrical infrastructure, and installation of electrical systems in new homes.
You Do Not Need a Higher Education Degree
The median income of an electrician in 2012 was $49,840, and all you need for this career is a high school diploma and completion of an electrical technologies training program. In contrast, the median income for an American with a high school diploma or GED is $33,852. You can complete your electrical training at a technical school within months, in contrast to the two years typically required for an associate’s degree or the four year’s allotted for a bachelor’s degree.
You May Work in a Range of Settings
If a desk job is not your idea of a dream job, a career in electrical technology may be for you. Electrical technologists can work in any number of indoor and outdoor settings such as homes, construction sites, business offices, and industrial sites. The temporary nature of many electrical jobs can allow your worksite to change regularly. Some of your work is likely to be collaborative, while the rest can be on your own.
You Can Use Your Hands and Mind
Your work may depend on troubleshooting if you are a maintenance electrician who has been asked to repair an electrical problem, or you may need to design wiring systems if your task is to develop and install a new system in a computer, home, construction site, or other building. In addition to challenging your mind with these tasks, you are able to do hands-on work to get the system up and running. This can require fine motor skills that you can develop during your training and on the job.
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The Work Can Be Challenging
As an electrical technologist, you may be asked to fix electrical problems in any setting and at any time of the day or night. You may work during stormy weather to fix or deactivate downed power lines and restore power to neighborhoods. If you are on call for emergencies, your hours and work environment can be unpredictable.
People Appreciate Your Work
Electrical technologists have the benefit of being experts in an area that everyone depends on, but that few people understand well enough to address for themselves. Whether you are a member of a large company’s electrical crew that keeps the building running smoothly, or you are an independent contractor who works in residential areas to get the lights back on, your work will be appreciated.
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