Overview

Almost all states require the journeyman electrician program be completed from a recognized and accredited post-secondary institute. When this program is completed, a state licensing bureau test, including written and hands-on, must be taken. When this license is received, you have a great chance of finding fulfilling work. You can ultimately determine your classification. In addition many States recognize other state’s license. In order to be aware of building code changes, some states require that continuing educations courses be taken for license renewal.

A journeyman electrician can concentrate on certain areas of classifications. For example, an electrician technician can work in businesses and factories repairing motors and other equipment. They usually also conduct maintenance on the wiring. Residential Electricians work in people’s homes correcting electrical problems. A journeyman electrician can also work on construction projects to install the new electrical system.

Specialty Types of Electricians

Below are four of the specialty types of categories for electricians. These are specific areas an Electrician can specialize in. When choosing a specialization it is important to note that one must be a journeyman electrician due to the highly specialized descriptions of work. These areas require a commitment from a person to advance their electrical skills.

Residential Electrician Job Description

This craftsman is responsible for the construction of an electrical system of a residential home. He will be working closely with the general contractor and other trades. The best attributes in a residential electrician are:

  • Ability to read and understand residential blue prints
  • Knowledge of basic residential wiring methods
  • Understands the national electrical code pertaining to residential construction

Commercial Electrician Job Description

This craftsman will primary work on commercial projects ranging from a new shopping center finish out, a new store in a mall, a new department store, a new commercial warehouse and more. The best attributes in a commercial electrician are:

  • Ability to read and understand commercial building blue prints
  • Knowledge of basic commercial wiring methods
  • Ability to work with a general contractor and other trades present on job
  • Advanced knowledge in the installation of EMT conduit and MC style cabling
  • Advanced knowledge in the installation of large commercial electrical services, tap cans and transformers
  • Ability to work off a scissor lift, aerial lift and ladder Industrial

Electrician Job Description

This craftsman will work in large production style facilities where there are large amounts of motors and PLC (Programmable Logic Center). A PLC is a digital specialized computer used for automation and control of industrial processes, such as control of machinery on factory assembly lines. The best attributes in an industrial electrician are:

  • Ability to read and understand industrial building blue prints
  • Advanced knowledge of motors and motor starters
  • Advanced knowledge of VFD’s (Variable Frequency Drives) used for motors
  • Advanced knowledge in PLC Centers and PLC diagrams

Electrician Technician Job Description

This craftsman will work in a service department for a contract. He is the most valuable electrician in an electrical company. This electrician is seasoned and has all of the abilities associated with the residential, commercial and industrial electrician. He also has additional abilities:

  • Advanced knowledge in troubleshooting
  • Advanced knowledge in diagnostics
  • Very good problem solving skills
  • Knowledge in Generator installations
  • Knowledge in Uninterrupted Power Supplies (UPS)
  • Knowledge in Advanced Dimming Systems

Term of Apprenticeship

The term of training for an Electrician will include 8,000 hours (4 years) of structured on-the-job learning (OJL), supplemented by the required hours of related instruction, that will lead to successful completion of the required Core Competencies as stated in the Core Competency Requirements. The term of apprenticeship for all Electricians will include at a minimum 144 hours of structured Related Training Instruction (RTI). Full credit will be given for on-the-job learning evaluated as satisfactory and previous acquisition of the required competencies.