Some pick up skills informally by working under the supervision of experienced workers. Many acquire skills through vocational education. Others participate in employer training programs or apprenticeships. Electrician Significant Points 1. Job opportunities are expected to be very good for qualified electricians.
Most people acquire their skills by completing a formal four or five-year apprenticeship program.
In contrast to other construction trades, about a third of all electricians work in industries other than construction. Nature of the Work Electricians install, connect, test, and maintain electrical systems for a variety of purposes, including climate control, security, and communications. They also may install and maintain the electronic controls for machines in business and industry. Although most electricians specialize in either construction or maintenance, a growing number do both. Electricians work with blueprints when they install electrical systems in factories, office buildings, homes, and other structures.