Electricians in the USA: As more people become interested in the electrical industry, there will be more job openings for electricians. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of openings will increase from 79,900 in 2012 to 105,700 by 2022. Most of these openings will be due to a need to replace workers that transfer or leave the labor force.
Career Outlook
The demand for electricians is expected to grow by nine percent from 2016 to 2026, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This growth is expected to be fueled by new construction and the demand for alternative energy sources. As the need for electricity increases, electricians will be in demand to install, operate, and maintain these systems.
According to the BLS, there will be 79,900 electrician job openings in the next decade. Most of the new job openings will come from the replacement of workers who leave the workforce. The shortage of electricians is expected to be exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Education requirements for Electricians in the USA
Licensed electricians are required to have a certain amount of formal education and certification. This includes classes in electrical theory, math, and electrical code requirements. Many states also require continuing education for electricians. An apprenticeship is a good way to get the necessary experience and training, and some states even offer pre-apprenticeship certificate programs.
Journeyman electricians must complete 8,000 hours of experience in a registered apprenticeship program and a certain amount of classroom study. Then, they must pass an exam that requires them to become a journeyman. A journeyman electrician typically needs at least eight years of supervised work experience, although some states allow some classroom hours to be substituted. Generally, journeymen electricians supervise apprentices and work as electricians. Eventually, they can advance to the master electrician license.
Job Duties
Electricians are responsible for installing and maintaining electrical systems and fixtures. They also ensure that all work is done in accordance with applicable codes and standards. In addition to home and office installations, electricians also install lighting systems, intercom systems, and electronic control systems. To become an electrician, you must complete an apprenticeship program, which usually lasts three or four years. Additionally, most states require that licensed electricians pass a licensing exam.
Electricians are often called upon to perform emergency repairs as electrical failures can strike at any time. Most electricians work indoors, although some install outdoor equipment such as circuit breakers and motors. They may also install surveillance and sound systems on marine vessels and trains. Other electricians perform maintenance work, which involves maintaining and repairing broken equipment. This work requires a high level of analytical and troubleshooting skills.
