Agricultural Careers Electrician

1. Agricultural Careers Electrician By: Dr. Frank Flanders and Anna Burgess Georgia Agricultural Education Curriculum Office Georgia Department of Education June 2005 START

2. Job Duties & Responsibilities • Read and follow blueprints to perform requested duties • Test or inspect equipment for malfunctions • Layout wiring systems • Install electrical machinery and equipment • Connect equipment to electrical source • Maintain electrical equipment • Repair equipment malfunctions • Stay informed of local and federal electrical codes and regulations

3. Qualities and Skills Those individuals pursuing a career as an electrician should have good problem solving ability and enjoy mathematical and technical work along with being mechanically and electronically oriented. They should be detail oriented, responsible, and have a good work ethic as well as be able to work independently or as a team. Electricians should be patient and precise and able to make quick, sound decisions. Good communication skills and a pleasant personality are also important attributes for an electrician.

4. Salary In 2002, median hourly earnings of electricians were $19.90. The middle 50 percent earned between $14.95 and $26.50. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $11.81, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $33.21. Depending on experience, apprentices usually start at between 40 and 50 percent of the rate paid to fully trained electricians. As apprentices become more skilled, they receive periodic increases throughout the course of their training. Many employers also provide training opportunities for experienced electricians to improve their skills.

5. Work Environment • Most work is done indoors • Some work may be required on towers, roofs, or masts • Some work may be in dusty, dirty, hot, or wet conditions • Risk of injury from electrical shock, falls, and cuts • Standard 40 hour work week, although some overtime may be required

6. Becoming an Electrician Most people learn the electrical trade by completing an apprenticeship program lasting 3 to 5 years. Apprenticeship gives trainees a thorough knowledge of all aspects of the trade and generally improves their ability to find a job. Because of the comprehensive training received, those who complete apprenticeship programs qualify to do both maintenance and construction work. Most localities require electricians to be licensed. Although licensing requirements vary from area to area, electricians usually must pass an examination that tests their knowledge of electrical theory, the National Electrical Code, and local electric and building codes.

7. Career Resources Electrician Education.com Internet: http://www.electricianeducation.com Independent Electrical Contractors Internet: http://www.ieci.org Electrical Safety Foundation International Internet: http://www.nesf.org National Electrical Contractors Association Internet: http://www.necanet.org International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Internet: http://www.ibew.com Office of Apprenticeship, Training, Employer and Labor Services Internet: http://www.doleta.gov/atels_bat/