For someone about to enter the jobs market, choosing a career path can be a supremely daunting thing. This is especially true where workers wish to secure a long-term career and a solid future for their family.
Skilled work is invariably found in construction and engineering, and becoming an electrician is a highly viable path for someone in search of job security; electricians are also pegged to be in high demand over the next decade. But what kind of electrician jobs are there on the market?
Domestic Electrician
Domestic electricians are contractors and tradesmen that work on residential properties. They are responsible for the installation and maintenance of different wiring around the house, as well as the administration of fuse-boxes and general electrical supply.
In many cases, electricians that work on homes are self-employed freelancers, working on a job-to-job basis. There are contracting firms that hire out electricians as part of a larger team, though.
Commercial Electrician
Commercial electricians are largely responsible for the installation and maintenance of electrics in larger outlets, from retail spaces to office environments and even warehouse installs. The work of a commercial electrician is somewhat distinct from that of a residential electrician, as the needs businesses differ from those of homeowners.
Installs are bigger, and businesses typically have vastly higher energy usage – requiring bespoke installations to handle the load and properly distribute power. As such, commercial electricians typically work as a team or outfit of contractors, in order to effectively collaborate on a project.
Panel Builder
Panel building is a specific and highly skilled role, with a basis in electrotechnical engineering. Panel builders are responsible for routing the wiring and power in industrial and commercial control panels, whether power plant control surfaces or power distribution boxes.
A panel builder uses CAD software to design signal routing blueprints, that ensure safety while enabling simple operation. They also oversee the implementation of their blueprints and often carry out the install themselves.
Automotive Electrician
Electricians can also specialize in automotive electronics – that is, the installation and/or maintenance of electrical systems and devices in road vehicles. Electrics have become a key part of a car’s functionality, from powering essential dashboard functions to digitally controlling traction and braking in response to sensor information.
A new revolution in car design has also seen electric vehicles become increasingly popular on US roads – cars that require electrical experts to properly maintain. Automotive electricians are highly skilled, and able to further specialize in a number of niches.
Risks Inherent to Electrician Jobs
Any electrician role will result in the encountering of risk. While some electrician roles are safer than others, there are some general risks that present themselves to the majority of those working within the field. Electricity is extremely dangerous, especially when undertaking live repairs; risk assessments are a fundamental part of any electrician’s work; they should be undertaken with diligence to ensure safety in the role.