What does an electrician do?
Electricians work on electrical systems in all types of buildings and structures. They are responsible for planning, installing, testing, maintaining and troubleshooting electrical wiring systems and equipment. Electricians work in residential homes, commercial, industrial and public buildings, including schools and hospitals.
Electrician skills and qualifications
Successful electricians need to have a range of skills and qualifications, including the following:
- Strong attention to detail
- High level of accuracy and good manual dexterity
- Strong awareness of safety
- Critical thinking, for example, the ability to weigh up the pros and cons of different solutions to a problem
- Good organisational and time management skills
- Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and wiring diagrams
- Knowledge of electrotechnics, as well as tools and instruments used by electricians
Electrician experience requirements
The minimum experience required to work as an electrician is a four-year apprenticeship. After completing their apprenticeship, most electricians either start their own business or complete further training to become a specialist, for example, as a residential, commercial or construction electrician. Some electricians progress even further to the highest level: master electrician. The requirements vary from state to state, but master electricians are generally required to complete over 1,000 hours of classroom learning and 10,000 hours of on-site training.
Electrician education and training requirements
To be eligible to work in Australia, electricians must meet certain minimum training and licensing requirements. As part of a four-year apprenticeship, electricians must complete a Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician, which combines classroom and workplace training. Electricians must then apply for an electrician’s licence. Each state or territory has their own licensing authority with their own specific requirements. Depending on where they work, electricians may need to obtain additional licences. These include a permit to work at heights and/or in confined spaces, a high risk work licence or a White Card for working on construction sites.
Electrician salary expectations
According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for an electrician in Australia is $88,143 per year. This can vary depending on an electrician’s experience, location, level of training or the industry they work in.
Job description samples for similar positions
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Electrician job description FAQs
What qualities make a good electrician?
Good electricians are hardworking, reliable and have a combination of technical and soft skills. They should have a strong mathematical ability, problem-solving skills, thorough knowledge of electrical systems and electrician’s tools and a desire to keep learning. As electricians often work with a range of professionals, good communication skills and the ability to work as part of a team are also desirable skills.
What are the different types of electricians?
Many electricians undertake further training to specialise as residential/domestic, commercial, construction, emergency or automotive electricians. Residential and commercial electricians perform similar tasks, but with a focus on different types of buildings. Construction electricians are generally brought in during the construction phases of residential, commercial and industrial buildings. They ensure that the electrical systems are suitable for the building’s intended use. Emergency electricians are on call 24/7 to respond to time-sensitive and unexpected electrical problems, such as power failures. Some electricians have even narrower specialisations, for example, focusing only on refrigeration or installing solar panels.
What is the difference between an electrician and an electrical engineer?
These two professions are closely related, but there are some key differences in the levels of education and responsibilities. Electrical engineers design and develop products that operate on electricity. They may also supervise the installation, maintenance and operation of the products they design. Among other tasks, electricians primarily ensure that electrical systems are installed and working properly. Electrical engineers have a Bachelor of Engineering and electricians complete an apprenticeship.
What should you look for in an electrician resume?
A good electrician resume should show that the candidate has the essential requirements for the job: a successfully completed electrical apprenticeship and a current electrical licence. Also look out for previous experience in roles that required customer service, communication, teamwork and time management skills. These are valuable skills, as electricians are often required to work with other professionals, stick to project schedules and interact with customers.
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