Electrician
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Potential Positions
Most program graduates work as electricians. In the United States, more than half of all electricians are employed in the construction industry. Others work as maintenance electricians in virtually every industry including electrical equipment distributors, communications companies, electrical utility companies and industrial manufacturing plants. Potential positions include apprentice electrician, journeyman electrician, electrical contractor, electrical equipment technician, maintenance electrician, television cable technician, utility company technician, telephone technician and electrical equipment salesperson. Nationally, one out of every ten electricians is self-employed.
Employment Outlook
Employment of electricians is expected to increase faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2012. Job opportunities for skilled electricians are expected to be very good as the growth in demand outpaces the supply of workers trained in this industry. There is expected to be a shortage of skilled workers during the next decade because of the anticipated smaller pool of young workers entering training programs. Within 9 months after graduation, the estimated employment rate for the Electrician program is 90%. The graduate starting median wage is $13.06 with a wage potential of $34.70.
*Graduate wages and placement obtained from SBCTC/WA unemployment files from 2004-05. Wage potential is based out of Whatcom County and obtained from LMEA. For further information, contact the Counseling & Career Center at 360-752-8450.
Typical Tasks
Specific tasks typically required of an electrician include:
Installing, maintaining, and repairing electrical systems for a variety of purposes, including motor control, climate control, security, and communications;
Developing control, power, and programmable logic controller diagrams;
Installing and maintaining electrical controls for machines in business and industry;
Programming of PLC’s;
Reading blueprints to determine the location of circuits, outlets, load centers, panel boards, and other equipment;
Bending and installing conduit and other raceways;
Terminating wiring to circuit breakers, transformers, and other components by using wire connectors and soldering;
Testing circuits for proper connections; and
Following the National Electrical Code and complying with state and local building codes while installing systems.
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This program typically starts in Fall, Winter and Spring Quarters
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