Qualifying For Electrical Construction Jobs

Answer 1

Electrical construction encompasses nearly any job that involves the installation of electrical wires, electrical components like fuse boxes or Transformers, and consumer products such as lighting that requires specific knowledge of electrical systems. Individual who have electrical construction jobs come from a wide range of backgrounds, from home repair contractors to people with degrees in advanced electrical engineering. The types of jobs that electrical construction workers perform can involve residential buildings, large professional complexes and high rises, or can even involve vehicles such as helicopters, automobiles, and military defense systems.

One of the most difficult parts of working in electrical construction is maintaining an encyclopedic knowledge of the massive amounts of codes and regulations that must be adhered to at each job site. There are federal regulations that apply to every electrical installation, and that can vary depending on the equipment being installed or the location of the work. Locally, there are also regulations that are specific to each state and potentially even each city or county. These regulations can change frequently, and often require an electrician to constantly monitor professional sources for new changes.

A college degree in electrical engineering, or a degree from a trade school, can help give an applicant a distinct advantage when applying for electrical construction jobs, although they are not truly necessary. For the most part, electrical construction workers are certified through a professional trade program. People who are starting in electrical construction begin by acquiring a journeyman license, and then after several years advance to a master electrician's license. These licenses are required in order to perform work professionally in a state, and can only be acquired by passing an examination first. Local laws might also require additional in-state certifications or licenses as well.

Some electrical construction jobs are essentially contractor jobs that are part of a very small and local business. Other positions are with large companies that hire hundreds of electricians for wiring locations like sports stadiums or entire retail complexes. The starting salary for electrical construction jobs is above average, with master electricians making far above median salaries in most areas. Most electrical workers must also be in a specific trade union, which can increase salaries over time when working for large construction companies.