ELECTRICIANS California Occupational Guide Number 121 Interest Area 5-B 1996
THE JOB
ELECTRICIANS plan, lay out, install, repair, and maintain electrical equipment that provides light, heat, communications, and power. Electricians perform electrical work required in the building and remodeling of structures. They assemble, install and connect lighting and power systems, thermostats, intercoms, signaling systems and ventilators. Electricians follow blueprints and specifications to install electrical wires, cables and conduit systems. Electricians must have good mechanical ability, a thorough knowledge of the principles of electricity, circuitry, and power distribution within a building and familiarity with the materials and techniques of construction. For safety, Electricians follow local electrical building and safety codes. On small jobs they may work alone with minimal supervision, and they may supervise an apprentice. On large jobs they may work under the direction of the Electrician Supervisor or Superintendent.
Maintenance Electricians typically work in large industrial buildings, commercial establishments and production or processing plants. Maintenance Electricians perform most of their work in preventive maintenance and repairing electrical systems rather than installing new systems. When a breakdown occurs, they must diagnose and locate the cause, correct the problem and restore service quickly. In some organizations they may keep records, write reports, plan and estimate jobs, and order supplies and equipment. In hospitals, hotels and public buildings, Electricians must operate and maintain emergency generators in the event of power failure.
Other Electricians specialize in electrical work for ship and boat building, water transportation, aircraft manufacturing, theaters and motion pictures, elevator maintenance, neon signs, and power generating plants. All Electricians must be familiar with hand tools and test equipment such as ohmmeters, ammeters, voltmeters, and continuity testers.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Electricians on new building construction often work outside in noisy surroundings. In old buildings, they may work in cramped, dirty, poorly ventilated spaces. They should have their own transportation. Construction electrical work is not as affected by seasonal conditions as other building activities. Maintenance Electricians usually work in completed structures, which may vary from clean, air-conditioned offices to noisy, dirty factory areas. Their work may require working night shifts.
Electricians may work from ladders, scaffolds and roofs. They risk electrical shock, potentially lethal, and injuries from falling objects. They may be required to dig trenches to lay conduit.
Electricians usually work with little or no supervision. Employers furnish heavy tools such as pipe threaders and conduit benders and most test meters and power tools. Electricians must have their own hand tools, which usually cost a minimum of $500. Some municipalities require electricians to be licensed. Most Electricians are members of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, AFL-CIO.
EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK
The following information is from the California Projections and Planning Information report published by the Labor Market Information Division.
Estimated number of workers in 1993 38,220 Estimated number of workers in 2005 45,160 Projected Growth Percentage 1993-2005 18% Estimated openings due to separations by 2005 11,250
(These figures do not include self-employment nor openings due to turnover.)
General economic conditions affect the construction industry and, in turn, the demand for construction Electricians. The demand for building maintenance Electricians is generally more stable.
There are limited openings for apprentice Electricians. Control of the supply of Electricians is maintained by correlating the number of apprentices accepted in training programs with the economic conditions in the construction industry and the number of anticipated retirements and separations.
WAGES, HOURS, AND FRINGE BENEFITS
Wages paid Electricians vary depending upon union membership, the industry involved, and the area in which the job is located. Union construction Electricians generally average around $27 per hour. Entry level wages for non-union members range from $4.75 to $12.50 per hour. Experienced non-union Electricians may receive from $6.00 to $32.00 per hour. In all cases fringe benefits are extra and vary considerably. The wage rate for apprentices starts at 35 to 50 percent of journey-level median wages in the construction field and 35 to 60 percent in maintenance. These wages increase every six months during the required four-year training period.
Wages are the highest in urban areas such as Los Angeles and San Francisco, and lowest in the central valley and rural areas.
The standard workweek is generally 32 to 40 hours as determined by contract or company policy. Overtime, weekend, and holiday pay is also set by contract or company policy.
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS AND TRAINING
The usual entrance into the trade is through apprenticeship or on-the-job training (for non-union members). Candidates must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma, although GED may be acceptable. Completion of two semesters of algebra with a passing grade is highly desirable but one semester is usually required. Candidates are carefully screened and must achieve a passing score on the qualifying examination. The program consists of from 7,200 to 8,000 hours of combined on-the-job and classroom training. A joint apprenticeship program is set up by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and the National Electrical Contractors Association. Upon completion of the program, they receive a "Certificate of Completion" from the California Division of Apprenticeship Standards.
Another method of entry into this occupation is completion of an electrical construction and maintenance program at a vocational or trade college. Graduates work as trainees, gaining journey-level status after from six months to two years. High school students wishing to enter by either route should take courses in physics, blueprint reading and shop. Applicants must be in good physical condition. They must have normal vision, and good color perception to distinguish between various colored wires. Finger and manual dexterity is needed for using hand and power tools. Many employers require applicants to pass a physical examination as a condition of employment.
ADVANCEMENT
Experienced Electricians may advance to Leadperson, Supervisor, Chief Electrician, or Superintendent. Many Electricians enter business as independent electrical contractors. Others work as trade or vocational school instructors, building supply sales representatives, electrical inspectors or estimators.
FINDING THE JOB
Apprenticeship candidates should inquire at the union, the California Division of Apprenticeship Standards or the California Employment Development Department. Non-union entrants who graduated from vocational or trade schools may apply directly to employers for an on-the-job training program or work with trade school recruiters. Experienced Electricians apply to the union or directly to private employers and civil service agencies.
ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION
International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers 302 8th Ave. San Mateo, CA 94402 (415) 579-3683
Division of Apprenticeship Standards Department of Industrial Relations P.O. Box 420603 San Francisco, CA 94142 (415) 975-2035
RELATED OCCUPATIONAL GUIDES
Appliance Service Technician No. 161
OCCUPATIONAL CODE REFERENCES
DOT (Dictionary of Occupational Titles, 4th ed., Rev. 1) Electrician 824.261-010
OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) System Electricians 872020
Source: State of California, Employment Development Department,
Labor Market Information Division, Information Services Group,
(916) 262-2162.
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