If you are interested in a career as an electrician but do not want to be tied down to one work site and you enjoy the outdoors, you should explore becoming an electrical field technician. This career would enable you to apply the knowledge you gain in an electrician certification program to repair and install electrical devices in all types of production environments, including factories, oilfields and industrial parks. The following guide outlines what it takes for you to become a successful electrical field technician.
Prerequisites and Qualifications
In addition to having an interest in electrical technology, you should enjoy learning about machines, reading technical diagrams and working with your hands.
Since your job may involve working at different sites and interacting with a variety of people, you need to have excellent interpersonal skills. In addition, you should be in good physical condition in order to operate heavy-duty tools and manage large machines.
Before you can enroll in an electrician training program, you should also have a high school diploma or GED. Since you will be operating heavy machinery, some on-the-job training programs and many employers that sponsor apprenticeships will also require you to undergo drug testing.
Formal and On-the-job Training
Trade schools offer formal training for electricians. Generally, schools will offer certificate programs that provide classes, practical training and preparation for licensing exams. You can select electives to help you begin preparing to specialize as a field technician.
Your coursework will teach you about electrical concepts, electronic systems, wiring, power distribution and more. You will also learn how to design, repair and maintain electrical components.
In addition to the technical coursework, your training will include safety practices as well as leaning about building codes, electrical inspections and government regulations.
Electrician training programs also include apprenticeships so you can gain on-the-job training. You can also schedule apprenticeships through local trade unions.
Many apprenticeship programs offer several specialties, so choose one that is designed specifically for training field technicians. In some states, you may be required to apply for a license in order to work as an apprentice electrician.
Certification and Licensing
After you complete your trade school courses and apprenticeship, you should be ready to take your state's electrician certification exam and apply for your electrician license. Electricians just entering the field are generally classified as journeymen. Contact your state licensing board to find out the exact requirements and fees for obtaining your license.
In addition, your municipal government may have additional requirements that electricians must meet.
You will need to renew your license on a schedule determined by your state. License renewals also include continuing education requirements. You can fulfill your CE requirement by enrolling in classes and professional development seminars offered by trade schools, community colleges or industry organizations.
After working for several years, you may be eligible to upgrade your journeyman license to become a master electrician and increase your earning power. Master electricians are allowed to supervise other journeyman and apprentices and obtain permits for commercial and industrial projects.
Work Environment and Career Outlook
Field electricians enjoy a wide variety of options when it comes to choosing a work environment. You can work for large corporations such as oil companies that need field technicians to maintain crucial equipment in refineries or in remote areas.
Electricians are also in demand in emerging and fast-growing industries such as wind energy, solar power and telecommunications.
However, you can also work as an independent professional, working for an agency that will provide you with short-term jobs or for yourself as a self-employed professional.
Regardless of the work environment you choose as an electrical field technician, your skills will be in demand as the overall job outlook for electricians is rosy. According to the federal government, employment for electricians will grow faster than average compared to other occupations at least until 2024. For more information, contact a business such as HVAC Technical Institute.
Share31 December 2015
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