Skills You Need to Become an Electrician
First off, what kind of work does an electrician undertake?
On any given day, an electrician could find themselves installing, testing, repairing, and maintaining electrical wiring, circuit boards or electronics. They can perform these tasks, either inside, outside, at a residential property, on a commercial property, power generation facility or electrical machinery and industrial robotics and equipment.
It’s not always high-voltage large scale work. Electricians could also be tinkering with low-voltage wiring systems such as alarms, security/data systems, telephones, internet, and video cabling.
Another skill an electrician needs is to be able to read blueprints that will help them install, maintain and repair wiring and electronics, along with a deep understanding of local building codes.
In saying all this, not all electricians have such a diverse skill set. Most find an area they like best and specialise in that field. For example, an electrician that focuses solely on working inside buildings may install electrical wiring and electrical circuits during the construction or fit-out of the building. Others work on the outside of buildings doing the cabling and wiring.
Skills Required of an Electrician
There are a number of skills that all electricians need to be successful in their roles including:
- A degree of physical fitness
- Normal colour vision
- Mental dexterity
- A good sense of balance
- Ability to work at heights
If you’re still at school and thinking about starting a career in an electrical trade you should focus on subjects such as:
- Maths
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Computer science
- English
- Applied technologies
Why Undertake an Electrical Apprenticeship
Electricians are in high demand (and can be well paid) as the Australian population continues to grow along with our electricity requirements, both commercial and residential. Telecommunications and internet cable in regional and remote areas are pushing the need for more electricians, as well as the growing demand for green energy such as wind and solar which need specialised electricians.
Electrical work provides a stable income whether it be on a construction site, helping with power outages, residential maintenance and repair, or even working in the entertainment industry by installing and managing complex lighting requirements for music concerts.
A career as an electrician starts with an Australian Electrical Apprenticeship. Get paid to work and gain hands-on experience as an apprentice electrician while you study for your formal qualifications. An Australian Apprenticeship can be completed in four years and provides a flexible and in-demand trade for life.
Find out more about an Electrical Apprenticeship with MIGAS, or view our Jobs Board for current opportunities.