Electricians

Critical thinking
Make important decisions
Electricians perform tests and use the results to diagnose problems. For example, when an outlet is not working, they may use a multimeter to check the voltage, amperage, or resistance to determine the best course of action.
Troubleshooting
Find the solutions
Electricians find, diagnose, and repair problems. For example, if a motor stops working, they perform tests to determine the cause of its failure and then, depending on the results, fix or replace the motor.
Color vision
Cannot be color blind
Electricians must identify electrical wires by color.

Job Description

Electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical power, communications, lighting, and control systems in homes, businesses, and factories.

Electricians typically do the following:

  • Read blueprints or technical diagrams
  • Install and maintain wiring systems
  • Inspect electrical components
  • Identify electrical problems
  • Repair or replace wiring, equipment, or fixtures
  • Follow state and local building regulations

Almost every building has an electrical power, communications, lighting, and control system that is installed during construction and maintained after that. These systems power the lights, appliances, and equipment that make people’s lives and jobs easier and more comfortable.

Installing electrical systems in newly constructed buildings is often less complicated than maintaining equipment in existing buildings because electrical wiring is more easily accessible during construction. Maintaining equipment and systems involve identifying problems and repairing broken equipment that is sometimes difficult to reach. Maintenance work may include fixing or replacing parts, light fixtures, control systems, motors, and other types of electrical equipment.

Electricians read blueprints, which are technical diagrams of electrical systems that show the location of circuits, outlets, and other equipment. They use different types of hand and power tools, such as conduit benders, to run and protect wiring. Other commonly used hand and power tools include screwdrivers, wire strippers, drills, and saws. While troubleshooting, electricians also may use ammeters, voltmeters, thermal scanners, and cable testers to find problems and ensure that components are working properly.

Job Outlook

Median Pay – $51,880
2 Year Associate’s Degree
No Related Work Experience
Moderate-term on-the-job training
0
Make $48,329
0
Make $55,751
The industries that hired the most were:

Electrical contractors industry

63%

Manufacturing industries

10%

Self employed

5%

EDUCATION & TRAINING

TCAT

TN College of Applied Technology - Athens

THE PROGRAM

  • Time Commitment – Full Time
  • Class Type – Day / Night
  • Average Pay – $51,880 / yr
  • Cost – $8,140

Gain a competitive edge when seeking employment!

Today’s industrial machinery integrates mechanical and electrical systems. The electro-mechanical technician is equipped with the skills and knowledge to install and maintain a wide range of equipment in the modern industrial world. In this innovative educational program, students learn various aspects of industrial electricity, industrial mechanics, and automated control systems.

This multi-craft training opportunity is designed to meet the occupational needs of the advanced manufacturing sector. Electro-mechanical technicians install, maintain, and repair industrial equipment, such as conveying systems, production machinery, and packaging equipment. Graduates may find employment in manufacturing, power plants, and construction.

Many industries support the learning process by sponsoring qualified students in a paid cooperative program which allows the students opportunities to put into practice what they have learned in the classroom.

• Commercial and Industrial Wiring

THE PROGRAM

  • Program Length – 9 months (certificate)
  • Average Earnings – $36,570 / yr
  • Cost – $4,876

This fall, Cleveland State will offer a certificate degree for our new Welding program. Welding is a much sought after skill set that offers a salary that is far above the average starting pay for this area, and the great news is that it only takes 9 months to get a certificate.

If you think you want to be a welder, or you need to brush up or acquire new skills, Cleveland State offers a variety of non-credit welding classes to assist you in achieving those goals.

Cleveland State Community College is now offering a Welding Technician Certificate* in conjunction with completion of these 3 Welding Courses & additional Technology Coursework.  The majority of these classes are embedded in the Electro-Mechanical Associate of Applied Science Degree (A.A.S).

All participants have the opportunity to earn:

  • NCCER Wallet Card
  • NCCER National Registry Recognition
  • NCCER Module Certificates of Completion

Courses will consist of content from NCCER, OSHA, NFPA, and AWS standards. 

AWS Certifications can be offered to groups of 10 participants at an additional cost

Cleveland State

Cleveland State Community College