Is it hard being an electrician?

Although it may seem like an exciting and unique job, being an electrician is not all fun and games. Sure there are many great days but it does take a lot of hard work, dedication, and skill to be a successful electrician. Not to mention it will usually be a while before you start making any good money.

According to the Australian Government, which compiled data from the 2016 Census, there are currently 171 000 electricians employed throughout Australia. They are predicting a 10.2% future growth in the industry, with the average age of an electrician being 34 years old. It is certainly a popular career and if you’re thinking about becoming an electrician or are already an apprentice, read on to learn more about what the job entails.

Yes, being an electrician can be very rewarding. Electricians get to work with their hands and create something functional or beautiful. They take pride in their work and often feel a deep sense of satisfaction when they complete a job. Additionally, electricians spend much of their time outdoors and have the potential to make a good income.

Some of the pros of being an electrician include:

• Affordable training and education
• Challenges your mind and body daily so you don’t get bored
• Keeps your heart rate up and helps to maintain a level of fitness
• Depending on the work you do – it can be a constantly changing environment
• Can be fairly straightforward to start an electrical business

In terms of cons, you can expect:

• Lots to learn and stay up to date with
• Apprenticeships can feel like they take forever – and be prepared to be called plenty of funny nicknames
• Wear and tear on your body
• Some work is quite dirty
• Climbing into the hot roof of homes is not for everyone
• Exposure to dust
• Risks of electrocution
• Lots of travel to various work sites (which can mean sitting in traffic)
• Be prepared to have to turn many electrical technical terms and definitions into plain language to avoid talking jargon to customers

As an electrician, you must know how to solve basic math problems. This includes addition and subtraction, fractions, percentages, and the basics of algebra. It is also important to understand basic electrical concepts such as Ohm’s law and be able to interpret electrical schematics. If you’re not confident in your math skills, you can always take some courses to help you brush up. According to NECAtraining.com.au – “Working with Electrical can be hazardous when miscalculations occur.”

If you would like to do a practice test to ascertain your level of maths knowledge for any aptitude tests, check out https://www.nic.bc.ca/pdf/math-review-for-electricians.pdf or https://www.apprenticeshipcentral.com.au/wp-content/uploads/Electrical-Quiz.pdf

The toughest part of being an electrician is definitely the risk associated with it. Electricians are trained to be conscious of the risks of working with electricity and know what precautions to take when doing so. Additionally, given the nature of the job, there will be times when you may need to work in uncomfortable or dangerous places such as hot roofs or crawlspaces. This is particularly the case during electrical emergencies when the electrician is required to respond quickly to hazardous situations.

Finally, you must ensure that every job is done right and is up to code, as any mistakes can lead to costly repairs or safety issues down the road. So being an electrician isn’t just physically demanding; it’s can be mentally challenging too.

Electricians often have to lift heavy objects and perform overhead work, like wiring ceiling fixtures. They also may need to crawl into tight spaces, climb ladders, or be suspended in the air while working. This can make electrician work quite physically demanding. On top of that, they often work in extreme temperatures and harsh environments, which can take a toll on the body over time.

That being said, electricians can take steps to make their job easier and more comfortable. Wearing comfortable protective gear, using the right tools for the job, and taking regular breaks can all help reduce strain. With a bit of preparation and forethought, electricians can minimize the physical strains of their job.

Electrician work can be demanding, yet it does not always have to be. Depending on the workplace and employer, you may enjoy a degree of autonomy as long as all jobs are completed within your allotted timeframe. With this freedom comes the ability to work at your own pace (as per reasonable expectations).

A good mindset to have is that things will take time. For example, running a cable isn’t something that can be done in a few seconds, it needs to be planned and will take time to do properly. It’s good to have a measure twice, cut once mentality – that will help keep stress levels down.

Dealing with emergencies can be stressful so if you are someone who doesn’t work well under pressure you may not find a career as an electrician enjoyable.

To be a successful electrician, you must possess a considerable level of mathematical acumen. This includes skills such as trigonometry, rearranging electrical equations, working with percentages and understanding vectors. Moreover, possessing mechanical and technical savvy, as well as a keen eye for detail, are essential qualities.

Electricians must also have a good grasp of the principles and safety regulations associated with electricity. Compliance with safety regulations is paramount to avoid injury or, worse, death. In addition, electricians are expected to keep up with advances in technology so they can install, maintain, modify and repair the latest electrical systems with ease.

Even though electrician work can be demanding and physically taxing, most people in the industry find it to be a rewarding career. Electricians contribute to society by providing safe and reliable electrical systems that power our homes, businesses, and communities.

Even though being an electrician is challenging and requires a lot of hard work, the rewards are well worth it. With the right attitude and preparation, you can make a great career in this field. If you’d like to speak to an experienced electrician about any further questions you have please don’t hesitate to give us a call.