Lesser-Known Reasons to Become an Electrician

Why should you become an electrician? According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the electrical field is projected to grow at a faster-than-average rate of 10 percent between 2018 and 2028. But that’s not the only reason to choose this career. If you’re considering a job change, take a look at the lesser known reasons to become an electrician.

You Can Work Day or Night

Do you have kids to care for during the day? Electricians can work overnight shifts — depending on their employer. While not every job offers either daylight or nighttime hours, electricians who work in commercial settings (such as hospitals or for larger corporations) may have the chance to choose overnight work. Electricians who offer emergency (after-hour) service calls may also work at night.

You Don’t Need a Boss

Are you an independent type of person who enjoys taking charge? If working for someone else doesn’t mesh with your personality, the electrical field is an option to seriously consider. While most entry-level or new electricians don’t work for themselves, after you build skills and develop a more advanced level of expertise (under the guidance of a master electrician), you have the option to start your own business.

As your own boss, you can own or operate a residential or commercial repair company or work as an independent contractor. Independent contractors work job by job/contract by contract, may not have a permanent physical employment location (such as an office), and may consider themselves freelancers.

You Will Have a Mentor

Electrician apprenticeships require practical on-the-job experience. Even though you’ll work in a real-world setting, you won’t need to install, assess, or repair electrical devices, fixtures, and wiring on your own. Instead, you’ll have a senior-level electrician who guides, trains, and helps you to learn about the trade.

A mentor is an asset in the workplace — and one that not many fields offer. You’ll have the chance to learn from someone with years of experience. Not only will your mentor provide you with valuable technical information, they’ll also help you to better understand the industry as whole, introduce you to professional practice, and may even help you to land your first job as an electrician.

You Don’t Have to Sit in a Classroom for Years

Do you dread lengthy classroom lectures? Even though you’ll need to take some classroom types of courses, the bulk of your training will come from hands-on practical experiences. If you’re a kinesthetic, or movement-based, learner, you may get more out of this type of program. You won’t have to sit still and listen to someone talk. Instead, you’ll get to learn as you work.

You Don’t Have to Work Indoors

Are you the outdoorsy type? If you spend most of your time out and about or in nature, an electrical career is an option to seriously consider. Even though plenty of electricians do work indoors, you can also find a variety of outdoors jobs. Whether you work on exterior electrical lines or have another similar job, you can enjoy the fresh air, sunlight, and everything the great outdoors has to offer.

You Can Show Off Your Math Skills

Were you a math superstar in high school? If you’ve always enjoyed numbers and solving problems, you’ll have the chance to show off your superior skills as an electrician. These trade professionals must make calculations, analyze electrical issues, and use other similar mathematical abilities on the job.

Do these reasons make the electrical field sound like the right choice for your future career? Contact the Independent Electrical Contractors of Greater Cincinnati for more information on apprenticeship programs.