The electrical field is currently full of opportunities. The need for electricians is expected to grow by 9% of the next decade. Electricians earn among the highest annual salaries of all trade careers. And with an uptick in construction in some regions and new electric-based infrastructure expected soon, the career outlook is positive.
 

This is all great news if you are interested in becoming an electrician. But what does it really take to be an electrician? What skills do you need? And are these skills acquired through training and experience, or do you need these skills before you ever enroll in a training course? 

Let’s look at 3 core skills that you need to be an electrician! 

1: Technical skills make you a master at your craft.  

Technical skills, or “hard skills” demonstrate that you have knowledge and ability. These skills can only be acquired through an electrical training course.  

Just think about it: before you turn 16, you don’t know how to drive a car. How do you learn? Most people apply for their permit, practice behind the wheel with an adult, and take driving lessons with an instructor. Only after months of practice are you eligible to take the state driving test and get your license. And at the end of all that practice, you can get behind the wheel with confidence that you will drive safely. Driving a car is a type of technical skill that is acquired through practice and training.  

The same goes for becoming an electrician. Even if you have some basic electrical knowledge, you don’t have the technical skills needed to work professionally. And you can only learn these skills by attending a certified electrical training program. Here you will learn things like electrical theory, residential wiring, lighting, and safety. You will also get the chance to put your skills to the test in a lab environment supervised by a teacher. After you complete the course and take the state certification exam, you can begin working and gaining experience on a real job site to further hone your skills.  

Over time, you will gain many technical skills that make you great at being an electrician.  

2: Problem-solving skills give you an advantage.  

Problem-solving skills are a mix of skills that you learn and skills that you naturally have.  

As an electrician, you will be challenged with tasks that range from small and basic to large and complex. When you encounter an issue, you must be able to find a solution. This is especially true as you gain some experience and begin working independently. To satisfy your clients and get the job done right, you must be able to deal with problems as they arise.  

The best problem-solvers can think ahead and predict issues before they happen. And you may notice the more senior electricians around you have this skill. This is something that comes with experience. Remember, when you first start out as an electrician you will likely work on basic tasks like running wire or digging trenches. But you will get more responsibility as time goes on. With greater responsibility and more experience in your back pocket, you should naturally become a better problem solver and someone that other people look to for leadership. 

Here are several examples of when problem-solving skills come in handy: 

• When reading and analyzing blueprints 
• When performing electrical risk assessments 
• When diagnosing electrical system failures 

3: Teamwork skills make you more likely to succeed.

The ability to work in a team is a critical part of being an electrician. Even if you don’t think you work well in a team today, you can grow into a great team player over time.  

When you start out, you will have the benefit of working with experienced electricians in most cases. You can learn a lot by listening, watching, and asking questions. Asking questions can signal to your supervisors that you want to learn. You can build relationships and gain greater trust within your company. In turn you can expect more responsibility.  

Communicating clearly with your coworkers and supervisors will go a long way. If you listen to them, they will be more likely to listen to you when you need their help or have an idea. You can eventually be seen within your organization as a go-to electrician with a willingness to work with, learn from, and teach others. Practicing great team skills will make you more likely to grow and earn more money in the long run. 

You need technical skills, problem-solving skills, and teamwork skills if you want to work as an electrician. These skills are not learned overnight. You must first enroll in an electrical training program to learn the technical aspects of the job. Then you can begin working as an electrician and, as you get more experience, become great at problem solving and improve your teamwork skills. Ready to start your journey? Contact I-TAP today! Our staff is ready to enroll you in an upcoming course. Get in touch now.