A meter technician is in charge of installing and maintaining electric meters and other types of equipment used to track electricity usage. Houses, for example, are equipped with an electric meter that calculates the amount of electricity consumed so that the power company can properly bill the home for its usage. Installing electric meters, repairing and testing meters, and keeping records about the electrical equipment used by the company that employs him are all tasks that the meter technician is responsible for. A person who wants to work as a meter technician must have at least a high school diploma, or GED, and either an associate’s degree or a three-year apprenticeship with the company where he wants to work.
A person interested in becoming a meter technician has two options after graduating from high school or earning a GED. He has the option of working in the field to gain experience or attending a technical college. He will earn a two-year degree in either electrical engineering or electronics if he chooses the technical college route. The name of the degree may vary depending on the college.
To enter the workforce right away, an individual must first find work with a company that will train him over the course of a three-year apprenticeship. He’ll learn how to set up, maintain, and repair electrical metering equipment. He’ll also learn how to take proper safety precautions at work and when working with electrical equipment.
After completing his training or degree program, the meter technician must pass a safety course and possibly undergo hands-on training for his job. He visits homes and businesses to check and repair electric meters once he is allowed out into the field. He’ll also keep track of the equipment inventory where he works and meticulous records of the building’s equipment and its usage.
Meter technicians must work around electricity and, as a result, are at risk of electrical shock if a repair is performed incorrectly. The meter technician must have a thorough understanding of safety protocols and must inspect his equipment on a regular basis to ensure that it is in good working order. He also inspects the safety of the equipment that the company keeps for future use.
Typically, the number of meter technician jobs available is expected to decrease. Those interested in working in this field should consider taking an apprenticeship to ensure that they will have a job when they finish. However, obtaining a degree first will allow the individual to travel in search of work if no jobs are available in his area.