An electrical technician is a professional who works to keep electrical systems in buildings and a wide range of electrical equipment in good working order. A good understanding of the workings of electrical equipment is usually required of someone who wants to become an electrical technician. Depending on the jurisdiction in which a person intends to work, the method which he or she obtains this knowledge may differ. However, in many places, an individual who wants to work as an electrical technician must first complete one to two years of training. A community college or vocational school, as well as an apprenticeship, can provide this training. A technician may also be required to pass certification exams in some areas.
An electrical technician’s job entails inspecting, testing, diagnosing, and repairing electrical systems and equipment. A person in this field may also assist with the design, manufacture, and assembly of electrical equipment in some cases. A lot of the time, an electrical technician works under the direction of an electrical engineer. A person in this position’s exact job description is often determined where he works. Some people with this job title work for power companies, while others work with electrical equipment in a variety of settings, such as schools, railroads, manufacturing plants, and even military bases.
In order to pursue a career as an electrical technician, a person must first complete high school. A general educational development (GED) diploma or a jurisdiction-approved equivalent may be acceptable in most places. A person who wants to become an electrical technician may need one to two years of training in an electronics program in addition to a high school diploma. Typically, vocational schools and community colleges offer these programs. A person interested in this field may also pursue apprenticeship training as a means of preparing for this position.
Often, the programs that an aspiring electrical technician enrolls in lead to an electronics credential. Some vocational schools or community college programs in electronics, for example, may lead to certification or associate’s degrees in the field. Some people may improve their understanding of electronics taking up a related hobby. A person interested in this field could, for example, take up robotics or automotive electronics as a hobby. While having a hoblike this isn’t necessary for landing a job, having this level of knowledge may impress potential employers.
Once a person has acquired the necessary knowledge to become an electrical technician, he may be able to find work in a variety of settings. For example, he could submit an application to his local power company. He might also be able to find work in a factory or in a school system. A person interested in this field could also work for a transportation company, an automotive company, a hotel, or even an apartment complex.