Journeyman Electrician – Skills Needed

This is a professional electrician that works on electrical systems that include mechanical connections, security and communication systems, power supplies, and lighting installations. They work on commercial or residential structures and may even work on power distribution and over lines. They may also work on complex circuits and electrical wiring in vehicles and buildings along with other applications that have to be repaired or installed. Most journeyman electricians will generally work in construction but they can also work with a utility company or manufacturing plant. To enter this field you must make sure that you undergo the appropriate education and training. As with any electrician field while in high school take all the science and math classes that you can along with ideally developing your reading skills. You should also make sure that you have a high school diploma or GED.

After high school you could qualify for admission into an electrician apprenticeship program. You can find out about these apprenticeship programs by checking with different electric companies or an electrician's union. To get into an apprenticeship program you will need to fill out an application. On the application make sure to highlight all of your education, especially what would seem to becoming a journeyman electrician. If you have done any electrician internships or have any experience with electrician jobs make sure that you list them on the application. These can help you secure an apprenticeship.

Make sure that you wear a comfortable pair of steel toe shoes as you will spend most of your day on your feet performing physical labor. Being a journeyman electrician will require that you some heavy lifting. Depending on the job you have also have to do a lot of bending, standing, climbing, and reaching. It is very important that you are physical fit, which will also help you to avoid being injured on the job. In today's world many electricians use computer programs to perform different job duties so you should make sure that you have some computer training, especially the basic computer functions. A lot of the skills that you will need to become a journeyman electrician will be taught during your apprenticeship. During your apprenticeship you will be working with an electrician with several years experience and doing hands-on training and simple tasks on your own under the supervision of the experienced electrician.

You should also consider getting your commercial driver's license (CDL) because some companies will hire a journeyman electrician to visit job sites driving a repair vehicle or large truck. Having your CDL license will help boost your credentials for future jobs.