Electricity, without a doubt, is now widely used all over the globe to power machineries, equipment and devices. No TV, microwave, or computer can work without electrical energy. Though used by many people, it is still widely misunderstood. This is why only a few is brave enough to tread an electrician’s career path. Even the helper electrician is not safe from the tragedies that can happen to those who are not careful around this power. Burns, property damages and even death can easily happen to those who do not have ample respect for it.
The best electricians are trained professionals who have attended schools and have worked with enough number of years. Rewiring your home once you come to learn that it has an outdated electrical system is not as easy as sticking your finger inside the fuse box.
Who Is the Helper Electrician?
Helper electricians may perform some of the duties of a professional licensed electrician. Their duties include providing or holding tools or materials for the licensed electrician. He may also be the one that is tasked to clean the machineries, equipment or work area.
So what are the qualifications of those who want to begin their electrician career by becoming a helper? The minimum requirements include –
- GED or high school diploma
- Trade license according to the requirements set by state local authorities
- Eligibility to be covered under the vehicular insurance program
- A valid driver’s license (since most electricians are expected to work on the field at times).
Helpers are expected to report to the foreman (usually a master electrician). As a helper, he needs to prove that he has the following –
- A good know-how of electronic and electrical principles
- Special skills such as being flexible and agile
- He must be good in reading, writing and speaking the English language
- He must be able to quickly understand instructions regarding safety procedures and maintenance projects
- He must have a basic knowledge of his area of responsibility
- State and local building code know-how
- The skill to read blueprints, schematics and other kinds of work plans
- The ability to create, install, maintain, or repair different lighting and electrical related stuff
- Basic know-how of building components that are related to different kinds of lighting and electrical systems
- The ability to control power tools, hand tools, computers, electrical meters, and motor vehicle
- The ability to safely test equipment
- Willingness to work under the most stringent physical demands such as carrying 45 pounds or more. He must also be able to stand, walk, kneel and bend with ease.
- The willingness to work on the field or in an office setup at times
- The guts to work even in the most extreme weather conditions, excessive dampness or humidity
- Readiness to work with machineries that come with moving components.
- The resolve to stay whether he is exposed to grease, solvents or oil
- The willingness to work atop the highest ladders, buildings or scaffolding
- Flexibility in adjusting to given schedules or work loads
- The ability to do maintenance work for buildings and perform construction related projects
- The ability to work with different levels of personality in a helpful and positive manner
- The ability to help people in a positive manner
- The willingness to learn through seminars and training classes every now and then.
Know if there are vacancies for helper electrician in your area. With residential electrician helpers earning $26,000 annually or wastewater treatment electricians having a salary of $78,000; this is truly a good way to start one’s electrician career.
