careernav.

General Description

This is an ideal career for analytical and logical thinkers. Electrotechnology is a diverse and interesting field in which to develop a career. It covers electrical or communications contracting in domestic homes, commercial and industrial premises.

In domestic homes it includes wiring new homes or upgrading or repairing wiring in existing homes, or Smart Wiring a home with the latest integrated technologies for light and power, security, telephone, entertainment and computer systems.

In commercial premises you would be involved in major network installations in e.g. high rise buildings, hospitals, schools, shopping centres, hotels, sports stadiums or other commercial buildings.

In industrial premises you would work on the wiring of highly complex electrical or communications systems in premises such as factories, manufacturing plants and power stations or out on oil rigs. This could include lighting and climate control, turbines and generators, uninterrupted power supply systems, conveyor belts and elevator systems, weighing and measuring equipment, robotic assembly systems and process control and feedback systems.

What you do every day?

An electrician undertakes a diverse range of work depending on the scope of work carried out by the business and whether they are undertaking construction or maintenance type work.  Construction electricians tend to have more physical roles, involving the laying of conduit on building sites, and the pulling of large numbers of cables through large developments.  Maintenance or service electricians might travel to numerous job sites in a day and may spend more time assessing an installation.

An electrician will interpret plans, specifications and Australian Standards covering both electrical and communications installations.   On new installations this will involve the selection of the right materials and fitting and installation.  On existing installations it will involve the ability to investigate and trouble shoot possible problems and provide solutions.

Areas of specialisation that are available for electricians include:

• Communications covering cabling and networks
• Alternate energy installations including photovoltaic electricity generation
• “Smart Wired” installations using cutting edge technology to link and remotely control appliances
• Residential installation and maintenance
• Industrial and manufacturing involving complex control and programmable production equipment.

Personality that best fits this occupation

You will need to enjoy mathematical and technical activities and have good problem solving skills. You approach your work in a methodical manner, and pay close attention to detail. Normal colour vision is crucial for you to distinguish between the different coloured wires in a circuit. As you need to fill out some paperwork for each job, a small amount of experience with administrative duties is needed. 

You must have an up to date knowledge of the electrical industry and specific electrical safety regulations, which is initially gained through your apprenticeship, but you will need to continue to keep up to date with changes.

Best thing about this career

There is scope for undertaking a diverse range of work and projects, and you get to meet many different people and have the opportunity to move to different locations for work.

As an electrician you will have fairly secure job prospects as there will always be the requirement of work needing to be done as by law only licensed contractors and electricians may perform electrical work. Electricians are renowned for commanding large salaries, and career prospects are great, whether within a large contracting firm, or through the option of opening your own contracting company.

Worst thing about this career

Having to work at heights and in confined spaces (in roof spaces or under floor areas) and at times have to stand for long periods of time. Most days will see you have an early start time, with some days requiring you to work longer hours.