Western Electrical Contractors Association, Inc.

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Electrician and Low Voltage Technician Job Preview and Expectations

 

Electricians install, connect, test, and maintain electrical systems for a variety of purposes including power, lighting, climate control, security, communications, and electronic controls for machinery. Electricians work with blueprints and digital construction platforms, follow the National Electrical Code (NEC), and must comply with state and local building requirements. They increasingly work with innovations in smart and green technologies. Although most electricians specialize in either construction or maintenance, a growing number do both. Their working environment varies, depending on the type of job; to avoid injuries, they follow strict safety procedures.


Electricians today are at the forefront of emerging technologies that require their skilled knowledge to plan and install solar electric systems, electric car charging stations, smart buildings and homes, and consult about energy efficiency. They work on commercial construction, public projects, and in residential settings and find themselves in many working conditions.

Low Voltage Technicians test, service, and maintain low voltage electronic and control systems equipment. Technicians are often divided into two categories: Voice Data Video technicians (or VDV techs), and Fire Life Safety technicians (or FLS techs). Voice Data Video technicians establish communications systems by installing, operating, and maintaining voice, data, and video telecommunications network circuits and equipment. Fire Life Safety technicians work on proprietary systems related to fire, life, and safety.

Electricians' and low voltage technicians' work can sometimes be strenuous. They bend conduit, stand for long periods, and frequently work on ladders and scaffolds. Their working environment varies, depending on the type of job. Some may sometimes work in dusty, dirty, hot, or wet conditions; or in confined areas, ditches, or other uncomfortable places. Electricians risk injury from electrical shock, falls, and cuts; to avoid injuries, they must follow strict safety procedures. Some electricians and low voltage technicians may have to travel to jobsites.

Minimum Application Requirements

  1. Applicants must be at least 18 years old to apply. Proof required with the submittal of application
  2. Applicants must possess a High School Diploma or General Education Certificate (GED). Proof required with the submittal of application.

Entrance Qualifications/Testing

WECA ATC is an Equal Opportunity Organization. The recruitment, selection, employment and training of apprentices during their apprenticeship, shall be without discrimination because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law.

All applicants that meet the application requirements are required to successfully pass the following:

  1. Color Identification Test
  • For the safety of yourself and others, it is necessary to ensure that you can correctly identify colors.
  1. Basic Skills Test
    1. Measurement
    2. Reading
    3. Arithmetic
  2. Multi-Craft Aptitude Test
  3. Oral Interview
    Prior to being scheduled for an interview, you should make sure that this trade is for you. If you aren't 100% sure that this is something that you will be committed to for at least 3-5 years (depending on the program you choose), there is no way for the interviewers to know either. If you have no doubt that this program is right for you, you need to be able to articulate your desire to be in this program during your interview. Learn more about a career as an electrician in Apprentice FAQs and by watching the WECA Electrician Job Preview video here. See Electrician Apprentice Job Description.

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