For those who have an interest in activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions relating to complex wiring systems and robotics, pursuing a career in the electrical trade could be a great fit. Electric work has continued to be a growing trade over the years, and the demand for qualified, professional electricians is on the rise.
Electricians are responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing electrical power, communications, lighting, and control systems for our homes, businesses, and factories. They are highly skilled trade workers who are experts in problem-solving and troubleshooting and are able to confidently face new challenges at every job site.
Electricians are today’s superheroes of everything electricity and are extremely valuable in modern society. From dealing with frequent power outages to working on various projects such as rewiring equipment or fixtures, inspecting electrical components for safety, installing wiring and lighting, and troubleshooting all sorts of electrical problems, it is safe to say that electricians play a highly significant role in the construction industry.
The current job opportunity outlook for electricians in Northeast Florida is better than ever. Due to the high number of new constructions in the area, the industry is actively seeking skilled workers to meet the high demands of Northeast Florida’s substantial growth.
The responsibilities of an electrician are highly diverse, and often depend on the worker’s employer and specialty. Like all jobs in construction, there are a vast number of specializations to choose from when you become an electrician. No matter what path you choose, there are certain electrician duties that are common to most specialties:
One must acquire multiple skills, traits and abilities to excel as an electrician. In order to fully thrive in this position, you need superior manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination, strong color vision to be able to identify wires, physical fitness and a good sense of balance, and the overall ability to work on a team with limited supervision. The diagnosis and fixing of electrical issues are also a big part of an electrician’s job, therefore individuals must acquire good problem-solving and troubleshooting skills to be able to provide the best solutions for common day to day problems. Other essential abilities include quality customer service and people skills, detail-orientation, flexibility, computer and technology knowledge, basic math skills, and time management.
NEFBA offers a leading Apprenticeship Program in Northeast Florida that provides hard-working, determined individuals the opportunity to work firsthand with the best-skilled industry professionals in an active learning environment. Apprentices will be able to perform the actual work contractors and clients expect upon graduating while also attaining classroom instruction from professionally licensed and NCCER certified Craft Instructors. The only out-of-pocket expenses for the apprenticeship are for books, required polo shirt for classes, and testing fees all ranging from only $150-$175 each year.
Our apprentices have the great advantage of gaining valuable knowledge learned in the textbook and putting it to life in on-site, real-world situations. Throughout the entire 4-year program, students will have the opportunity to make money through on-the-job training, receive career counseling, and be assisted with free job placement.
For over 48 years, the Northeast Florida Builders Association has been accredited to offer professional training in electrical and other trades. If you’re interested in learning more about an apprenticeship opportunity, please email apprenticeship@NEFBA.com or call us at (904) 421-0296.