Find out everything you need to know about becoming an Electrician.
Job Title - Electrician
Description
An Electrician learns to install, operate, repair, upgrade and service various electrical systems. These systems can include wiring, specialized electrical equipment and different fixtures.
Typical Job Activities
Designs layouts based on job specifications and local codes
Reads building plans to understand electrical circuits
Studies electrical configurations
Orders supplies
Tests and inspects circuits and systems using specialised equipment
Installs complex electrical equipment
Upgrades existing systems
Fixes wires and circuits
Maintains and service electrical systems
Trouble-shoots – diagnoses and find solutions
Works with various electrical equipment and tools
Drives from one site to another
Makes sure of safety at all times
Works according to government regulations
Does this sound like a career for you? Browse jobs in the engineering and construction industry here.
Related Occupations
Technician
Line installer or repairer
Electrical and electronics installer or repairer
Engineering Electrician
Construction Electrician
Mining Electrician
Auto Electrician
Aircraft Electrician
Educational Requirements
40% in mathematics (excluding mathematical literacy)
Grade 9 or National Certificate (Vocational) Level 2 In case of Civil, Mechanical and Electrical categories of trades a minimum of 40% in relevant N2 Trade Theory or the relevant vocational subjects of the National Certificate (Vocational) Level 2
Compulsory subjects: Mathematics and Physical Sciences
Recommended subjects: Information Technology, Electrical Technology
What natural skills and/or aptitudes do I need for this occupation?
Be an independent thinker and able to visualize abstract concepts
Have above average mathematical and scientific aptitude
Show originality and initiative
Be able to make fast and correct decisions during times of crisis
Function well with other people
Be able to manage projects
Have an inquiring, analytical mind
Have good health and physical stamina
Have keenness to learn, combined with logical reasoning
Have good problem-solving skills
Improve your engineering and construction skills and knowledge
by studying further - Browse our online learners’ courses here...
Employment Opportunities
High
Market Competitiveness
Moderate
Income Potential
High
Self-Employment Opportunities
High
International Employment Opportunities
Low
Possible Employers
Government departments – Municipalities and Universities and universities of technology
Mining industry
Organizations as Transnet, Eskom, Mittal Steel, CSIR, Sasol, Kentron, SABS, SABC
Manufacturers of electrical equipment
Private engineering consultants
Self-employment, with enough experience and initiative, can work as a consultant or start own manufacturing or engineering company
Working conditions
Working environment will largely depend on the kind of electrician you are
Can spend the day in a factory, home, building site, hospital, school
Working long hours to finish a project
Physically demanding
Can work in cramped conditions or on cold, windy building sites
Browse companies hiring now.
Relevant Contact Details
The South African Institute Of Electrical Engineers
http://www.saiee.org.za
Career Progress and Path
Can go on to complete various more specific qualifications, including certificates in Inspection, Testing and Certification of Installations, Wiring Regulations and In-service Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment.
Can also complete a short training scheme which allows electricians to certify all their own electrical work With training and experience can be promoted to a supervisory or management position or to become a self-employed electrician
Highly experienced electricians may also be able to progress to an engineering technician, a skilled worker who solves technical problems in engineering or construction companies.
Specialist career in the specific field
Management positions in the specific field
Management positions in related fields
General business management
Consultant/ contractor/ own practice/ freelance
Own business
Employment Stability
Very stable
Reasons to consider this career
A job in government
A job in private companies
To start my own business
A stable job
To become a manager
To work with my hands
To repair things
To work with technology
To learn new things
To be of service to people
To work flexible hours
To work locally
To focus on a specific field
To apply my special skills
To make money
To face intellectual problems
To work on my own
To work fixed hours
