I've just graduated from trade school and am looking to start my career as an electrician. What kind of electrician jobs could I expect to find right out of school? Any tips on what employers look for in recent graduates?
After graduating from trade school, you can expect to find several types of electrician positions available. Often, many trade school graduates begin their careers as Electrical Apprentices.
- Electrical Apprentice: This is generally an entry-level role where you work alongside and learn from more experienced electricians. You gain hands-on experience doing electrical installations, repairs, and maintenance under direct supervision. It's a vital part of your training and eventually leads to becoming a licensed journeyman electrician.
- Maintenance Electrician: You could also start as a maintenance electrician where you chiefly handle the maintenance, repair, and upgrading of electrical systems in residential complexes or commercial buildings.
- Solar Installation Technician: With the rise of green energy, many electricians start their careers as solar installation technicians, working on installing and maintaining solar panel systems.
Employers often look for the following in recent graduates:
- Licensing and Certification: They primarily look for candidates who're licensed or are on the pathway to become certified journeyman electricians.
- Soft Skills: Other factors include soft skills such as communication and customer service skills, especially for roles that interact directly with clients.
- Hand-On Skills: Having practical skills and experiences from internships or actual jobs is always advantageous. Working on projects, part-time jobs, or internships during your time in trade school can be beneficial, as these experiences can help you stand out against other candidates when applying for jobs.
- Knowledge of Safety Practices: Importantly, employers prioritize candidates who have a good understanding of safety protocols and industry regulations.
Remember that gaining as much hands-on experience as possible will prove instrumental in advancing in your career. Good luck!
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