How to Be Electrical Technician Apprentice - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jul 14, 2021 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The need for qualified Electrical Technicians has seen a steady increase over the years due to the growing demand for electricity in homes, businesses, and industry. As a result, more apprenticeships have been made available for those looking to pursue a career in this industrial field. The apprenticeship provides an opportunity to learn the skills needed to work in electrical engineering, such as wiring, circuit design, and electric motor maintenance.

apprentices gain hands-on experience with the tools and equipment necessary to effectively diagnose and repair electrical systems. With the knowledge and experience acquired through the apprenticeship, graduates are well-equipped to start their career as an Electrical Technician, thus positively impacting the need for qualified professionals in the field.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a high school diploma or equivalent. Many employers prefer that applicants have a high school diploma or equivalent to demonstrate basic academic skills.
Enroll in an electrical technician apprenticeship program. Apprenticeship programs are available in most areas and can be found through labor organizations, professional associations, community colleges, or unions.
Complete the training program. During the apprenticeship, you will learn about electrical systems and safety practices, as well as how to install, repair, and maintain electrical systems.
Obtain a license. Once you have completed the apprenticeship program, you will need to pass an exam in order to obtain an electrical technician license. This license is required for many electrical technician jobs.
Join a professional organization. Joining a professional organization can help you stay up-to-date on industry trends and provide you with networking opportunities.
Pursue continuing education. Many employers require their electrical technicians to complete continuing education courses to maintain their license.

To become a skilled and competent Electrical Technician Apprentice, one must obtain the necessary education, gain practical experience and develop technical skills. Education is essential as it provides the necessary foundation to understand the fundamentals of electrical systems and the safety requirements for working with electrical equipment. Practical experience is also required to gain a thorough understanding of electrical components, equipment, and systems.

This can be obtained through attending certifications, apprenticeships, internships, and on-the-job training. Finally, developing technical skills is necessary to master the use of specialized tools, troubleshoot complex electrical systems, and accurately complete electrical work. With these combined elements, one can become a skilled and competent Electrical Technician Apprentice.

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Job Description

Install, inspect, maintain, and repair electrical systems, equipment, and components in industrial, commercial, and residential buildings.
Read blueprints, circuit diagrams, and wiring diagrams to determine the layout of electrical systems.
Diagnose electrical problems and malfunctions using testing instruments and other measurement tools.
Inspect and test the operation of electrical systems and components.
Repair or replace defective parts and components using hand tools and power tools.
Install new electrical circuits, fixtures, and wiring systems.
Connect electrical circuits to control panels and power sources.
Test circuits and components for proper operation.
Follow safety codes and regulations when working with electricity.
Train other technicians on proper operation of electrical systems and equipment.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of electrical and electronic principles.
Ability to interpret wiring diagrams and schematics.
Familiarity with electrical testing equipment, such as multimeters and meggers.
Ability to use hand and power tools.
Knowledge of safety procedures and OSHA regulations.
Understanding of local, state, and national electrical codes.
Ability to troubleshoot electrical systems.
Knowledge of Automation systems, such as PLCs and HMIs
Ability to read and understand technical documents, such as operation manuals.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

Having strong problem-solving skills is essential for Electrical Technician Apprentices. The ability to identify and diagnose problems quickly and accurately is key to success in this role. It requires an understanding of both electrical principles and the underlying systems they are working with.

Without this knowledge and skill set, it can be difficult to properly diagnose issues and make repairs. Electrical Technician Apprentices must be able to effectively communicate with others when needed, and have an effective understanding of safety protocols and procedures. This is critical to ensure the safety of all involved and that the job is done correctly.

With strong problem-solving, communication, and safety skills, Electrical Technician Apprentices can excel in their field and provide reliable service to their customers.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have working with electrical systems?
How familiar are you with local electrical codes?
What safety procedures do you follow when working with electrical systems?
What have been some of the most challenging projects youve worked on?
How do you diagnose and troubleshoot electrical system problems?
Describe a time when you had to use problem-solving skills to solve an electrical issue.
What methods do you use to ensure quality workmanship?
How do you keep up with changes in electrical technology?
Have you ever trained or managed other technicians?
What are your career goals as an electrical technician?

Common Tools in Industry

Volt Meter. Measures the voltage of an electrical circuit. (e. g. Fluke 87V Digital Multimeter)
Cable Cutters. Used to cut wires and cables. (e. g. Klein Tools Katapult Wire Cutter)
Wire Stripper. Used to strip the insulation from wires. (e. g. Klein Tools Self-Adjusting Wire Stripper)
Pliers. Used to grip and twist wires for installation or removal. (e. g. Irwin Vise-Grip Pliers)
Screwdriver. Used to tighten or loosen screws to secure components. (e. g. Stanley FatMax Screwdriver Set)
Crimpers. Used to crimp electrical connections and secure wires. (e. g. Gardner Bender Crimping Tool Set)
Soldering Iron. Used to join wires together by melting a lead-based solder. (e. g. Weller WLC100 Soldering Station)
Electrical Tape. Used to insulate electrical connections and joints. (e. g. Scotch Super 33+ Vinyl Electrical Tape)
Wrenches. Used to tighten or loosen nuts and bolts. (e. g. Crescent Adjustable Wrench Set)
Drill. Used to create holes for mounting fixtures or other components. (e. g. Bosch Cordless Drill Driver)

Professional Organizations to Know

Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA)
International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW)
National Joint Apprenticeship & Training Committee (NJATC)
The National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE)
American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE)
Society of Women Engineers (SWE)
American Council on Education (ACE)
Association for Computing Machinery (ACM)
North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP)

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Common Important Terms

Circuitry. A system of electrical components, including wires, resistors, capacitors, and transistors, arranged to perform a specific task.
Wiring. The practice of connecting electrical components together using wires.
Circuit Breaker. A device used to protect electrical circuits from being overloaded.
Voltage. The amount of electrical force (measured in volts) that is used to power a circuit.
Amperage. The amount of electrical current (measured in amps) flowing through a circuit.
Grounding. The process of connecting a circuit to the ground, either directly or through a grounding wire.
Fuse. A one-time use device that breaks an electrical circuit when too much current passes through it.
Electrical Code. Regulations set by the National Electrical Code that define how electrical systems should be installed and maintained.
Soldering. The process of joining two pieces of metal with a heat-resistant material, such as solder.
Non-conductive Material. Any material that does not allow the flow of electricity.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the job of an Electrical Technician Apprentice?

An Electrical Technician Apprentice is responsible for installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting electrical systems and equipment.

What qualifications are needed to become an Electrical Technician Apprentice?

To become an Electrical Technician Apprentice, you will need a high school diploma or equivalent, a valid driver's license, and basic knowledge of electrical theory and wiring.

How long does an Electrical Technician Apprentice apprenticeship typically last?

An Electrical Technician Apprentice apprenticeship typically lasts for 4 years, or 8,000 hours of on-the-job training.

What are some common duties of an Electrical Technician Apprentice?

Common duties for an Electrical Technician Apprentice include reading blueprints, wiring systems, testing electrical components, and troubleshooting electrical issues.

What can an Electrical Technician Apprentice expect to earn?

An Electrical Technician Apprentice can expect to earn between $15 and $30 per hour depending on experience and location.

Web Resources

Electrician Apprentice Related Instruction - OgdenWeber www.otech.edu
Electrical & Instrumentation Technician Apprenticeship www.mstc.edu
The Electricians Apprentice : Emily Griffith Technical College www.emilygriffith.edu