What Is An Electrical Technician?

An electrical technician tests, installs and repairs different types of electrical systems and equipment, an in-demand role that’s needed across most industries. Electrical technicians are skilled individuals with knowledge of various tools and techniques to carry out a range of duties, whether in homes, commercial businesses or industrial settings.

If you’re thinking of becoming an electrical technician, then you’ve come to the right place. Here, we’ll share more information on what electrical technicians do, including duties and responsibilities, to help you work out if it’s the right role for you.

What is an electrical technician?

While electrical technicians were simply referred to as ‘electricians’ in the past, there are now some differences between the two roles.

Electrician

An electrician will mainly focus on installing, maintaining and repairing electrical writing, systems and appliances in different settings, including homes or businesses. The main aim is to ensure that electrical systems are working properly, as well as meeting the required safety standards.

Electrical technician

An electrical technician, meanwhile, can often work across more complex projects, looking at the design and testing of different electrical equipment and systems. Sometimes, they may be required to interpret technical diagrams and blueprints, carry out more detailed testing and inspections.

Electrical technicians are in demand due to the constant need for experienced technicians. Most buildings today rely on electricity to function, making it a reliable career with some competitive salary opportunities. Electrical technicians can work as part of a firm, on-site for a particular business, or work for themselves on a self-employed basis. With so many different opportunities available, becoming an electrical technician is an excellent career choice for someone looking to follow this type of path.

What do electrical technicians do?

Many electrical technicians find that no two days are the same! Some of the typical tasks and responsibilities that come with the role include:

• Installing, maintaining and repairing electrical systems.
• Reading and interpreting technical diagrams and blueprints.
• Conducting safety inspections and tests on electrical equipment.
• Ensuring all building regulations are followed.
• Overseeing other installation, maintenance and repairs.

Electrical technicians work all kinds of hours and in all kinds of conditions. This means that the role can offer a lot of flexibility, as well as the chance to work with a variety of people across different industries. 

What essential skills and qualifications do electrical technicians need?

To become an electrical technician, individuals will need to master several skill areas, including: 

• Developing an understanding of electrical systems, such as circuits and components, wiring and, of course, health and safety.
• Proficiency with tools and equipment, including hand tools and specialist equipment necessary for carrying out electrical installations, repairs and testing.
• Blueprint reading skills to allow an understanding of technical diagrams that will help with the installation of complex electrical systems.
• How to troubleshoot and resolve electrical problems.
• Become familiar with the National Electrical Code and other relevant standards to ensure complete compliance when carrying out any electrical work. 
• Working with individuals and teams, learning how to assess requirements and working to find appropriate solutions. 

Electrical technicians will also need to achieve various qualifications to enter the field. These qualifications may include:

• A high school diploma or GED, with mathematics, science and technical subjects key for this type of career.
• A training course or program designed to teach the skills necessary to become an electrical technician like NTI’s Electrical Technician Training Program.
• Some roles may require candidates to have completed an associate degree in either electrical technology or engineering, depending on the complexity of the role or the industry.
• Hands-on experience under the supervision of experienced professionals to learn the skills needed to carry out the role.
• You may also wish to undertake more specialist training once you have completed an initial program to help give you additional skills and knowledge in a particular type of electrical work. 

What does career progression look like for an electrical technician?

Working as an electrical technician opens a lot of doors. Whether you choose to work in a residential, commercial, or industrial setting, you could work your way up from being a trainee or junior electrical technician to becoming a master electrician, or even starting your own business. There are also opportunities to become a consultant within different industries or use transferable skills to become a project manager or construction foreman. As an in-demand role, you will find that there are plenty of opportunities for someone who wants to start out and progress as an electrical technician. 

What are the challenges and rewards of being an electrical technician?

All jobs have benefits and disadvantages, but what do these look like for an electrical technician? 

Challenges

• Electrical technicians often work in physically demanding jobs, which can be tough if you’re dealing with an injury, for example. 
• Some environments can be hazardous, which is why maintaining health and safety standards is crucial for the role.
• The days can be long and tiring, and will look a little different to the typical 9-5.

Rewards

• The nature of the role usually means job security, with some excellent career progression. 
• The work is hands-on, providing opportunities to use a range of skills.
• Working as an electrical technician has the potential for some high earnings, especially if you end up working for yourself or running your own business in the future.

As you can see, working as an electrical technician will bring plenty of variety and a range of opportunities. 

It’s estimated that demand for electrical technicians will grow by 10% over the next decade, providing a secure future for those who want to work in the industry. Hourly wages range from $15 to $32 an hour, and could be even higher for those who work weekends or evenings.

How to become an electrical technician

If you’re interested in becoming an electrical technician, one of the first things you’ll need to do is enroll on an appropriate training program. Joining a program like NTI’s Electrical Technician Training Program will give you the best start toward becoming a qualified electrical technician.

As part of a training program, you will learn how to install, repair and maintain electrical systems for both residential and light commercial settings. You will not only learn the practical skills needed, but you will also learn how to follow various electrical code requirements to help you work to the desired standard.

The program will include a combination of practical work, electrical theory, safety skills and first aid, how to carry out inspections and much more. You’ll receive hands-on training to ensure you can learn how to work with electrical distribution panels, DC/AC motors, instruments, electrical mathematics and wiring. You will also learn more about the landscape of electricity, including learning about green technology that is becoming increasingly important within the industry. 

Once qualified, students will be equipped with the skills and knowledge they need to begin a career as an electrical technician. 

Become an electrical technician with NTI

If you’re looking to start your path to becoming an electrical technician, then NTI is the place for you. Some of the reasons thousands of people complete our programs include:

Learning in a hands-on, welcoming environment

Our program is taught at one of our modern learning centers in Houston, Las Vegas and Phoenix. Each facility provides a welcoming, friendly atmosphere, where you’ll receive a combination of both hands-on and theory-based learning. Each course has specific learning objectives that you will achieve throughout the program.

Gain valuable skills and knowledge

Our courses are trained by experienced industry professionals, helping you to learn from the best. The skills and knowledge you will learn will teach you everything you need to know to begin a career as an electrical technician, ensuring you can carry out tasks competently and safely.

Work with state-of-the-art equipment in our electrical lab

Learning in an NTI facility means you’ll get to learn using the latest equipment and technology. Our state-of-the-art electrical lab features everything you could need to complete your training, ensuring you’re familiar with a range of tools and equipment by the time you’re ready for your first role. 

Career advice to help you take the next step

What happens after you’ve completed your training? At NTI, we want to help you take the next step. Our tutors and faculty will provide you with some essential career advice that could help you find your first role and work towards a promising future. We’ve worked with hundreds of electrical technician trainees over the years, who have gone on to enjoy some fantastic careers across a wide range of industries. 

In addition to our Electrical Technician program, we also have programs for HVAC Technicians, Plumbing Technicians and Commercial Refrigeration Training. Whether you’re just starting out, thinking of changing careers or simply want to learn new skills, we’ve got the programs you need to succeed. 

Want to know more?

If you’re interested in our Electrical Technician Training Program, then why not take a closer look at our course information pages or get in touch with the NTI team? 

Your future begins here.