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Journey Electrician—Skills Needed

A journeyman electrician in Toms River is the electrician that works on electrical systems.  This can include:

  • Mechanical connections
  • Lighting installation
  • Security and communication systems
  • Power supplies

They can work in commercial or residential structures and even on power distribution and overhead lines.  Most journey electricians are found working in construction, with a utility company or manufacturing plant.

While in high school you should make sure that you take as many science and math classes as you can.   You should also develop adequate reading skills. In today’s work force electricians use computer programs and other tools so it will help if you also take computer classes so you are familiar with the computer and its basic functions.

To become a journey electrician, after high school you will enter an apprenticeship.  These apprenticeships you have to apply for by filling out an application. While in an apprenticeship, you will work during the day. At night, you will attend a training program. It will take you four years before you will be eligible to take the Journeyman’s Electrical Exam. It is based on the principles in the National Electric Code. Once you have completed the examination for a commercial electrician Allentown pa, you are a certified journey electrician.

During the apprenticeship, you have to be supervised when doing a job but not after you are certified.  As a journeyman electrician, you may also train others helping them to become certified. Some of the jobs you may do can include:

  • Repair and install conduit and wiring
  • Install equipment and fixtures
  • Wiring fire alarm systems
  • Running power lines for municipals
  • Installing control wiring for the mechanical system of a building

Two things that you cannot do are complete the design work for electrical systems or obtain electrical permits.  In order to do this you have two extra years of work experience and then take the Master’s Certification Exam.  

In this job you need to be physically fit as you may have to do some heavy lifting, climb, bend, stand, and reach.  Being physically fit will help you to avoid minor injuries while on the job. It is also advisable that you consider getting a commercial driver’s license (CDL) because many times when you are working for a company you may have to drive to different job sites.  You will not be driving your own vehicle but a repair vehicle or large truck to the job sites. Not all companies will require you to have a CDL license but it can help with your credentials if you have one.  

As a journeyman electrician in Jackson, there are risks, especially if you are working with high voltage power lines.  There can also be dangers when you have to install overhead lines or climbing poles.

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