Journeyman electrician jobs can include positions in commercial, residential, and industrial fields. Each one involves the wiring, designing, and implementation of electrical components and circuitry. Residential and commercial electricians take part in installing and updating the wiring in homes and businesses, while industrial professionals may design and wire electrical systems in products and electronics.
Most times, journeyman electrician jobs require schooling or on the job training, and often both. Some areas may require a four-year college degree, while others may only require a certification course or apprenticeship. The most common route to becoming licensed is through a training course, generally offered by a trade school or technical college, followed by a two year apprenticeship. After this time, an exam must be completed and passed in order to become licensed.
Many areas provide training in both commercial and residential journeyman electrician jobs in the same course. Industrial professionals often need separate training. All types of these jobs may require working as a helper or apprentice for two years or more in order to get on the job training before going solo. All electricians must pass an exam on proper wiring techniques, materials, and codes of conduct. Failed exams can often be retaken after an allotted period of time has passed, although the exact rules and regulations will depend on location.
The main roles of most journeyman electrician jobs is to wire homes and other buildings or electronics. Professionals in the field must understand the basics of how electricity works and which types of wires and cables are appropriate for which jobs. Failure to do so could result in fires or electrocution, so proper training is crucial.
The next step after most journeyman electrician jobs is to become a master electrician. In order to do this, the journeyman must work under a master electrician for two or more years under in order to continue training. Journeymen are allowed to work independently, but generally cannot run their own jobs or start their own companies. Testing and additional licensing is often needed to obtain a master electrician status.
Industrial electricians may have slightly different rules than commercial and residential electricians, and may require ongoing training as electronics become more sophisticated and factories begin using more technologically advanced equipment. The exact training needed may depend on the industry in question and location, but generally includes some college and an apprenticeship.
