CAREERS

The electrical construction industry offers many challenging opportunities to those with the aptitude and desire to meet them. The work is physical, but also requires math skills, good judgment and an ability to think in three dimensions. Electricians work indoors and out, under both difficult and ordinary pressures, and are subjected to daily tests of mental acuity and physical dexterity. An experienced journeymen electrician can follow a career path to become a foreman, superintendent, and then project manager. This industry has a solid future, as America becomes more dependent on consistent and well-maintained supplies of electricity. Additionally, electricians are one of the few careers that only require a high school diploma, and electricians enjoy one of the higher paid specialty-industry fields.

WORKING CONDITIONS
Electricians' work is sometimes strenuous. They bend conduit, stand for long periods, and frequently work on ladders and scaffolds. Their working environments vary, depending on the type of job. Some may work in dusty, dirty, hot, or wet conditions, or in confined areas such as ditches, or other uncomfortable places. Electricians use hand tools such as screwdrivers, pliers, knives, hacksaws, and wire strippers. They also use a variety of power tools as well as testing equipment. Some electricians may have to travel great distances to jobsites and most electricians work a standard 40-hour week, although overtime may be required.

RISK
While on-the-job injuries are not uncommon, electricians are seriously injured by electricity at half the rate of the general population, while taking ten times the amount of risk. Most of these injuries occur at the end of long hours, when being rushed to complete a task, or when blueprints have been incorrectly drawn. An important part of becoming a good electrician is knowing when it would be dangerous to proceed and following strict safety procedures.

JOB OUTLOOK
Employment of electricians is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2012. As the population and economy grow, more electricians will be needed to install and maintain electrical devices and wiring in homes, factories, offices, and other structures. New technologies also are expected to continue to stimulate the demand for these workers. Because of the widespread need for electrical services, jobs for electricians are found in all parts of the country.

Electricians held about 659,000 jobs in 2002. U.S. labor experts estimate that the construction industry needs 250,000 new workers per year to meet future growth projections.

In addition to jobs created by increased demand for electrical work, many openings will occur each year as electricians transfer to other occupations, retire, or leave the labor force for other reasons.

Contact Human Resources at 303-937-9300 for more information about career opportunities at Riviera Electric.