There are many different types of electricians, but an industrial electric specialist is the most sought-after and popular specialization in the field. He is like a superhero of the industry, armed with necessary tools and is not afraid of high voltage.
An industrial electrician works in all sorts of large facilities. His duty is to design, install, maintain, and repair complex equipment. The job involves analyzing errors, reading diagrams, and monitoring proper operation. If a residential electrician fixes sockets, an industrial professional controls the entire electrical power system, like a conductor in the orchestra.
To succeed in this line of work, the specialist has to possess special technical knowledge and skills for fast decision-making as well as working under pressure. Imagine a huge commercial facility with thousands of employees, and suddenly the work process stops because of electrical malfunction. In this case you’ll need a real pro to handle the business.
Becoming a superhero
If you want to pursue this exciting yet challenging career, you have to meet a few requirements:
- High school diploma or equivalent;
- Specialized thorough training;
- Completed accreditation for electrical trade programs;
- At least two years apprenticeship;
- Get specialized licenses such as Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST), Certified Electrical Inspector (CEI), Certified Electrical Safety Compliance Professional (CESCP), Certified Automation Professional (CAP), and The National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER).
If you want to thrive as an industrial electrician, besides licensure and certification, you need to possess a certain set of personal skills:
- Attention to detail;
- Fast decision-making;
- Creative problem-solving;
- Teamwork and leadership skills;
- Strong communication skills.
Time-proven steps to become an industrial electrician
Finding a good industrial electrician job is not an easy task, but following these steps will greatly improve your chances of getting hired:
- Obtain necessary licenses and certifications. You must have vocational training to work in the field. Certification of specialized courses and safety training will also be a big plus.
- Make a quality resume that highlights your experience, skills, and qualifications. Mention in your CV previous places of employment, and a description of your duties and achievements. Attach recommendations of past employers for a better chance of securig a job.
- Check out job-searching platforms like Indeed, SimplyHired, ZipRecruiter, Glassdoor, etc. These websites offer a wide range of industrial electrician job opportunities. Also, don’t neglect LinkedIn and Facebook; you might find job offers on social media!
- Visit job fairs. Many big companies search for professionals this way. Hand recruiters your resume and/or business card.
- Participate in professional network events. Expand your network circle by meeting new people in the industry. You might meet your potential employers and learn new trends in the electrical field.
- Contact employment agencies that specialize in the selection of personnel for industrial enterprises. They will help you find a suitable position and prepare for the interview.
To wrap it up
Pursuing a career as an industrial electrician could be a complicated process. But a real superhero always embraces a good challenge! This is a very rewarding career path that offers you not only professional growth and valuable experience but also a very competitive salary.
