electrician.

In addition to experience and skills, there are other factors that affect the salary for electricians. Many run their own businesses or work as consultants, so they can control their own working hours and assignments independently. The more lucrative contracts you secure, the higher salary you have the opportunity to earn.

As an installation electrician, you are responsible for installing equipment and laying wiring. You install cables in buildings used by commercial businesses, but also in homes, where you connect the cables to transformers and switches. You are also tasked with ensuring that all connections are secure.

As a cable installer or line worker, you work with power lines, both above and below ground. Your job is to repair and install electrical wires. You also monitor various meters to ensure everything is working according to protocol.

Your work includes, among other things, connecting ignition systems, heating and air conditioning systems, and the locking mechanism for cars, to ensure that all parts function smoothly from an electrical perspective.

As an electrician in industries, you are responsible for ensuring that electrical components in manufacturing work. You carry out installations and are responsible for the maintenance of electrical machines and components in the industry.

As a maintenance electrician, your focus is to ensure that electrical systems operate smoothly in, for example, retail spaces, commercial businesses, residences, or large industries. You test voltages and repair cables that are damaged or in need of maintenance.

The job description for an electrician can vary depending on which employer you work for, or what type of electrician role you have. However, some recurring tasks for an electrician can be:

• Install cables, lighting systems and controls: almost all buildings have electrical cables installed in the structure during construction, and they require constant maintenance. As an electrician, you will lay cable systems to control power, lighting and communication.  
• Maintenance of wiring and electrical systems: As an electrician, you also maintain the wiring that is already installed in existing buildings. This means you need to troubleshoot to find problems and faulty cables, and then repair and replace damaged wires.  
• Reading blueprints and technical diagrams or protocols: the job as an electrician also involves reading blueprints and technical diagrams to understand how electrical systems are put together, and to locate different parts when maintenance or repairs are needed. Having a good understanding of technical drawings is important for being able to repair machines or maintain large cable systems in buildings.  
• Plan and prepare work orders or instructions: When you work as part of a team, a work order is needed to make sure you cover all the necessary parts of a project and don’t forget anything. You prepare a work order using drawings and technical drawing documents for the installation and maintenance process.
• Apply all safety regulations: working with electrical cables and electrical systems can be dangerous. If you are not careful, it can lead to serious injuries for yourself and others. Before starting and carrying out electrical work, you must thoroughly apply safety regulations. One example is to test the equipment before using it and to make sure that you and your colleagues wear the necessary protective equipment.

Your work environment as an electrician depends entirely on the job you are going to do, which can depend on the size of the company and to what extent an electrician is needed. Cable layers, for example, work either for a supplier or for a company.

The specialty area you choose as an electrician will also determine the work environment you operate in. Electrician jobs can be both indoors and outdoors, depending on your tasks. You may need to climb ladders and carry heavy equipment to work at heights, but a lot of work can also take place indoors.

The electrician is a profession that can involve a certain level of danger, especially when working outdoors or on large construction sites, as it is necessary to wear protective equipment. This may include special gloves and shoes, construction helmets, and other items designed to protect against electrical voltage.

As an electrician, you can work in manufacturing or service companies, and depending on the type of employer you have, you will also have different colleagues. For example, you can work at a craft company where there are carpenters, VVS people and other tradespeople. But you can also work in different industries and then be in contact with various types of technicians, including maintenance technician, service technician.

An electrician usually works between 30 and 40 hours per week. But working as an electrician can also involve some overtime and work at inconvenient hours.

Some electrician jobs include being on call and available around the clock. For an electrician working in construction, overtime is more common. There may be pressure to meet deadlines, which can mean extra work is needed during a certain period to finish on time.

The work schedule as an electrician depends on many different aspects and there are some electricians who work on a project basis. This means that working hours will vary from project to project.

However, it is not possible to work from home as an electrician, since it is a job that requires you to be physically present on site.

To improve your job opportunities as an electrician, it is important to gain new knowledge, take courses and be open to professional development. When you start as an apprentice, your first goal is to learn the job and build up experience, so that you can then become a more independent electrician and later take on increased responsibility.

When you have built up a few years of experience as an electrician, you can take on more consulting assignments. Another option is to specialize in certain areas, which can make you eligible for new assignments. One such sector is the energy industry, with a focus on green energy, where electricians can work with the installation of solar panels and wind turbines.

Using Randstad to find a job as an electrician offers a range of different advantages for you when you are looking for a job:

• different career opportunities
• an experienced contact person who can assist you when needed
• many different jobs within your area
• full-time or part-time work depending on the job/assignment

Do you have the ambition to find a permanent position as an electrician? Remember that many electricians start with an entry-level job, and later get a permanent position. Since a long apprenticeship is required before becoming a certified electrician, it is important to get some form of employment after your studies. After that, you will become more attractive to new employers and assignments. Every year, several people get a permanent position with employers thanks to a temporary job that came through us at Randstad. In addition, many companies recruit their permanent employees directly through Randstad.

Having basic technical knowledge of electrical systems, electrical components, and cabling is important to succeed as an electrician. In addition to a strong focus on safety, it is required to have good insight into standards for electrical systems, cable installation, and tools used in electrical and voltage-related work.

As an electrician, you often work in a team with others, which requires good communication skills and patience. If you are good at dealing with other people, you will work more efficiently when collaborating on larger projects. Being able to convey and understand clear instructions, and work with feedback, is important for good and safe work.

As an electrician, you need to be adaptable and solution-oriented to find answers to new problems that arise daily. This is especially important for being able to troubleshoot effectively.

Electrician is a profession that can be physically demanding and those with good physical skills will perform their work better and more efficiently. It may involve climbing, getting into tight spaces, and lifting heavy materials.

An electrician can have many different tasks, but often works with managing electrical systems, power and voltage lines, as well as electronic components in buildings or machines. Electricians are needed in many different fields and industries, which means the tasks can vary depending on the employer.

It is possible to study to become an electrician both at the upper secondary level and post-secondary level, but to become a certified and professional electrician, you must complete your apprenticeship with an experienced electrician after finishing your education. The apprenticeship period for an electrician is usually 1,600 hours before you can work independently.

It is important to follow safety regulations carefully when working as an electrician, since it is a profession that can involve risks. For example, as an electrician you need to wear appropriate protective equipment when performing your work.

When you have completed your training as an electrician, you need to find an apprenticeship job in order to become a professional electrician. Search among our open jobs in your area. Then submit your CV and your personal letter or apply via LinkedIn. If you need help with your job application, you can read all our job tips here!

Here you can find more information about the role electrician.