The Electrical Industry
The electrical trades are part of the Building Construction industry. This field includes electricians, power line installers, heating and air conditioning technicians, and more. People in this trade need strong knowledge of electrical theory and safety practices. They often perform physical jobs and work on rooftops and utility poles.
JRTI has two programs to prepare you for working in the Electrical field. You will learn about these programs in the next two lessons.
Who Works in the Electrical Trades?
Example Job Titles
- Electrician Apprentice
- Electrician Journeyman
- Electrician Master
- Entrepeneur
- Electrical Maintenance Technician
- Lineman
- Industrial Electrician
- Installation Technician
- HVAC Engineer
- HVAC Installer
- Refrigeration Technician
- Service Manager
- Solar Technician
Education Requirements
Although many people enter this industry without a college degree, most job listings will state that a four-year Bachelors Degree is required. A certificate from a technical school or a two-year Associates Degree can get your career started. However, higher levels of education can increase the opportunities you will have. Even if you plan to attend college, studying this field in high school can give you the foundational skills that will make your college experience easier.
Example College Programs
- Pre-Engineering – WVU, Morgantown, WV
- Mechanical Engineering Technology – Fairmont State, Fairmont, WV
- Electrical Distribution Technology – Blue Ridge CTC, Martinsburg, WV
Frequency of Skills Used in this Field
| Skill Categories | Very Often | Often | Occasionally | Rarely |
| Hands-on/operate equipment and tools | X | |||
| Critical thinking/creative problem solving | X | |||
| Basic math problem solving | X | |||
| Advanced math problem solving | X | |||
| Computers & technology | X | |||
| Written communication | X | |||
| Interpersonal and social | X |