Electro-Mechanical
INSTRUCTOR
Mr. Albin Zvarik
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
This program has been developed to give students entry level skills and knowledge required for employment in today's residential and commercial wiring and industrial maintenance. These skills are acquired through a combination of theory lessons, classroom training on simulation equipment, and actual real-life experiences on the WCTS House Building Project. The program content consists of instruction in: electrical theory, National Electrical Code, residential wiring techniques, commercial wiring techniques, electrical maintenance, industrial motor control and basic electronics: pneumatics and hydraulics. It is recommended that a student have a strong background in Algebra, Geometry, Basic Science, and Reading. In addition, correct color vision is very important, and the student should have good physical strength with no fear of heights. Personal safety, a good customer service attitude, pride in workmanship, and job seeking skills are also stressed as part of this curriculum.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Electricians work both indoors and out; at construction sites, in homes, in businesses and factories. Work may be strenuous at times and include bending conduit, lifting heavy objects, and standing, stooping, and kneeling for long periods of time. When working outdoors, they may be subject to inclement weather conditions. Some electricians may have to travel long distances to jobsites. Electricians risk injury from electrical shock, falls, and cuts; they must follow strict safety procedures to avoid injuries.
Most electricians work a standard 40-hour week, although overtime may be required. Those in maintenance work may work nights or weekends, and be on call to go to the work site when needed. Electricians working in industrial settings may also have periodic extended overtime during scheduled maintenance or retooling periods. Companies that operate 24 hours a day may employ three shifts of electricians.
PROJECTED SALARIES
State and National Wages
Location |
Pay
Period |
2005 |
10% |
25% |
Median |
75% |
90% |
United States |
Hourly |
$12.44 |
$15.74 |
$20.57 |
$27.10 |
$33.88 |
Yearly |
$25,900 |
$32,700 |
$42,800 |
$56,400 |
$70,500 |
Pennsylvania |
Hourly |
$13.49 |
$16.49 |
$21.97 |
$30.93 |
$40.50 |
Yearly |
$28,100 |
$34,300 |
$45,700 |
$64,300 |
$84,200 |
EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK
Employment of electricians is expected to increase as fast as average for all occupations through the year 2014. 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. For example, buildings need to increasingly accommodate the use of computers and telecommunications equipment. Also, the increasing prevalence in factories of robots and other automated manufacturing systems will require more complex wiring systems be installed and maintained. Additional jobs will be created as older structures are rehabilitated and retrofitted, which usually requires that they be brought up to meet existing electrical codes.
In addition to jobs created by the increased demand for electrical work, many openings are expected to occur over the next decade as a large number of electricians are expected to retire. This will create good job opportunities for the most qualified job seekers. Job openings for electricians, though, will vary by area and will be greatest in the fastest growing regions of the country.
Employment of construction electricians, like that of many other construction workers, is sensitive to changes in the economy. This results from the limited duration of construction projects and the cyclical nature of the construction industry. During economic downturns, job openings for electricians are reduced as the level of construction activity declines. Apprenticeship opportunities also are less plentiful during these periods.
Although employment of maintenance electricians is steadier than that of construction electricians, those working in the automotive and other manufacturing industries that are sensitive to cyclical swings in the economy may be laid off during recessions. Also, opportunities for maintenance electricians may be limited in many industries by the increased contracting out for electrical services in an effort to reduce operating costs and increase productivity. However, increased job opportunities for electricians in electrical contracting firms should partially offset job losses in other industries.
ARTICULATION AGREEMENTS
Reading Area Community College
Penn College of Technology
