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Electrician
Get Wired for Success as an Electrician
Electricians are in short supply in the Gulf Coast Region as well as at the state and national level.
The world would--quite simply--be in the dark without electricians!
A career path that is relevant in nearly every industry, electricians are in demand in response to an ever-increasing population and a growing number of baby boomers retiring. Don't underestimate the value of a hands-on occupation, because being an electrician could just be your first step to more.
Demand is growing steadily throughout the Gulf Coast Region. More than 3,000 new men and women will work in the trade by 2028.
Estimates show an annual job opening of 2,777.
Electricians earn well above the median for all occupations in the region, do not require a college degree, and can be found in a variety of industries.
What interests leads to a career as an Electrician?
These skills, interests, and knowledge areas are recommended for becoming an electrician. The following data describes the relative importance of each knowledge/skill area from the opinion of those in the industry.
| 86.6% |
Building & Construction
Understanding materials, methods, and tools used for construction.
| 85.2% |
Mechanics
About machines' and tools' designs, uses, repair, and maintenance, specifically for electric wiring systems
| 78% |
Mathematics
Knowing arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, and their theories to apply them into real world problems
So what kind of electrical careers are there?
- Residential construction, maintenance, and repair
- Commercial construction, maintenance, and repair
- Industrial construction, maintenance, and repair
Line installers and repairers
Pathway to Becoming an Electrician
High School Endorsement: Business & Industry
Electricians start getting their hands-on experience right away, getting an apprenticeship to shadow a master electrician to the workplace. Taking vocational classes at the local community college or vocational school can surely help, but is not always necessary.
Keep in mind that electricians work in a variety of places and travel may be required to be in multiple locations in a day, but the experience is gained immediately.
After gaining a few years of experience, consider looking for certification and other qualifications to keep up with new innovations as well as demonstrate specialized capabilities to employers.
License Required!
Persons who perform electrical work must be licensed by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). Types of licenses vary from an apprentice to a master electrician. In addition, licensed electricians in the State of Texas are required to complete four hours of continuing education annually.
Gulf Coast Region Electrician Programs
Community Colleges - Offering Training Depending on Demand
- Brazosport College
- College of the Mainland
- Houston Community College
- Lee College
- Lone Star College
- San Jacinto College
Universities
Apprenticeship Training
- Houston Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (JATC)
- National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA)
- International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW)
- Associated Builders and Contractors
- Independent Electrical Contractors
Major Employers in the Gulf Coast Region
If you have questions about our Industry/Occupation Profiles or are an organization in the Gulf Coast Region, please contact webmaster@wrksolutions.com.
*Includes the following counties: Austin, Brazoria, Chambers, Colorado, Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris, Liberty, Matagorda, Montgomery, Walker, Waller, and Wharton. |