Electrician apprenticeship
DOT code: 824.261-010
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Description
Plans layout, installs, and repairs wiring, electrical fixtures, apparatus, and control equipment: Plans new or modified installations to minimize waste of materials, provide access for future maintenance, and avoid unsightly, hazardous, and unreliable wiring, consistent with specifications and local electrical codes. Prepares sketches showing location of wiring and equipment, or follows diagrams or blueprints, ensuring that concealed wiring is installed before completion of future walls, ceilings, and flooring. Measures, cuts, bends, threads, assembles, and installs electrical conduit, using tools, such as hacksaw, pipe threader, and conduit bender. Pulls wiring through conduit. Splices wires by stripping insulation from terminal leads, using knife or pliers, twisting or soldering wires together, and applying tape or terminal caps. Connects wiring to lighting fixtures and power equipment, using handtools. Installs control and distribution apparatus, such as switches, relays, and circuit‑breaker panels, fastening in place with screws or bolts, using handtools and power tools. Connects power cables to equipment, such as electric range or motor, and installs grounding leads. Tests continuity of circuit to ensure electrical compatibility and safety of components, using testing instruments, such as ohmmeter, battery and buzzer, and oscilloscope. Observes functioning of installed equipment or system to detect hazards and need for adjustments, relocation, or replacement. May repair faulty equipment or systems. May be required to hold license. May cut and weld steel structural members, using flame‑cutting and welding equipment.
Work Process Schedule
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Related technical instruction
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts requires 150 hours each year of related technical instruction which must be mastered by the apprentice in order to successfully complete the program. For further information, please call the Division of Apprentice Standards at (617) 626-5409.
First year
Safety instruction
History
Present and future of the trade
Trade jargon
Tools and equipment
Mathematics
Applied science
Introduction to electricity and electronics
Blueprint reading and specifications
Second year
Mathematics for electronics
Electrical wiring, residential
Residential blueprint reading
D.C. fundamentals and circuits
Technical communications
Third year
Geometry and trigonometry
Applied physics
Mathematics for electricians II
Motors and generators
Commercial and industrial blueprint reading
Electrical wiring, commercial
Fourth year
Electrical wiring, industrial
Transformers
Electrical drafting
Applied electronics for industry
Electrical machinery
Analysis and repair
Social economics
Advanced blueprint reading and layout