Becoming an electrician requires training via a trade school or an apprenticeship, but successful electricians possess technical and soft skills beyond those needed to pass an exam. Acquiring and developing the necessary skills to be an electrician may help you differentiate yourself as a professional when job searching.

Technical Skills You Need to Be an Electrician

All electricians must have basic mathematical skills and be familiar with the National Electric Code and your local electric codes. The ability to read blueprints and other technical drawings is also essential, especially if you frequently perform electrical design-build or installations.

Working as an electrician also requires strict attention to detail for both quality assurance and safety. Electrical work can be dangerous, so you must always pay close attention to your task. Finally, an electrician must be able to distinguish different sounds and identify wire and cable colors.

Physical Skills Needed to Be an Electrician

Being an electrician requires physical stamina. Electricians must be able to carry heavy tools and equipment and climb stairs, ladders, and scaffolding. Being comfortable working at high heights is also an asset for this profession. Additionally, you’ll spend most of your time on your feet, whether standing, crouching, or bending.

It’s also vital to have manual dexterity as you’re working with your hands, handling different tools and equipment.

Soft Skills for an Electrician

Having the right technical and physical skills is essential for electricians; however, having soft skills is just as crucial for this role. Soft skills are often your interpersonal abilities, such as communication and collaboration. Great people skills are necessary for electricians. You’ll interact with other electricians and property owners regularly. Additionally, electricians must follow orders, give directions, and be comfortable working in a team or independently.

Other soft skills that are helpful to have include:

• Customer service.
• Patience.
• Adaptability.
• Time management.

Problem-Solving Skills for Electricians

Electrical work isn’t always clear-cut, so electricians must be adept at problem-solving and troubleshooting various systems. Problem-solving skills for electricians can include:

• Identification skills.
• Decision-making skills.
• Critical thinking skills.
• Research skills.

How to Improve Skills Needed to Be an Electrician

While you might have all the skills needed to be an electrician, it’s always beneficial to improve your abilities. Improving your existing skills can help you with your career, including potential promotions and confidence on the job site.

Here are a few ways to improve your skills for electrician positions:

• Take educational courses: You can enroll in electrician courses to build on your technical abilities and learn new skills or practices.
• Participate in on-the-job training: If your employer provides courses, workshops, or other training opportunities, taking advantage of and participating in this opportunity can enhance your abilities.
• Remain informed: Several electrician professionals, journals, and companies share information on the latest trends, tools, and tips you can read about, allowing you to incorporate them into your work.

Electrician Jobs Near Lexington, Kentucky

Walker Electric began serving the community in 1976, offering electrical installations, electrical design-build, and industrial service work. We have a reputation for providing unmatched service, and we work hard to maintain it. Electrical problems don’t always happen during regular business hours, so we offer 24/7 emergency service.

Do you have what it takes to be an electrician? Call us at (859) 252-2892 for more information about joining our team. You can apply online or bring a physical application to our office at 2308 Frankfort Court in Lexington. Walker Electric is located in Lexington, Kentucky, and proudly serves Fayette County, Lexington, Frankfort, Richmond, Georgetown, and surrounding counties.