What does an apprentice electrician do?
An Apprentice Electrician is responsible for conducting electrical repairs and faults under the supervision and guidelines of a Master Electrician. The duties of an Apprentice will vary while still under training; however, it will mostly revolve around assisting the Master Electrician or carrying out given tasks. Furthermore, an Apprentice Electrician may be responsible for clearing out sites, carrying or loading materials, procuring required supplies, understanding and interpreting various types of blueprints, handling wiring systems, and coordinating with multiple workers, even including the clients.
Apprentice electrician responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real apprentice electrician resumes:
- Remove, analyze, identify issue install properly working pressure transducers, effectively accomplishing priorities to go underway.
- Experience with underground installations and installing PVC, EMT, MC, wire pulling, trimming, device and panel makeup.
- Pull cables on main tray from PLC to junction boxes, including motor control center to motors and on/off switches.
- Perform grind up industrial electrical construction, running above grind EMT and rigid conduit, underground PVC conduit and pulling wire.
- Copper & brass fitting & brazing.
- Weather seal and caulking, around glass panes interior and exterior of buildings.
- Assemble, install, test, and maintain electrical devices and wiring to NEC.
- Direct the casting of the concrete and supervise laborers who use shovels or special tools.
- Operate machinery to perform activities such as backfilling excavations, vibrating or breaking rock or concrete.
- Train junior electrician's on how to use the NEC and look up standards for electrical work.
- Assemble pipe sections using, couplings, clamps, plastic solvent, solder, and brazing rod.
- Oil field process control, line voltage power wiring, PLC wiring and control, water pump installation and wiring.
- Place barricades around open manholes and excavations, and below crewmembers working overhead to protect workers and public from injury.
- Perform physically demanding tasks, such as installing ridge PVC in trenches to lay conduit and moving and lifting heavy objects.
- Replace electrical lighting and receptacles.
Apprentice electrician skills and personality traits
We calculated that 13% of Apprentices Electrician are proficient in Hand Tools, RUN Conduit, and EMT. They’re also known for soft skills such as Writing skills, Math skills, and Mechanical skills.
We break down the percentage of Apprentices Electrician that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Hand Tools, 13%
Read and interpret blueprints, install electrical systems, trouble shooting, construct and fabricate parts using hand tools and specifications.
- RUN Conduit, 12%
Run conduit, cable tray, install new panels, new Main Distribution Panel, generator installation, lighting, etc.
- EMT, 7%
Apprentice Plumber Residential electric Weather head to finishing plates Commercial electric including installation of motor disconnects, EMT and a generator.
- Electrical Systems, 7%
Worked with Journeyman electricians learning to properly install electrical systems while attending and maintaining passing grades in the electrical apprenticeship school.
- Work Ethic, 6%
Developed analytical problem solving skills and meaningful work ethic.
- Electrical Components, 5%
Job responsibilities consisted of on-site installation of electrical components in the residential and light commercial market.
Most apprentices electrician use their skills in "hand tools," "run conduit," and "emt" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential apprentice electrician responsibilities here:
Troubleshooting skills. Another common skill required for apprentice electrician responsibilities is "troubleshooting skills." This skill comes up in the duties of apprentices electrician all the time, as "electricians find, diagnose, and repair problems." An excerpt from a real apprentice electrician resume shows how this skill is central to what an apprentice electrician does: "performed troubleshooting of electrical fixtures. "
Color vision. Lastly, "color vision" is an important element of what an apprentice electrician does. Apprentice electrician responsibilities require this skill because "electricians must identify electrical wires by color." This resume example highlights how apprentice electrician duties rely on this skill: "worked independently without supervision following design layout and specifications for lighting placement, electrical fixtures and devices. "
The three companies that hire the most apprentice electricians are:
- Aerotek18 apprentices electrician jobs
- Professional15 apprentices electrician jobs
- Kidwell12 apprentices electrician jobs
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Compare different apprentices electrician
Apprentice electrician vs. Plumber
Plumbers specialize in assembling, detecting issues, maintaining, and repairing pipes and systems that can either involve water or gas distribution in a home or establishment, ensuring that they function efficiently. Additionally, Plumbers can also install various materials such as kitchen or bathroom sinks, toilets, appliances, and more. Among the tasks may revolve around training other plumbers or coordinating with other workers involved on a project, clearing obstructions and handling waste disposal, informing clients about the costs and process of repairs, and building rapport with them.
There are some key differences in the responsibilities of each position. For example, apprentice electrician responsibilities require skills like "run conduit," "emt," "electrical systems," and "electrical components." Meanwhile a typical plumber has skills in areas such as "plumbing," "plumbers," "customer service," and "cast iron." This difference in skills reveals the differences in what each career does.
Plumbers really shine in the finance industry with an average salary of $58,436. Comparatively, apprentices electrician tend to make the most money in the construction industry with an average salary of $42,387.The education levels that plumbers earn slightly differ from apprentices electrician. In particular, plumbers are 0.5% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than an apprentice electrician. Additionally, they're 0.1% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Apprentice electrician vs. Plumber helper
A plumber helper is responsible for assisting the head plumber in installing plumbing systems, conducting preventive maintenance, and repairing broken components. Plumber helpers inspect and maintain the stability and condition of all the plumbing equipment to avoid potential hazards and ensure no delays in operations. They also adjust pipe systems, replace outdated gutters, and adhere to the highest safety standards and protocols during operations. A plumber helper must have excellent organizational and mechanical skills to perform services under minimal supervision and strict timetables.
While some skills are similar in these professions, other skills aren't so similar. For example, resumes show us that apprentice electrician responsibilities requires skills like "run conduit," "emt," "electrical systems," and "work ethic." But a plumber helper might use other skills in their typical duties, such as, "plumbing," "cast iron," "ladders," and "pex."
On average, plumber helpers earn a higher salary than apprentices electrician. Some industries support higher salaries in each profession. Interestingly enough, plumber helpers earn the most pay in the manufacturing industry with an average salary of $44,138. Whereas apprentices electrician have higher pay in the construction industry, with an average salary of $42,387.Average education levels between the two professions vary. Plumber helpers tend to reach similar levels of education than apprentices electrician. In fact, they're 0.4% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.1% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Apprentice electrician vs. Journeyman ironworker
There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, an apprentice electrician is likely to be skilled in "hand tools," "run conduit," "emt," and "electrical systems," while a typical journeyman ironworker is skilled in "cranes," "bars," "rebar," and "steel beams."
When it comes to education, journeyman ironworkers tend to earn similar degree levels compared to apprentices electrician. In fact, they're 0.8% more likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.2% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Apprentice electrician vs. Wireman
Types of apprentice electrician
Updated January 8, 2025
