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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for an Electrician Helper

💰 $18 - $25 per hour

Skilled TradesConstructionFacilities Maintenance

🎯 Role Definition

We are actively seeking a motivated and dependable Electrician Helper to join our dynamic team. In this critical support role, you will work directly under the supervision of a Journeyman or Master Electrician, assisting with the installation, maintenance, and repair of electrical systems in residential, commercial, and industrial environments. This position is the foundational step towards a rewarding career as a licensed electrician, offering invaluable on-the-job training and exposure to all facets of the trade. The ideal candidate is a proactive learner with a strong work ethic, a commitment to safety, and a genuine passion for building and fixing things. You will be an essential part of a team dedicated to delivering high-quality, safe, and efficient electrical solutions for our clients.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • High School Diploma or GED with a strong mechanical aptitude.
  • Vocational or Trade School Pre-Apprenticeship Program.
  • General Laborer role within the construction industry.

Advancement To:

  • Registered Electrical Apprentice
  • Journeyman Electrician
  • Master Electrician

Lateral Moves:

  • Low Voltage Technician
  • Maintenance Technician (Electrical Focus)
  • Fire Alarm or Security System Installer

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Assist Journeyman Electricians in the installation, maintenance, and repair of electrical wiring, equipment, and fixtures, ensuring all work complies with NEC (National Electrical Code) standards.
  • Measure, cut, bend, thread, and install electrical conduit, including EMT, PVC, and rigid types, using hand and power tools.
  • Pull wiring and cable through conduit, raceways, and wall cavities for new installations and system upgrades.
  • Mount and secure electrical components, including panel boards, switchgear, junction boxes, and other associated hardware.
  • Install and terminate a wide range of electrical devices such as receptacles, switches, light fixtures, and ceiling fans.
  • Assist in troubleshooting electrical circuits and systems by helping to identify faults and participating in the repair process under direct supervision.
  • Handle and prepare various types of wires for termination, including stripping, splicing, and connecting wires to circuit breakers, transformers, or other components.
  • Learn to read and interpret blueprints, electrical schematics, and technical diagrams to understand project layouts and requirements.
  • Safely operate power tools such as drills, saws (sawsalls, circular saws), and conduit benders, as well as various hand tools common to the electrical trade.
  • Assist with the setup and execution of job site safety protocols, including Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures, to ensure a hazard-free work environment.
  • Dig trenches and prepare pathways for underground conduit installation for exterior lighting, power feeds, and other outdoor electrical systems.
  • Aid in the installation of grounding and bonding systems to ensure the safety and integrity of the electrical infrastructure.

Secondary Functions

  • Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area by sweeping, removing debris, and properly storing tools and materials at the end of each shift.
  • Gather, transport, and stage tools, equipment, and materials for electricians to ensure a smooth and efficient workflow on the job site.
  • Keep company vehicles and storage areas stocked, organized, and inventoried to ensure all necessary supplies are readily available.
  • Perform basic maintenance on tools and equipment, reporting any malfunctions or needs for repair to the supervising electrician.
  • Observe and learn from senior electricians, asking pertinent questions to build a strong foundational knowledge of electrical theory and practical application.
  • Operate lifts, such as scissor lifts and boom lifts, to access work areas at height, after receiving proper certification and training.
  • Accurately track and document materials used on a job to assist with project costing and inventory management.
  • Actively participate in daily safety briefings and "toolbox talks" to stay informed about potential hazards and best practices.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Tool Proficiency: Ability to safely and effectively use a wide range of hand tools (wire strippers, pliers, screwdrivers) and power tools (drills, impact drivers, saws).
  • Basic Electrical Knowledge: A fundamental understanding of electrical circuits, voltage, and safety principles.
  • Conduit Bending & Installation: Experience or willingness to learn how to bend and install various types of electrical conduit.
  • Wire Pulling Techniques: Skill in pulling and feeding wire and cable through conduit and framing without causing damage.
  • Blueprint Reading: Basic ability to read and interpret construction blueprints, schematics, and wiring diagrams.
  • Safety Protocol Adherence: Knowledge of job site safety, including proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and an understanding of LOTO procedures. OSHA 10 certification is a major plus.
  • Material Handling: Ability to identify, sort, and organize various electrical materials, components, and fasteners.

Soft Skills

  • Strong Work Ethic: Punctual, reliable, and committed to completing tasks efficiently and to a high standard.
  • Willingness to Learn: A proactive and inquisitive attitude, eager to absorb knowledge from experienced electricians.
  • Teamwork & Collaboration: Ability to work effectively as part of a team, take direction well, and communicate clearly with supervisors and peers.
  • Problem-Solving Aptitude: A mechanical mindset with the ability to think critically and assist in troubleshooting issues as they arise.
  • Attention to Detail: Meticulous in carrying out tasks to ensure safety, quality, and accuracy in all work performed.
  • Physical Stamina: Capable of performing physically demanding tasks, including lifting up to 50 lbs, working in various weather conditions, and standing, kneeling, or crouching for extended periods.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High School Diploma or equivalent (GED).

Preferred Education:

  • Certificate of completion from a vocational or trade school focusing on electrical technology.
  • Enrollment in or completion of a pre-apprenticeship program.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Electrical Technology
  • Construction Trades

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 0 - 2 years. This is an entry-level position designed for individuals starting their career in the electrical trade.

Preferred: While no direct electrical experience is required, previous work history in construction, general labor, or any skilled trade is highly advantageous and demonstrates a familiarity with job site environments.

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