Electrician

Electricians must have sharp hand-eye coordination, manual dexterity, and good color vision, because many electrical wires are identifiable by color. In addition, you should be physically fit and capable of heavy lifting.

Accuracy and a superior grasp of arithmetic and English (most instruction manuals are written in English) are also an asset. Electricians use these skills to install, test, replace, and maintain electrical systems that run everything from residential lighting to corporate security systems.

Aspiring electricians enter four- or five-year apprenticeship programs, which include at least 144 hours of classroom instruction at electrician trade schools and 2,000 hours of on-the-job training. Here's what to expect:

• The Basics—To qualify for an apprenticeship, you must be 18 years old and possess a high school diploma or GED.
• Classes—At electrician trade schools, you'll take classes such as blueprint reading, mathematics, safety and first aid, and electrical code requirements, while learning first hand how to install and maintain electrical systems.
• Apprenticeship—Under the guidance of experienced electricians, you will put your new-found knowledge to work on the job, honing your skills and learning the finer details.
• Licensing—Once an apprenticeship is completed, most cities require electricians to be licensed. While these requirements vary, generally you must demonstrate knowledge of the National Electrical Code, local electric and building codes and electrical theory.

Electricians are jacks-of-all-trades. You may be required to work both indoors and out, at large construction sites or in residential homes, doing strenuous or very intricate work. While you will most likely work a standard 40-hour week, maintenance work might require you to work nights or weekends, or be continuously on-call for repairs.

Job opportunities for electricians are expected to increase steadily with the national averages for all occupations through 2014. In addition to having career stability, electricians are employable in just about every town or city. Nearly three-fourths work exclusively for building contractors or are self-employed.