Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment

Overview

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Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
Experience

Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.

Education

Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.

Job Training

Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

Examples

These occupations usually involve using communication and organizational skills to coordinate, supervise, manage, or train others to accomplish goals. Examples include hydroelectric production managers, desktop publishers, electricians, agricultural technicians, barbers, court reporters and simultaneous captioners, and medical assistants.

Install, adjust, or maintain mobile electronics communication equipment, including sound, sonar, security, navigation, and surveillance systems on trains, watercraft, or other mobile equipment.

Yearly Salary

High: $101K
Median: $70K
Low: $43K

Demand

Career Demand by State Career Demand by State Legend

Core Tasks

  • Inspect and test electrical systems and equipment to locate and diagnose malfunctions, using visual inspections, testing devices, and computer software.
  • Reassemble and test equipment after repairs.
  • Confer with customers to determine the nature of malfunctions.
  • Adjust, repair, or replace defective wiring and relays in ignition, lighting, air-conditioning, and safety control systems, using electrician's tools.
  • Install electrical equipment such as air-conditioning, heating, or ignition systems and components such as generator brushes and commutators, using hand tools.
  • Locate and remove or repair circuit defects such as blown fuses or malfunctioning transistors.
  • Splice wires with knives or cutting pliers, and solder connections to fixtures, outlets, and equipment.
  • Maintain equipment service records.
  • Refer to schematics and manufacturers' specifications that show connections and provide instructions on how to locate problems.
  • Install fixtures, outlets, terminal boards, switches, and wall boxes, using hand tools.
  • Install new fuses, electrical cables, or power sources as required.
  • Repair or rebuild equipment such as starters, generators, distributors, or door controls, using electrician's tools.
  • Cut openings and drill holes for fixtures, outlet boxes, and fuse holders, using electric drills and routers.
  • Estimate costs of repairs based on parts and labor requirements.
  • Measure, cut, and install frameworks and conduit to support and connect wiring, control panels, and junction boxes, using hand tools.

Technology Skills

Technology
Example
Hot Technology
Analytical or scientific software
Fluke Corporation FlukeView Forms
Compliance software
Megger PowerDB
Computer aided design CAD software
Trimble SketchUp Pro
Desktop publishing software
Adobe InDesign
Document management software
Adobe Acrobat
Electronic mail software
IBM Lotus Notes
Graphics or photo imaging software
Adobe Photoshop
Office suite software
Microsoft Office software
Operating system software
Linux
Presentation software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Word processing software
Microsoft Word

Tools Used

Tool
Example
Computer Equipment and Accessories
Laptop computers
Construction and maintenance support equipment
Stepladders
Hand tools
Breaker bars
Material handling machinery and equipment
Wheeled forklifts
Measuring and observing and testing instruments
Analog ohmmeters
Metal cutting machinery and accessories
Cable cutters
Welding and soldering and brazing machinery and accessories and supplies
Cutting torches

Top 10 Knowledge Required

Engineering and Technology
88%
Importance

Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.

Computers and Electronics
85%
Importance

Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

Mathematics
78%
Importance

Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

Public Safety and Security
77%
Importance

Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.

Mechanical
73%
Importance

Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

Design
71%
Importance

Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.

English Language
70%
Importance

Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.

Telecommunications
69%
Importance

Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.

Customer and Personal Service
68%
Importance

Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

Education and Training
68%
Importance

Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

Top 10 Skills

Critical Thinking
73%
Importance

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

Active Listening
68%
Importance

Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Operations Monitoring
65%
Importance

Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

Quality Control Analysis
65%
Importance

Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.

Complex Problem Solving
63%
Importance

Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

Monitoring
63%
Importance

Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Reading Comprehension
63%
Importance

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.

Repairing
63%
Importance

Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.

Coordination
60%
Importance

Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.

Equipment Maintenance
60%
Importance

Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.

Top 10 Abilities

Arm-Hand Steadiness
80%
Importance

The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.

Near Vision
80%
Importance

The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

Problem Sensitivity
75%
Importance

The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.

Manual Dexterity
73%
Importance

The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.

Finger Dexterity
68%
Importance

The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.

Visual Color Discrimination
68%
Importance

The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.

Control Precision
65%
Importance

The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.

Extent Flexibility
65%
Importance

The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.

Information Ordering
65%
Importance

The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).

Multilimb Coordination
65%
Importance

The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.

Top 10 Work Activities

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
86%
Importance

Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
84%
Importance

Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

Controlling Machines and Processes
83%
Importance

Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).

Making Decisions and Solving Problems
81%
Importance

Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

Handling and Moving Objects
79%
Importance

Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.

Getting Information
75%
Importance

Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
75%
Importance

Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

Performing General Physical Activities
75%
Importance

Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.

Working with Computers
75%
Importance

Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

Processing Information
74%
Importance

Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

Detailed Work Activities

  • Inspect electrical or electronic systems for defects.
  • Test electrical equipment or systems to ensure proper functioning.
  • Test electrical circuits or components for proper functioning.
  • Reassemble equipment after repair.
  • Adjust equipment to ensure optimal performance.
  • Repair electrical circuits or wiring.
  • Connect electrical components or equipment.
  • Solder parts or connections between parts.
  • Maintain repair or maintenance records.
  • Read technical information needed to perform maintenance or repairs.
  • Install electrical components, equipment, or systems.
  • Drill holes in parts, equipment, or materials.
  • Confer with customers or users to assess problems.
  • Install heating, ventilation, or air conditioning (HVAC) equipment.
  • Repair electronic equipment.
  • Rebuild parts or components.
  • Estimate costs for labor or materials.
  • Measure distances or dimensions.
  • Cut materials according to specifications or needs.

Education

Interests

Realistic
100%
Importance

Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.

Conventional
69%
Importance

Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.

Investigative
49%
Importance

Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.

Social
17%
Importance

Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.

Artistic
15%
Importance

Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts, applied arts and design, performing arts, music, creative writing, media, or culinary art.

Enterprising
15%
Importance

Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.

Work Values

Support
67%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.

Relationships
58%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.

Working Conditions
58%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.

Achievement
53%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.

Independence
43%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.

Recognition
43%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status.