electricians - newspapers in education€¦ · everything electrical.” • dealing with...

reg Smink enrolled at the Lorain County Joint Vocational School in the

electricians program when he was a student at Keystone High School. More than a quarter of a century later, he’s still involved with electricity and the JVS.

“I could apply what I learned at the JVS to the real world of work,” he said.

The real world for Smink was the family business, Smink Electric, in Elyria. He was in junior high school when he first became interested in the field. At that time, his father, John Sr., had a lot of work for television antenna installations and later for satellite dishes.

The business has evolved since then and the company, located at 215 Winckles Street, has about 28 full-time employees and provides both residential and commercial electrical work that includes new construction installations and electrical upgrades at existing homes and businesses.

“From taking care of homeowners who just want a plug installed to troubleshooting a manufacturing facility, we do just about everything electrical,” said Smink.

The JVS Industrial Electricity program trains student electricians in maintaining and installing motors, transformers, control instruments, lighting systems and many other different types of electrical equipment used in industrial and residential settings. Students also

learn about computer programmable controlling, conduit bending and installation of commercial and industrial wiring. In addition, wiring diagrams; code requirements; residential and commercial wiring; motor controls; and electromechanical blueprints are also part

of the curriculum. And Smink has hired dozens of

those students to work for his company since he finished the coursework there and he continues his association as an advisory committee member for the program.

Working as an electrician gives a person a sense of accomplishment, Smink said. “In this line of work, you look back at what you’ve accomplished and feel proud of your work. You’ve actually built something.”

This information is derived from careful research and ongoing feedback from Lorain County employers. Empowered with this knowledge, it is up to all of us to create a vibrant and productive workforce for the county.

Do You Like...

Electricians

Kind of Work You Can Expect RELATED OCCUPATIONS

Electrical and Electronics Installers

and Repairers Electrical Components

Assemblers Heating,

Air-Conditioning, and Refrigeration

Mechanics and Installers

Electronic Home Entertainment

Equipment Installers and Repairers

Cable Installers and Repairers

Electronics Mechanics and Technicians

Electronic Drafters Aircraft Electricians

U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Information

Network, O*NET OnLine, http:// online.onetcenter.org/

And you get to be in service to people, he said. “We work for people who know my parents, my family. We have a lot of elderly customers who remember my dad. I enjoy working for them, providing them with good customer service.”

Young people considering whether an electrician’s job might be a good career choice should be proficient in math and able to understand diagrams. Calculating costs and estimating jobs

is an important part of the work he does, as is dealing with customers. It’s important that a person be adept at dealing with people, Smink said, and enjoy working with customers.

Look for a program that provides a background to get state certification

G

Occupational Information Network, O*NET OnLine, http:online.onetcenter.org/

and become licensed electricians, Smink said. First year electricians can expect to earn up to $7.50 an hour or more and experienced electricians earn $10 an hour or more.

Smink’s brother, John R. Smink and his son, John Smink Jr., handle the company’s commercial clients and Greg Smink and his son, Greg, handle new home installations and residential repairs and upgrades.

Greg and Donna Smink have three sons, Greg, 21, Dan, 19, who is a student at Lorain County Community College and Matt 17, a senior at Keystone High School. The family lives in LaGrange.

U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment Projections to 2014

Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, Office of Research, Assessment and Accountability, Job Outlook to 2012: Northern Ohio -

Economic Development Region 8 (Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake and Lorain Counties)

Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, Office of Research, Assessment and Accountability, Ohio Job Outlook to 2012

Total Job Openings

2004 2014 Change in Percent Due to Growth Annual Projected Employment Change & Turnover

Employment Employment 2004-2014 2004-2014 2004-2014

656,000 734,000 77,000 11.8 % 207,000

30 ,890 36,740 5,850 18.9 % 11,960

6,350 7,500 1,150 18.1 % 2,410

NATIONAL

Job Openings

OHIO

REGION

To find past profile pages visit www.chroniclet.com, click on: Newspaper in Education and then click on Career Pages.

Career Profile Coming March 7, 2006: Plumber/Pipe Fitter

Expectations & Opportunities

STEPS TO SUCCESS Minimum Education Most occupations require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate’s degree.

Occupational Information Network, O*NET OnLine, http://online.onetcenter.org/

Educational/Training Level


High School or less 50%

Some College 44%

Bachelor’s Degree or higher 6%

Percentage of Respondents Educational Level Attained

Basic or Core Abilities You Will Need

Basic Skill Requirements


• Plans layout and installation of electrical wiring, equipment and fixtures, based on job specifications and local codes.

• Assembles, installs, tests, and maintains electrical or electronic wiring, equipment, appliances, apparatus, and fixtures, using hand tools and power tools.

• Connects wires to circuit breakers, transformers, or other components.

• Inspects electrical systems, equipment, and components to identify hazards, defects, and the need for adjustment or repair, and to ensure compliance with codes.

• Tests electrical systems and continuity of circuits in electrical wiring, equipment, and fixtures, using testing devices such as ohmmeters, voltmeters, and oscilloscopes, to ensure compatibility and safety of system.

• Diagnoses malfunctioning systems, apparatus, and components, using test equipment, to locate the cause of a breakdown and correct the problem.

• Prepares sketches or follows blueprints to determine the location of wiring and equipment and to ensure conformance to building and safety codes.

• Works from ladders, scaffolds, and roofs to install, maintain or repair electrical wiring, equipment, and fixtures.

• Constructs and fabricates parts, using hand tools and specifications.

● ● ● ● ●

“From taking care

of homeowners who

just want a plug installed

to troubleshooting

a manufacturing facility,

we do just about

everything electrical.” ● ● ● ● ●

• Dealing with real-world materials such as wood, tools, and machinery

• Work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions

• Searching for facts and figuring out problems, rather than persuading or leading people

• Jobs that let you use your best abilities • Work where you can see the results

of your efforts and have a feeling of accomplishment

Greg Smink, owner, Smink Electric in Elyria.

Most electricians learn their trade through apprenticeship programs, which usually last 4 years. Typical apprenticeship programs include at least 144 hours of classroom instruction and 2,000 hours of on-the- job training each year. In Northeast Ohio the following union apprenticeship programs are available.

U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook,

2006-07 Edition

Training Opportunities

LORAIN COUNTY JVS HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAM Industrial Electricity Gary Kuebbeler & David Keller, Recruiters, (440) 774-1051 www.lcjvs.com

LORAIN COUNTY JVS ADULT CAREER CENTER Building Trades Specialist Program Basic Electricity/Electronics Program 440-774-1051, Ext. 250 www.loraincounty.com/JVSadult

Technical Skills and Knowledge You Will Need to Develop

Electrician: • Can apply technical knowledge and skills to install, operate, maintain, and repair electric apparatus and systems such as residential, commercial, and industrial electric-power wiring; and D.C. and A.C. motors, controls, and electrical distribution panels, including knowledge in the use of test equipment. Engineering and Technology: • Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology, including knowledge in equipment, tools, mechanical devices, and their uses. Electronics: • Knowledge of electric circuit boards, processors, chips, and electronic equipment. Building and Construction: • Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures. Design/Blueprint Reading: • Knowledge of design techniques and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models. Ability to

understand and use basic blueprint terminology and commonly used abbreviations. Physical Abilities / Manual Dexterity: • Must be in good health condition in order to bend, stretch, walk, climb, and crawl around in tight spaces. Ability to quickly make coordinated movements of one hand or two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects. Ability to see details of objects at a close range.

Workplace Safety: • Maintain a clean and safe work environment. Comply with established safety practices, wear proper protective devices such as safety glasses and gloves, and operate equipment in a safe and prescribed manner.

U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, November 2004 National Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates

U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, November 2004 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates

U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Staristics, Nov. 2004 Metropolitan Area Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, Labor Market Information, 2003

Occupational Wage Data, Updated to 3rd Quarter 2004.

National $45,200/yr. ($21.73/hr)

Ohio $40,880/yr. ($19.65/hr)

Cleveland-Lorain-

Elyria PMSA $49,840/yr. ($23.96/hr)

Lorain County $49,130/yr. ($23.62/hr)

Earning Potential

Basic Academic Skills: Reading & Writing Skills: Can read and understand information and ideas presented in writing. Provide information and ideas in writing so others will understand.

Math Skills: Add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.

Communication Skills: Listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences. Communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.


Apprenticeship Contact Program Person Phone

Northeast Ohio Electricians #38 Sal Chilia 216-621-3090

International Brotherhood Lorain County of Electric Workers #129 Brian Baker 440-233-7156

Union Apprenticeship Programs

Workplace Success Skills

• Knowing How to Learn

Thinking Skills

• Decision Making • Problem Solving

Basic Academic Skills

• Reading & Writing Skills • Communication Skills • Math Skills

Core Abilities

• Teamwork Skills • Customer Service

Orientation

Interpersonal Skills

Occupational Information Network, O*NET OnLine, http:/online.onetcenter.org/

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