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Construction

Electrician - Helper/Apprentice

Help electricians by performing duties requiring less skill. Duties include using, supplying, or holding materials or tools, and cleaning work area and equipment.

Annual openings

47

BLS median wage

$56,420

Typical education

High school (GED)

10-year growth

+24%

Career requirements

What does this career require?

The education, credentials, and on-the-job competencies Colorado employers expect for this role.

Typical education

High school (GED)

Credential requirement

Some employers value apprentices that have completed a construction pre-apprenticeship (or at least a shop class in high school) and hold an OSHA 10 certification.

Work experience

This is an entry-level role so no experience is required. However, full or part-time work experience is a pre-apprenticeship and/or developing the listed knowledge, skills and abilities is valued.

Work-based learning

Helpers often start as a Material Handler before registering to become an Apprentice.

Employer competency information

Feedback from employers identifies the following critical competencies and how they apply for this job

  • Safety — Practices industry safety standards and keeps work area clean.
  • Teamwork, Communication, & Character — Cooperates and listens well, is coachable, demonstrates integrity, takes the initiative, shows persistence in the face of obstacles, and is dependable.
  • Working with Tools — Knows and is able to identify and operate basic construction tools.
Employers value the ability to use basic construction tools and complete basic construction tasks, such as the use of a measuring tape, hammer, wrench, screwdriver, and plumb bob. The ability to read blueprints and complete basic home finishing tasks is also valued. These can be learned through school coursework or industry pre-apprenticeships.
Bilingual skills, especially in Spanish, are valued. Because you are likely to work on different job sites in a year, a driver's license with your own car is also valued.
The average apprentice is currently 28 years old. You can start right out of high school or after trying out a different career.

Is this work a fit?

What the work actually feels like

How people in this career tend to spend their time, the interests it draws on, and a look at a typical day.

Automation exposure

High exposure

Many tasks are repeatable, so technology could reshape the day-to-day over time.

A typical day

  1. Strip insulation from wire ends, using wire stripping pliers, and attach wires to terminals for subsequent soldering.
  2. Measure, cut, and bend wire and conduit, using measuring instruments and hand tools.
  3. Thread conduit ends, connect couplings, and fabricate and secure conduit support brackets, using hand tools.
  4. Disassemble defective electrical equipment, replace defective or worn parts, and reassemble equipment, using hand tools.
  5. Dig trenches or holes for installation of conduit or supports.
  6. Trace out short circuits in wiring, using test meter.