what does an electrician's job involve?
An electrician is a specialized technician who deals with the installation, maintenance and repair of electrical wiring and systems in buildings and other constructions. Their role is critical for the safety of people and facilities, as poor electrical connections can cause accidents or fires. For this reason, excellent knowledge of safety rules and mechanical skills is essential, as well as good familiarity with electrical tools and materials.
The path of an electrician usually begins with practical training, which lasts five semesters (4 semesters of theory-practice and 1 semester of practical training) covering topics such as wiring, panels, automation systems and adherence to safety regulations. Certification for graduates of SAEK (formerly IEK) Electricians is obtained through E.O.P.P.E.P. examinations for the Professional Training Diploma level 5. After successfully passing the exams, graduates receive the diploma, which is recognized in Greece and the European Union. Until the diploma is issued, they are entitled to a Certificate of Professional Training. During this period, the apprenticed electrician works under the supervision of an experienced professional, holding a temporary license to practice. After completing the apprenticeship, they obtain the title of professional electrician, which allows them to work independently and is officially recognized by the competent authorities. The most experienced reach the level of chief electrician, having many years of experience and taking on supervisory or leadership roles.
An electrician's education includes hundreds of hours of practical and theoretical training due to the increased risks of the profession. Typically, the trainee works for three to six years under the guidance of a chief electrician or experienced professional.
As an electrician, you can work on commercial, industrial or residential projects, undertaking installations, maintenance and repairs of electrical networks. There are also specializations concerning specific electrical systems—such as those of ships, aircraft or mobile units—for those who wish to pursue a more technical direction.
With the development of technology, the demand for electricians working with data cabling and communication systems is also increasing. The high construction activity and retirements maintain the demand for electricians steadily high.
Would the role of electrician suit you? If you have technical skills and an interest in electrical systems, keep reading to learn which skills and qualifications you need to succeed in this field.
electrician jobsthe average salary of an electrician.
According to the Economic Research Institute the annual salary of an electrician in Greece depends on experience, sector of employment, and specialization. In entry-level positions, an electrician with 1-3 years of work experience is paid approximately from €1300 to €1900 gross per month, especially if the role requires work in shifts , while an experienced professional with more than 3 years of service and specialization can exceed €2000 gross monthly.
what factors affect an electrician’s salary?
An electrician’s salary is mainly determined by their level of experience and specialization. For example, an apprentice electrician is paid less than a professional or lead electrician, as they take on simpler and lower-risk tasks. Earnings increase significantly with the completion of training, the acquisition of a Professional Training Certification, the years of experience and taking on more demanding projects.
The nature of electrical work is inherently dangerous and demanding, so roles characterized by high precision or specialized knowledge are better compensated. The greater the risk or technical complexity of a project, the higher the pay.
Additionally, the sector of operation directly affects earnings. Electricians working in industry, machinery and transformer maintenance, or high-voltage energy projects usually have higher salaries, while professionals working also in sectors such as building installations (residential projects, office buildings, malls, hotels, retail) tend to have increased earnings due to the shortage of suitably trained staff in the market.
categories of electricians.
Some of the specialties of electricians include:
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electrical installation electrician
You deal with installing and fitting electrical wiring, panels, and equipment in residences, commercial buildings, and industrial spaces. You check connections with transformers and switches, ensuring everything works according to safety standards.
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network or line electrician
You work on electricity transmission and distribution networks, both overhead and underground. You install and repair high or low voltage lines, as well as electricity meters, ensuring their proper operation.
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vehicle electrician
You specialize in the electrical systems of cars and other vehicles. You take care of wiring and maintaining the ignition system, air conditioning, abs brakes, and other electrical components, ensuring their safe and efficient operation.
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industrial installation electrician
You work in industrial facilities and factories, where you are responsible for the proper operation of electrical production systems. You perform installation, inspection, and preventive maintenance tasks on machinery and automation systems.
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maintenance electrician
You focus on keeping electrical systems in excellent condition in residential, commercial, and industrial spaces. You check voltages, inspect circuits, repair worn wiring, and ensure that installations comply with current safety regulations.
working as an electrician.
Most people know the basics about the profession of an electrician; however, few realise how physically demanding and labour-intensive the job is. If you are looking for a career that will keep you active and are not afraid of manual work, then the profession of an electrician is an excellent choice for you.
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what are the duties of an electrician?
The daily duties of an electrician involve a wide range of technical and practical tasks requiring accuracy, attention to detail and strict adherence to safety regulations. Specifically:
- Installation of electrical and lighting systems: In every new building, electrical wiring and control systems for lighting, communication and power supply are installed. As an electrician, you are responsible for the safe placement, connection and operation of these systems.
- Maintenance and repair of electrical installations: you undertake the maintenance and fault detection in existing networks, replace faulty cables and components and ensure the safe operation of the electrical system.
- Reading plans and technical diagrams: A proper understanding of electrical plans and diagrams is essential for the installation of circuits, panels and sockets, as well as for the repair of complex industrial machines.
- Planning and preparation of work: When working in a team, it is important to follow specific instructions. You use technical drawings and blueprints to organise the installation or maintenance of a project.
- Observance of safety measures: The work of an electrician involves risks. Before starting, you check the equipment, ensure that all tools are in excellent condition and use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), especially when working at height or near high-voltage sources.
- Quality and functionality checks: you ensure that electrical installations, products and electronic systems operate properly and safely. Often, you perform performance tests or design control methods to assess the functionality and durability of the systems.
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the working environment of an electrician
The working environment of an electrician depends on the type of project and their specialisation. An electrician may work outdoors, such as on construction sites, roads or utility facilities, or indoors, such as in homes, offices, factories and commercial buildings.
Installation electricians usually work for technical companies or contractors, while maintenance electricians are directly employed by businesses or industries to ensure the continuous operation of their electrical systems.
The job involves climbing ladders, carrying heavy equipment, and working at heights or in hard-to-reach places, so good physical condition and attention are essential. Due to the hazardous nature of the profession, the use of personal protective equipment is mandatory, such as insulating gloves and sleeves, safety helmet, and shoes with anti-slip and electrical insulation soles.
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who are your colleagues?
As an electrician, you collaborate daily with professionals from various sectorsin the labor market, depending on the type of project. You may work in production or service companies that serve residential, commercial, or industrial clients.
Your main collaborators may be engineers of various specializations (electrical, mechanical, architects, production & management engineers), HVAC TECHNICIANS (Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning), security systems installers, Facilities Managers, Technical Managers. In larger projects, you also collaborate with lift engineers, automotive electricians, production supervisors, site managers, and general duty workers. Collaborating with so many different specialties helps you develop valuable communication and teamwork skills, while giving you the opportunity to participate in large-scale projects with significant technical impact.
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the working hours of an electrician
An electrician usually works full-time, from 30 to 40 hours per week, depending on the type of project and the company. In periods approaching project deadlines, you may need to work overtime or in rotating shifts, especially when dealing with large technical installations.
There are also opportunities for part-time work or project-based collaboration, especially for freelancers or those who choose to work on multiple projects simultaneously. Since the work involves physical presence and handling equipment, remote work is not feasible in this profession. Nevertheless, an electrician’s schedule offers variety and flexibility, especially for those who choose to work as independent technicians or take on specialized projects according to their availability and experience.
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career advancement opportunities as an electrician
The career path of an electrician usually begins with an internship or apprenticeship, aiming for gradual progression to licensed technician and then to senior electrician. As your experience increases, so do your options.
You can specialize in specific fields, such as industrial installations, system maintenance, vehicle electrical installations, or energy transmission networks. At the same time, there is high demand for professionals specialized in renewable energy sources, such as photovoltaic systems and wind turbines, a sector that is rapidly developing in Greece and Europe. With experience and technical training, you can advance to project supervisor, installation consultant, or even establish your own business, undertaking projects across a wide range of buildings and infrastructures.
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advantages of working as an electrician through randstad
Randstad offers a range of advantages:
- A dedicated contact person always available whom you can approach and ask for help.
- A wide range of job positions in your area.
qualifications and training of an electrician.
To work as an electrician in Greece, you need to have the appropriate technical training and, depending on your level of expertise, obtain a professional license. The profession of electrician requires both theoretical knowledge and practical experience, as it relates to the safety, installation, and maintenance of electrical systems.
- Education: The most common path to becoming an electrician is through technical education. You can attend a Vocational High School (EPAL) (Department of Electrical Engineering, Electronics, and Automation) and continue to a SAEK (formerly IEK), where you specialize in areas such as building electrical installations, networks, or automation. After completing your studies, you need to be certified through EOPPEP to obtain official recognition. In the case where someone wants to follow a professional career as an Electrical Engineer, they must be admitted to a Higher Education Institution through national exams. Admission to universities does not occur upon completion of studies at SAEK (IEK).
- Work experience and certifications: Practical experience is an essential part of the journey of an electrician. Usually, you need to work for a certain period alongside an experienced professional or in a technical company to acquire the skills needed to handle installations safely. After completing the internship and gaining the necessary experience, you can obtain an electrician installer license from the Ministry of Development.
the skills and competencies of electricians.
To successfully meet the role of an electrician, you need a combination of technical and practical skills. The most important include:
- Technical skills: As an electrician, you need to have excellent knowledge of electrical installations, tools, and equipment. It is important to know how to install and maintain wiring, use electrical tools safely, and conduct repairs or tests on circuits and systems. At the same time, a good understanding of safety regulations is essential for preventing accidents.
- Teamwork and communication: Working on projects involves collaborating with other technicians, engineers, and contractors. Communication skills help you clearly convey instructions, listen to feedback, and work effectively with other team members to meet deadlines and quality standards.
- Problem-solving ability: During a project, technical difficulties or faults may arise that require immediate attention. The ability to identify the problem, assess the causes, and suggest practical solutions is crucial for your success in the profession.
- Physical endurance and dexterity: The role of an electrician often involves manual labor, lifting equipment, working at heights (scaffolding, ladders), and prolonged standing. Good physical condition reduces the risk of injuries and increases your performance.
FAQs.
Here you will find answers to common questions about the profession of electrician.
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how much do an electrician’s services cost per hour?
The cost for typical tasks ranges from €40 per hour, urgent tasks from €60-70 or more per hour depending on the fault. A new and relatively inexperienced electrician technician may cost €20-30 per hour because they are at the beginning of their professional career, and this price applies to typical tasks and simple faults.
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is the profession of electrician a high-paying job?
The earnings of an electrician vary depending on experience, specialization level, and the type of projects they undertake. In Greece, the average annual salary ranges from €18,000 to €35,000, while experienced professionals or freelancers with their own client base can earn significantly more.
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which electricians are paid the most?
Electricians working in industry, shipyards, or the aerospace sector usually receive higher pay due to the complexity and danger of their work. Additionally, certified high-voltage electricians or those specialised in automation and industrial systems are paid significantly better.
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how do I find a job as an electrician?
The steps to find a job as an electrician are simple. Start your search in the job vacancies section. Found one that suits you? Then complete your application using the 'apply now' option at the top right of the page. No job vacancies available at the moment? Then log in or create an account to upload your CV so a recruiter can contact you if a suitable job vacancy arises.
