what is an industrial electrician?
As an industrial electrician, you maintain and test electrical equipment. You are responsible for installing electrical systems and operating machines. Employers hire you to guarantee the safe functioning of production lines in manufacturing companies. That means you should be an expert in hydraulic and pneumatic machines with knowledge of reading blueprints, wiring diagrams and specifications.
Industrial electricians are up to date on the latest New Zealand electrical standards. You implement a scheduled maintenance programme to ensure systems are in perfect condition. As an industrial electrician, you inspect and test the wiring systems to ensure the fixtures and power outlets are correctly grounded. If you are in charge of machines and electronic equipment, you do repairs, replacements or maintenance to ensure customer safety.
where do industrial electricians work?
You work in chemical plants, manufacturing units, and mines as an industrial electrician. Unlike commercial electricians, who supervise lower-scale electric systems in office buildings and retail businesses, you deal with complex electrical systems. For instance, you work in manufacturing plants and production facilities to ensure the machines work as expected. Your role often involves dealing with high voltage components and repairing automated mining systems. You also work in steel factories and electrical firms.
industrial electrician jobsaverage industrial electrician salary
An industrial electrician takes home a median salary of $85,500 annually in Australia. The earnings usually rely on the complexity of the role and work experience. In an entry-level position, you have minimal skills and are likely to handle simple maintenance tasks. Hence, your remuneration package starts at $64,350 per year. Your earnings increase when you have adequate skills and experience in the role and can handle complex tasks. Experienced industrial electricians take home over $100,000 annually. Some companies include additional benefits in their remuneration package, including car allowances, annual sick leave and medical or life insurance schemes.
what factors affect the salary of an industrial electrician?
As an industrial electrician, your remuneration package depends on the complexity of your role and company size. Some companies are more likely to pay more due to their resources at their disposal. For instance, if you work for an electricity company with more significant resources, you are likely to earn more than working in a small factory. The complexity of tasks and experience required in large companies warrants higher remuneration packages and additional benefits.
types of industrial electricians
The types of industrial electricians depend on where they work and the certifications required. Some include:
- linemen or outside industrial electricians: as a line industrial electrician, you install electric distribution systems and utility transmissions at high voltages. You work outdoors in large power generation companies to ensure the electricity produced is distributed from power plants to substations.You should be equipped to handle high voltage lines as an industrial electrician.
- wiremen or inside industrial electricians: as a wireman or inside industrial electrician, you resolve problems that involve electrical systems inside buildings and structures. For instance, you install and maintain electrical systems to ensure factories have reliable power. You also handle repairs and replacements for large machines to ensure they are safe for use.
working as an industrial electrician
Industrial electricians specialise in troubleshooting and repairing electrical equipment in processing plants, mines, factories and power plants. Due to the job's hands-on nature, it requires physical and mechanical skills. Here are some of the duties of industrial electricians:
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job description
You are trained to complete numerous large-scale tasks smoothly and efficiently as an industrial electrician.Here are some of the standard tasks to expect in your role:
- installing electrical systems: as an industrial electrician, your job involves installing electrical systems. When a manufacturing unit acquires new electrical equipment, you install it on the industrial site. For instance, you install robotics technology in manufacturing and ensure the wiring is correct for optimal functioning. After installation, you test the electrical systems to ensure they work as expected.
- troubleshooting electrical systems: when factories have problems with electrical equipment, it is your job to troubleshoot the issues and ensure they don't interfere with production. As an industrial electrician, you identify the reason behind the malfunction and any faults in the electrical system. Whether it is a robotics manufacturing plant or an energy system, you determine why it isn't functioning as expected. You use diagnostic tools to run tests and identify issues in the systems.
- repairing electrical systems and equipment: after diagnosing the problem using the diagnostic tools available, you resolve the issue. You use various tools and repair methods to fix industrial electrical systems. You also refer to blueprints and technical drawings to reinstate the electrical systems after repairs. If the issue requires replacing some components, you source the parts and install them to ensure they function as expected.
- maintaining industrial systems: as an industrial electrician, you schedule maintenance programmes to ensure the electrical systems are in good condition. You conduct the maintenance tasks to check the electrical equipment is functioning correctly. That means you regularly inspect the industrial equipment and electrical systems to identify defects and ensure they are safe for use.
- writing reports and maintenance logs: for every inspection and maintenance task you perform on an electrical system, it is important to record it in the equipment logs and prepare reports. Your reports are valuable guides for the next maintenance or repair team. They also help managers determine if replacements or upgrades are necessary.
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work environment
As an industrial electrician, you work in a unique electrical environment. You are required to complete large-scale tasks efficiently without interfering with industrial works. Your work environment differs depending on the industry. For instance, you are likely to work outdoors in mines and power generation companies. In factories and manufacturing plants, you work indoors.
Industrial electricians' work settings are generally noisy due to heavy machinery and tools. Your work environment may have strong odours and dust if you work in the chemical or minerals industry. Hence, most companies provide personal protective equipment for industrial electricians. You wear a hard hat, flame-resistant overalls, safety glasses, safety shoes and ear plugs. Some settings require you to work at height, and you should be comfortable using scaffolding and working in tight spaces.
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who are your colleagues?
Depending on your employer and industry, your colleagues might include commercial electricians, electrical engineers and service technicians. You might also be working in close proximity to mechanical engineers and factory managers, as well as other specialists that could include, but not be limited to, electronics technicians, project engineers and project managers.
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work schedule
Most industrial electricians work full-time in factory settings to ensure electrical equipment and production lines run smoothly. In companies that operate for 24 hours, an industrial electrician is always on-site in case of a system malfunction. Sometimes, you work late nights or early mornings to cover your shifts. Maintenance work is also completed at night to avoid interrupting the production process. The role involves minimal travelling unless your employer provides consultancy services to various companies or operates across several sites nationally.
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job outlook
Industrial electricians have a promising career in New Zealand. Working as an industrial electrician prepares you for complex engineering roles and specialised careers in various industries. Some industrial electricians move upwards to become production line managers or factory managers. Other industrial electricians specialising in maintenance or installation become maintenance engineers or electrical engineers.
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advantages of finding an industrial electrician job through randstad
Finding your industrial electrician job through Randstad provides essential benefits such as:
- a wide variety of training and development opportunities
- an experienced contact person to provide help if needed
- a range of opportunities in your area
- get paid weekly or monthly, depending on the job
- temporary and permanent contracts
Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as an industrial electrician is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers every year thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too.
education and skills
To become an industrial electrician in New Zealand, you require certification or traineeship to get a licence. Some of the educational qualifications include:
- apprenticeship: industrial electricians require practical experience since they work with advanced electrical systems. To become an industrial electrician, you undertake an apprenticeship to gain a New Zealand Certificate in Electrical Engineering Theory and Practice (Trade) (Level 4). Electrical apprenticeships are supplied by the Electrical Training Company (ETCO).The apprenticeship takes four years and equips you with the necessary experience for working in industrial settings.
- work experience: After the apprenticeship, you have adequate work experience to apply for an electrician's licence. You can apply for entry-level jobs after completing the assessments and receiving your licence.
industrial electrician skills and competencies
Some of the qualities of an industrial electrician include:
- mathematical skills: as an industrial electrician, you rely on complex mathematical calculations and knowledge of physics to complete your work. For instance, your mathematical knowledge is useful in taking measurements, calculating power and voltages and determining the electric system's resistance.
- problem-solving skills: as an industrial electrician, you should be an expert trouble-shooter to help you identify problems in an electrical system. Problem-solving skills help you resolve issues that arise in the systems. Keeping a log of past problems also enables you to complete repairs efficiently.
- time management: as an industrial electrician, you require exceptional time management skills. Sometimes, you have a short time to complete repairs to unexpected electrical system malfunctions.
- teamwork skills: as an industrial electrician, you complete high-risk tasks, requiring working with a team to ensure smooth operations.
- Interpersonal skills help you become productive in a team setting and ensure effective teamwork.
FAQs about working as an industrial electrician
Here are the most asked questions about working as an industrial electrician:
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what are the responsibilities of an industrial electrician?
As an industrial electrician, you install, maintain and carry out electrical systems repairs. You work in factories and power generation companies, assisting them with troubleshooting production systems and ensuring workplace safety.
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what are the main skills of an industrial electrician?
An industrial electrician requires mathematical skills for complex calculations. Troubleshooting skills are also necessary for resolving issues in electrical systems, while time management skills ensure repairs are completed on time.
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what are the duties of an industrial electrician?
Industrial electricians complete tasks like electrical repairs, installation, modifications and upgrades. They also complete thermal graphic scanning, circuit identification and tracing.
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how do you become an industrial electrician?
To become an industrial electrician, complete an apprenticeship to gain a New Zealand Certificate in Electrical Engineering Theory and Practice (Trade) (Level 4). You need a registration to become an electrician in New Zealand.
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how do I apply for an industrial electrician vacancy?
Applying for an industrial electrician job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our industrial electrician job offers for vacancies in your area. Then simply send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here.
