With the number of smart homes, smart devices, the demands on the electrical industry are surging, and the job is changing at an unprecedented rate. As a result, there is an increasing demand for qualified professionals. But, while the need for trained electricians is going up, the ranks of the old guard electrician force is winding down.

Impending shortage

As a result, electrical companies are concerned there may be a shortage of experienced electricians soon. Recently in Hawaii, the master electrician of an old and respected electrical firm passed away. No one in the company was qualified to take his place. The company was forced to close their doors. This incident is indicative of the potential electrician shortage problem due to a skills gap.

High demand

US Department of Labor statistics indicates that demand for electricians is growing at double the rate of most other professions. At the same time, a substantial number of electricians are retiring or leaving the industry. Research indicates that the number of experienced electricians is falling at a rate that makes it necessary to take remedial steps to resolve the shortage so there will be an adequate number of electricians to meet future needs.

Continuing education

Continuing education is a critical component of the profession, whether it be online training or classroom-based. At the same time, apprenticeship has been a long and respected method of garnering more professionals into the field, since an apprentice can watch an expert and ask questions. There is also a hands-on component to an apprenticeship that can’t be duplicated online. For these reasons, most electricians agree that on-the-job training remains a critical component of electrical training.

Training programs

To further combat the future shortage, the National Electrical Contractor’s Association (NECA), The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), and the Electrical Training Alliance have increased their training programs. They are investing two million dollars to help provide tools and scholarships for apprentices. They aim to lure the highest qualified candidates and provide the highest quality of electrical educational experience.

Smart technology

At the same time, a recent survey of over 200 electricians yielded that the current population of electricians worry that there will be fewer traditional electrician jobs available in the next five years--and they may be right. After all, no one knows what direction Smart technology will go next, or the effects of high-tech installations and Smart homes on the industry, only that it will increase the need of qualified tech-savvy professionals.

How to get these professionals and make sure they have the skills they need to be effective in the exploding Smart movement is going to be a task that will challenge the entire industry.

If you need a highly-reviewed, licensed electrician in the Phoenix Valley area, call Efficient Electric at 623-900-1461.