Klein’s annual State of the Industry survey has given us a few more statistics to chew on. The first section hits on mentoring and volunteering among electricians. When it comes to volunteering to mentor or train an upcoming electrician, 46% say they’ve participated. With 70% claiming concern about the skills gap and 95% saying more promotion of the trade needs to happen, some are putting their time where their mouth is when it comes to electrician training.
Now let’s not take it for granted that these are hard-working folks that have other things they could be doing, but choose not to. To see that nearly half of the electricians in the poll give up some of their time voluntarily is an encouraging stat. Outside the trades where apprenticeship is so important, I’m not sure where else you’ll see that kind of commitment.
“It is essential to the industry for experienced electricians to share their knowledge with apprentices and students to help reduce the skills gap. We value education and work to recognize electricians who serve their communities through our Electrician of the Year program. The 2016 Electrician of the Year winner and runner-up both volunteer their time with apprentices and students in the trades, and even donated their winnings to their local training centers. We encourage volunteering and mentoring, and continue to support our young electricians by providing the tools they need to succeed.”
– Mark Klein, co-president of Klein Tools
On the Job Electrician Training
For many of us, we wouldn’t be where we are today without on the job training. Even though I have a college degree, I’m working outside my field of study. That’s not a terribly usual situation and on the job training helps us make the transition.
According to the Klein State of the Industry Survey, 78% of electricians that believe there is a shortage of electricians in the field also think that on the job training will help bring up the overall level of experience in the industry. Roughly 63% credit OTJ training as the most valuable part of building their skill sets.
Classroom training is still taking place, though. 75% of respondents have taken classroom courses and online coursework is up for the second year running.
Our Take
None of these statistics about electrician training are particularly surprising. It’s not uncommon to see tradesmen that are passionately dedicated to their work and willing to spend time training up the next generation. Most of us have received some form of on the job training and I can personally attest to the opportunities it has opened up for me. And yet there will always be room for formal classroom training for those willing (or required) to improve or solidify their knowledge. Still, it’s encouraging to see numbers that back up our beliefs about the industry.
