Hiring the right electrical technician is crucial for keeping your installations and operations running effectively. But beyond basic technical electrical knowledge, what are the traits of a top-performing electrical technician? What sets apart highly skilled from semi-skilled and beginners? And where to position each level? This is your guide for it.
Here are 7 Traits of a Highly Skilled Electrical Technician to Look For
1. Besides an average of 10 years of technical experience, come the accreditation:
- A highly skilled electrical technician has relevant certifications. In Saudi Arabia, it’s the Saudi Electricity Company (SEC) License; furthermore, there are some global certificates such as OSHA and NEC that can promote the technician to even higher positions; of course, if they do practice what they’ve learned.
- A highly skilled electrical technician also has excellent knowledge of electrical systems, wiring regulations, and troubleshooting techniques.
2. Troubleshooting (problem-solving skills)
- Diagnosing electrical faults efficiently is almost a daily task for the electrical technician, especially when it’s related to manufacturing machines or complete electrical systems in big buildings. This is why besides the deep experience, some critical thinking skills could help the technicians in their work.
- It’s also crucial for employers or HR specialists to assess these technicians’ ability for troubleshooting, finding alternatives, and implementing quick solutions.
3. Safety awareness and safety standards adherence
- A minor mistake in electrical operations can lead to a real crisis. This is why top technicians strictly follow safety standards, the PPE requirements, and the local electrical codes.
- Though, a real experienced electrical technician isn’t hesitant in situations that require quick actions, nor dares in situations that require caution. That balance comes with long, deep, and various experiences for a character that has the potential to take the responsibility and lead.
4. Adaptability to new technologies
- Smart systems are now going viral, invading every industry, as well as IoT, and automation. The reason why employers have recently been seeking technicians who embrace new technologies rather than the ones that resist change.
- A professional electrical technician would have at least one experiment of new technology adaptation/installation in their workplace and wouldn’t mind a new technology to be installed to work (unless proved it doesn’t benefit the company).
- An even more advanced skilled electrical technician would look for technologies that make operations easier, faster, and more effective for their company, themselves, and their team.
5. Communication & teamwork
- Professional electrical technicians are cooperative with the team members above and the team members below their leadership. Meaning they work effectively alongside engineers, supervisors, beginner technicians, and even contractors.
- A skilled electrical technician also has a proven ability to build good relations with customers whenever required. Strong interpersonal skills ensure smooth work relations, better collaboration, and a productive work environment.
6. Reliability and work ethics
- Past job references would be very helpful to evaluate an electrician’s work ethics, which is no less important than their technical skills. Work ethics such as showing up on time, meeting deadlines, and following instructions properly.
- Also loyalty to the workplace, embracing the organization’s values, and showing respect to clients. Cooperation with team members, transferring experience and openly sharing knowledge with coworkers.
7. Ability to read and interpret blueprints
- Misreading diagrams can lead to faulty installations and very expensive errors. Why an experienced electrical technician must understand schematics, blueprints, and wiring diagrams to accomplish tasks professionally.
- An experienced electrical technician is also required to have, no matter how small, experience in huge installations, for projects that require hiring such technicians.
Where to Position Different Skill Levels of Electrical Technicians, Especially in Saudi Organizations?
Categorize your electrical technicians on 3 levels:
1. High skilled technicians with over 10 years of experience:
- Their experience is preferred to be in the same sector and the same region. For example, in Saudi projects, it’s preferred to hire electrical technicians experienced in construction, oil & gas, and industrial zones.
- Must hold a Saudi Electricity Company (SEC) License or some equivalent local accreditation.
- Can independently design electrical layouts, and troubleshoot major faults.
- Experienced working in high-voltage installations, substations, and large-scale industrial projects.
- Can lead a team of electricians, train helpers, and give technical instructions.
2. Mid-Level skilled electrical technicians with 3-9 years of experience in electrical installation and maintenance:
- Manages routine electrical work, wiring, and troubleshooting under supervision.
- Familiar with the Saudi safety standards, but they may need a guide through complex issues.
- They read basic blueprints and electrical layouts, even in other languages.
- Efficiently get the job done, but they may need supervision from time to another.
3. No-skilled, entry-level electrical technician with less than 3 years of experience or a complete beginner:
- Only works as a helper or assistant, handling basic physical tasks, such as carrying tools for their supervising technicians, pulling cables, and preparing work zones.
- Probably lacks knowledge of safety standards, troubleshooting, or installation techniques and needs continuous guidance and instruction.
- Can work but under constant supervision, with continuous training to develop skills.
How can businesses develop the no-skilled technicians?
- By assigning them for tasks that require working closely with experienced electricians, in order to have hands-on learning.
- By providing them with basic safety training in their language, or in a common global language like English.
- Gradually hand them small, supervised electrical tasks to build confidence and collect experience.
Don’t Risk: Invest in Successful Electrical Technicians Hires
Finding electrical technicians to hire means to have high-quality electrical work that keeps your installations functioning effectively, your operations running smoothly, and your business assets remaining intact. That requires HR professionals with a good understanding of the skill levels (high-skilled, mid-level, and entry-level) and deep awareness of how to position them effectively.
Placing the right person in the right role is crucial. Whether you’re looking for experienced, SEC-certified experts or need semi-skilled technicians for day-to-day operations, you can always choose to hire a professional manpower company that offers you effective solutions for your business, such as SMASCO, the Saudi Manpower Solutions Company.
SMASCO provides business with qualified, trained, and pre-vetted eligible technicians in Saudi Arabia, familiar with the country’s industrial standards.
Contact SMASCO today, and hire a variety of qualified, semi skilled, or top-performing high skilled electrical technicians with safety awareness, problem-solving, adaptability, and leadership skills. Now you can hire electrical technician, computer technician, hvac technician, ac technician, and even instrument technician. All from one place.
Contact SMASCO today and request your electrical technicians team!