Meter technicians install and maintain electrical meters and other equipment used to measure electricity usage. They need at least a high school diploma and may earn an associate’s degree or complete a three-year apprenticeship. Safety is important due to the risk of electric shock. Job opportunities are expected to decrease.
A meter technician is responsible for installing and maintaining electrical meters and other types of equipment used to measure electricity usage. Homes, for example, have an electric meter that calculates the amount of electricity used so that the power company can properly charge the home for energy consumption. The meter technician covers tasks like installing electrical meters, repairing and testing the meters, and keeping records about the electrical equipment used by the company that employs him. To become a meter technician, a person needs at least a high school diploma, or GED, and must earn an associate’s degree or undergo a three-year internship with the company they want to work for.
After completing high school or obtaining a GED, the interested person has two options to become a meter technician. He may enter the working field to gain experience, or he may choose to go to a technical college. By choosing the technical college route, he will earn a two-year degree in electrical engineering or in electronics. The name of the specific degree may differ between colleges.
To enter the workforce directly, an interested person must first be hired by a company that will then train them through a three-year apprenticeship. He will learn how to install, maintain and repair electrical measuring devices. He will also learn about proper safety precautions when taking on the job and when handling electrical equipment.
After the meter technician completes his training or degree program, he will need to undergo a safety course and possibly undergo practical training courses for his job. Once he is authorized to enter the field, he visits homes or businesses to check and repair electrical meters. He will also keep track of the inventory of equipment he works on and keep careful records about the equipment in the building along with its usage.
Safety is important for meter technicians who must work with electricity and therefore risk electric shock if a repair is performed incorrectly. The meter technician needs to have a clear understanding of safety protocols and constantly check their equipment to ensure it is working properly. He also performs safety inspections on equipment the company stores for future use.
Typically, the number of jobs available to meter technicians is expected to decrease. Those interested in working in this field may want to consider taking an apprenticeship to ensure a job is available to them upon completion. Obtaining a degree first, however, will allow the person to travel in search of work if there are no jobs available in their area.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
