Klein's deep dive into electricians

A State of the Industry survey from Klein Tools shows that more electricians prefer to work on industrial projects than residential projects.

The following stats tell the story:

• A majority of electricians (56%) prefer to work on industrial/utility projects.

• Nearly two-fifths of electricians (37%) prefer to work on new-home construction.

• Electricians with 20 or more years work experience are significantly less likely to prefer working in new-home construction (27%), compared with less experienced electricians (50% of those with less than 10 years of experience, and 44% of those with 10 to 19 years of experience).

Klein Tools executives said these trends are a result of fewer available new construction projects from the recent economic downturn. They also foresee a shift in industry demand as construction needs and housing sales increase.

“The preference in industrial jobs over home construction stems from perceived job security,” said Mark Klein, president of Klein Tools. “Electricians want projects that guarantee long spans of continuous work and increased opportunity for referral and additional contracting."

He added: "We will see a shift back toward home construction as the 2016 building season takes off."

The survey examined hundreds of U.S. electricians’ concerns and future projections for the industry. The most notable findings include why electricians are entering and leaving the industry, as well as their preferred project work.

• Over two-fifths of electricians (42%) entered the field because they thought it offered long-term security.

• More than one-third of electricians (35%) entered the field because they believed it is a field that is always in demand.

• More than one-third of electricians (36%) entered the field because they have family members or friends who are electrician.

Though electricians are entering for consistent reasons, many leave as they recognize a decline in available work or develop an interest in alternate trades.