Journeymanhigh-growth icon

high-growth icon This job type includes specializations that have been identified as high-growth occupations in the Massachusetts Clean Energy Workforce Needs Assessment .

A Journeyman is a skilled worker who is has completed a certified apprenticeship program and obtained a licensure in a trade. A Journeyman is fully qualified to perform specific trade tasks without supervision and has certified experience and licensure to do so. A Journeyman needs to train for a number of hours under a licensed Master Tradesman (i.e. Master Electrician, Master Plumber, etc.) and pass an exam to advance their licensure to Master. Some examples of skilled trades in clean energy are electricians, plumbers, carpenters, heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVACR), and utility line workers.

Electricians

Electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical power and control systems in homes, businesses, and equipment. Electricians may work with various renewable energy technologies such as solar panels and wind turbines to ensure an electrical connection between the technology and electrical power systems.

EXAMPLE SCENARIO

A Journeyman Electrician is connecting solar panels to a residential home for the customer to receive residential solar energy. The Journeyman Electrician complies with local codes and techniques learned during an apprenticeship.

TYPICAL TASKS SRC

  • Plan layout and installation of electrical wiring, equipment, or fixtures, based on job specification and local codes.
  • Connect wires to circuit breakers, transformers, or other components.
  • Test electrical systems or continuity of circuits in electrical wiring, equipment, or fixtures, using testing devices such as, ohmmeters, voltmeters, or oscilloscopes, to ensure compatibility and safety of system.
  • Inspect electrical systems, equipment, or components to identify hazards, defects, or the need for adjustment or repair, and to ensure compliance with codes.
  • Diagnose malfunctioning systems, apparatus, or components, using test equipment and hand tools to locate the cause of a breakdown and correct the problem.

EXAMPLE JOB TITLES SRC

Control Electrician, Inside Wireman, Maintenance Electrician, Mechanical Trades Specialist, Qualified Craft Worker Electrician

MEDIAN PAY SRC

$79,750

EDUCATION & TRAINING LEVEL

GED/High School Diploma, On-the-job Training, Licensure

WORK EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

3-5 years

SKILLS & REQUIREMENTS

Detail Oriented, Dexterity, Physical Stamina and Strength, Analytical Skills, Critical-Thinking Skills, Troubleshooting, Math Skills, Interpersonal Skills, Management Skills, Organization Skills, Tool and Equipment Handling, Safety Protocols

SIMILAR OCCUPATIONS

Construction Foreman, Crew Chief, Field Service Foreman

Plumbers

Plumbers install, maintain, and repair pipe systems used for the movement of liquids and gases. Plumbers may work with solar panel hot water systems, rainwater harvesting systems, and other clean energy technologies.

EXAMPLE SCENARIO

A Journeyman Plumber is installing a solar hot water heater that will supply the facility with hot water for campers. The Journeyman Plumber connects all pipes and wires and ensures that are within code.

TYPICAL TASKS SRC

  • Assemble pipe sections, tubing, or fittings, using couplings, clamps, screws, bolts, cement, plastic solvent, caulking, or soldering, brazing, or welding.
  • Fill pipes or plumbing fixtures with water or air and observe pressure gauges to detect and locate leaks.
  • Maintain or repair plumbing by replacing defective washers, replacing or mending broken pipes, or opening clogged drains.
  • Locate and mark the position of pipe installations, connections, passage holes, or fixtures in structures.
  • Review blueprints, building codes, or specifications to determine work details or procedures.

EXAMPLE JOB TITLES SRC

Drain Technician, Plumber Gasfitter, Plumbing and Heating Mechanic, Residential Plumber, Service Plumber

MEDIAN PAY SRC

$60,090

EDUCATION & TRAINING LEVEL

GED/High School Diploma, On-the-job Training, Licensure

WORK EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

3-5 years

SKILLS & REQUIREMENTS

Detail Oriented, Dexterity, Physical Stamina and Strength, Analytical Skills, Critical-Thinking Skills, Troubleshooting, Math Skills, Interpersonal Skills, Management Skills, Organization Skills, Tool and Equipment Handling, Safety Protocols

SIMILAR OCCUPATIONS

Construction Foreman, Crew Chief, Field Service Foreman

Carpenters

Carpenters construct, repair, and install building frameworks and structures made from wood and other materials. Carpenters may build with recycled materials, follow LEED certified building blueprints, and use other sustainable design and construction techniques.

EXAMPLE SCENARIO

A Carpenter is using energy efficient materials such as bamboo plywood and plastic composite lumber to remodel a customer's kitchen.

TYPICAL TASKS SRC

  • Follow established safety rules and regulations and maintain a safe and clean environment.
  • Study specifications in blueprints, sketches, or building plans to prepare project layout and determine dimensions and materials required.
  • Measure and mark cutting lines on materials and shape or cut specific materials into specified measurements using hand tools, machines, or power saws.
  • Install structures or fixtures such as windows, frames, floorings, trim, or hardware.
    Select and order materials.

EXAMPLE JOB TITLES SRC

Assembler, Cabinet Maker, Construction Carpenter, Framer, Production Worker

MEDIAN PAY SRC

$51,390

EDUCATION & TRAINING LEVEL

GED/High School Diploma, On-the-job Training, Licensure

WORK EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

3-5 years

SKILLS & REQUIREMENTS

Detail Oriented, Dexterity, Physical Stamina and Strength, Analytical Skills, Critical-Thinking Skills, Troubleshooting, Math Skills, Interpersonal Skills, Management Skills, Organization Skills, Tool and Equipment Handling, Safety Protocols

SIMILAR OCCUPATIONS

Construction Foreman, Crew Chief, Field Service Foreman

Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration (HVACR) Technicians

HVACR Technicians work on various building systems to maintain air quality and temperature control in buildings. HVACR Technicians install energy efficient HVACR systems and retrofit old systems to increase efficiency, install and maintain clean heating and cooling systems such as ground/air source heat pumps, and other technologies.

EXAMPLE SCENARIO

An HVAC technician is installing geothermal heat pumps for a suburban mall plaza; this will supply the plaza with a clean heating and cooling system.

TYPICAL TASKS SRC

  • Replace or repair defective equipment, components, or wiring.
  • Troubleshoot heating and cooling system malfunctions and correct them.
  • Repair or service heating, ventilating, and air conditioning systems to improve efficiency, such as by changing filters, cleaning ducts, or refilling non-toxic refrigerants.
  • Install, connect, or adjust thermostats, humidistats, timers, or clean heating and cooling systems.
  • Comply with all applicable industry standards, policies, procedures, and study blueprints, design specifications, or manufacturer’s recommendations for system configuration.

EXAMPLE JOB TITLES SRC

A/C Technician, HVAC Installer, HVAC Mechanic, HVAC Service Technician, HVAC Specialist, Systems Mechanic

MEDIAN PAY SRC

$51,390

EDUCATION & TRAINING LEVEL

GED/High School Diploma, On-the-job Training, Licensure

WORK EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

3-5 years

SKILLS & REQUIREMENTS

Detail Oriented, Dexterity, Physical Stamina and Strength, Analytical Skills, Critical-Thinking Skills, Troubleshooting, Math Skills, Interpersonal Skills, Management Skills, Organization Skills, Tool and Equipment Handling, Safety Protocols

SIMILAR OCCUPATIONS

Construction Foreman, Crew Chief, Field Service Foreman

Utility Line Workers

Utility Line Workers install and repair electrical power systems connected to the electricity grid. Utility Line Workers connect renewable energy technologies to the electricity power grid and maintains grid systems to ensure consistent electrical supply to customers.

EXAMPLE SCENARIO

A Journeyman Utility Line Worker is connecting several wind turbines to the electrical power grid. The project will supply the power distributor with enough power to supply forty-thousand regional households.

TYPICAL TASKS SRC

  • Adhere to safety practices and procedures, such as checking equipment regularly and erecting barriers around work areas.
  • Test conductors, according to electrical diagrams and specifications, to identify corresponding conductors and to prevent incorrect connections.
  • Open switches or attach ground devices to remove electrical hazards from disturbed or fallen lines or to facilitate repairs.
  • Identify defective sectionalizing devices, circuit breakers, fuses, voltage regulators, transformers, switches, relays, or wiring, using wiring diagrams and electrical-testing instruments.
  • Install, maintain, and repair electrical distribution and transmission systems, including conduits, cables, wires, and related equipment, such as transformers, circuit breakers, and switches.

EXAMPLE JOB TITLES SRC

Utility Lineman, Electric Lineman, Electrical Line Worker, Power Lineman

MEDIAN PAY SRC

$68,010

EDUCATION & TRAINING LEVEL

GED/High School Diploma, On-the-job Training, Licensure

WORK EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

3-5 years

SKILLS & REQUIREMENTS

Detail Oriented, Dexterity, Physical Stamina and Strength, Analytical Skills, Critical-Thinking Skills, Troubleshooting, Math Skills, Interpersonal Skills, Management Skills, Organization Skills, Tool and Equipment Handling, Safety Protocols

SIMILAR OCCUPATIONS

Construction Foreman, Crew Chief, Field Service Foreman