Helpers – Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers: What It Is, Training, and Progression
Helping installation, maintenance, and repair workers in their respective fields is one of the many crucial tasks that helpers undertake. Whether it is an electrician, a plumber, or a carpenter, helpers support knowledgeable tradespeople in various physical tasks, including carrying tools, laying wires, and installing pipes. Helpers’ responsibility is to work under the direction of an experienced worker and to assist them in every possible way.
Examples of Helpers’ Jobs
Helpers working in installation, maintenance, and repair cover a wide spectrum of jobs. We have highlighted a few examples below:
- Electricians helpers: These helpers work under electricians and assist in installing and maintaining electrical systems.
- Plumbers helpers: They are in demand to help certified plumbers with plumbing tasks, such as installing pipes, fixing leaks, and installing plumbing systems.
- Heating and air conditioning helpers: They work with heating and air conditioning technicians, helping them in a range of tasks, from installing systems to repairing broken ones.
Education and Training
While some trades do not require specialized training, helpers need some level of training to ensure that they can effectively assist more experienced workers. However, there are not many stringent standard training requirements. Often, new helpers need only a high school diploma or a GED. Certificates in vocational trades are also beneficial, for instance, in electrical wiring or plumbing.
Another aspect to consider is that helpers must possess proper safety skills and learn essential workplace practices. They should demonstrate good physical condition, as most installation, maintenance, and repair tasks require workers to engage in strenuous physical activities.
Progression for Helpers
With mastery in helper tasks, individuals can progress to the intermediate or advanced level. What this means is that for individuals with proven skills, the promotion to a higher position is likely.
However, advance proficiency in trades work is a necessity to progress into a skilled tradesman position. Eventually, some helpers might decide to start their own companies with themselves as the skilled worker, passing on the helper’s responsibilities to a new employee.
How to Get into this Field
In most cases, helpers get a job based on their merit. They usually have to work their way up through the ranks, learning on the job from the more experienced tradespeople.
Beginning as a helper or an apprentice is an excellent starting point for anyone who wants to gain basic skills in installation, maintenance, and repair work. Individuals looking to become helpers can contact union halls or contractor associations to find out what companies are hiring and what their requirements are.
In conclusion, helpers play a vital role in the installation, maintenance, and repair fields. Their contribution ensures that tasks are completed much faster. Helpers can progress to becoming a skilled tradesperson, and there are no defined education and training requirements. However, having a good physical conditioning and demonstrating the capability to learn on-the-go are essential.
| Occupation | Job Level | Salary (Average) | Salary (Highest Paid) | Salary (Lowest Paid) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Helpers–installation, maintenance, and repair workers | All workers | $31,428.80 | $39,478.40 | N/A |
| Helpers–installation, maintenance, and repair workers | Union | $52,956.80 | $52,956.80 | $45,843.20 |
| Helpers–installation, maintenance, and repair workers | Nonunion | $35,068.80 | $35,068.80 | $31,408.00 |
| Nevada | Time-based pay | $44,158.40 | $44,158.40 | $38,667.20 |
| McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX | Nonunion | $27,747.20 | $27,747.20 | $23,337.60 |
Helpers–installation, maintenance, and repair workers assist skilled tradespeople with tasks related to installation, maintenance, and repair. The salary for this occupation varies widely based on job level, union affiliation, and geography. In general, unionized helpers earn significantly higher wages than nonunion helpers.
According to the data, the US national average salary for all levels of helpers is $31,428.80. However, the national average for unionized helpers is $52,956.80, while the national average for nonunionized helpers is $35,068.80. In Nevada, helpers earn an average of $44,158.40, while in McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX, the average salary is $27,747.20.
Unionization appears to have a significant effect on salary for helpers in this occupation. Unionized helpers earn higher salaries on average than their nonunionized counterparts. However, other factors such as job level and geography also play a role in determining salary.
