Yes, public utilities is a good career path. The public utility industry plays a significant role in the economy by offering consumers and companies necessary services.
The public utility sector is a key driver of economic growth, creating jobs and supporting businesses. The sector is also a major employer, with over 172,232 workers in the electric sector of the public utilities in the United States alone. Utilities are an important source of revenue for local governments, generating billions of dollars in taxes each year.
Public Utilities provide essential services such as water, electricity, and gas, which are necessary for businesses to operate and for consumers to live their lives.
This article focuses on the benefits of working in the public utility industry and the skills you need to acquire to land a job in the industry.
What Are The Advantages Of Working In The Public Utilities Industry?
There are tons of advantages to working in the public utility industry. some of these advantages are
Earnings
The public utility industry pays its employees well. Below are some of the jobs in this industry and how much they earn
Electrician
Electricians are those responsible for installing and maintaining wiring and controlling electric devices in the industry.
They are also in charge of the operation and repair of these devices.
Electrician earns– $4,048 Monthly & $57,167 Annually
Gas Plant Operator
Gas plant operators in the public utility industry are entrusted with maintaining the gas distribution pressure.
They are responsible for the safety of the gas plant and ensure that the gasses are being purified and stored separately.
Gas plant operators earns– $6,539 Monthly & $78,468 Annually
Water Treatment Operator
Water treatment operators charge the machine system for moving or treating water.
They also monitor meters, operational conditions, and guage of the water system through a computerized control system.
Water treatment operator earns– $3,828 Monthly & $54,070 Annually
Network Manager
Network managers oversee the network team in the industry and provide support for all network systems and subsystems.
Also, they are responsible for designing and managing the network systems in the industry.
Network manager earns– $5,927 Monthly & $83,714 Annually
Wind Turbine Technician
Wind turbine technicians are those entrusted with the industry’s construction and maintenance of wind turbines.
They are also in charge of identifying and fixing the turbines when necessary.
Wind turbine technician earns– $4,443 Monthly & $62,754 Annually
Job Stability
One of the major benefits of working in the public utility industry is the stability it offers.
This industry provides essential services that affect everyone in society. Electricity, water, and natural gas are necessary for modern life, and these services must be reliable and affordable.
This can be reassuring for employees who want to know that their job is safe no matter what happens in the world outside the company. Hence, you can count on having a job year-round.
Job Opportunities
The public utility industry offers a plethora of job opportunities. To mention a few, some of these jobs are system engineers, wind turbine technicians, and transmission engineers.
According to research, not less than 549,000 people were reported to have been employed in the public utility industry sub-sectors in 2019, with an average salary of $82,171.
Job satisfaction
Many people find satisfaction in working for a company that serves the people. Public utilities companies are responsible to their customers and their communities, and employees can take pride knowing that they are helping people by working for such a company.
What Skills Do You Need To Thrive In The Public Utilities Industry?
Communication Skills
Communication is quite valuable in work environments today. You’ll have to communicate effectively with your colleagues, supervisors, and clients. You’ll have to be able to explain concepts clearly so that everyone understands what you’re talking about.
Problem Solving Skills
In the public utility industry, problems arise constantly.
A good problem solver finds solutions to issues without causing further damage. You’ll have to learn how to identify problems before they become big ones.
Leadership Skills
Leadership is not only about being a boss; it’s about leading a team. You ought to be able to motivate your team members and colleagues and get them to work together.
You’ll have to lead your team to success, and if things go wrong, you’ll have to figure out how to fix them.
Math Skills
Math skills are extremely important in the public utility industry. You’ll have to use math to calculate rates, bills, and payments.
Technological Skills
Technological skills are becoming increasingly important in the modern workplace. The public utility industry requires constant communication with coworkers and clients, so you’ll have to be comfortable using computers.
You’ll also have access to spreadsheets and databases, so you’ll have to be familiar with these programs.
Time Management
Time management is another key skill in the public utility industry because there is never enough time in the day. You’ll have to prioritize tasks and manage your time efficiently.
Conclusion
Overall, the public utility sector plays an important role in the economy and has both positive and negative impacts on society. The public utility sector is a key driver of economic growth, creating jobs and supporting businesses.
Since public utilities focus on public safety and customer service, this is a career path where you can make a real difference and be held accountable.
Thus, if you’re into being helpful to others and want to feel like your work matters, then working in the Public Utilities Industry might be a great fit for you.
In the end, you can find a fulfilling career path in just about anything you choose to do. The passion for your chosen line of work and determination are all it takes.
