Most people would probably be familiar with the concept of a control panel, a flat cabinet that contains/houses electrical components for the operation of motors, equipment, and power sources. Control panels can range in size and complexity from a simple fuse box in the basement of a home to the elaborate processing centres found in such facilities as amusement parks, sports arenas, and hydro generating plants, to name just a few.
A control panel is customarily the central feature, or the hub, for electrical installations in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. The fundamental reason for centralizing the electrical components in one fixture/location is to streamline processes in relation to:
- Testing procedures
- Changes and upgrades
- Repairs and maintenance
- Matters of safety/protection
- Overall operational efficiency
In general, these panels/cabinets are usually hidden from view, left to operate/function in a reliable fashion without much thought or fanfare from members of the public. But someone must have responsibility for the design and construction of these panels, right? Indeed there is; that task falls to the person known in the trades as a panel builder.
While the precise responsibilities of a panel builder will differ slightly based on the needs and/or specifications of their employer or industry, an overview of their job requirements might include all or some of the following:
- Determining panel dimensions
- Designing the control panel layout
- Physical construction of the cabinet
- Mounting all components in the panel
- Inserting a harness for the wiring/cables
- Connecting the harness to the components
- Testing all parts/circuits before final delivery
From an educational perspective, requirements for a panel builder position include a high school diploma and the successful completion of post-secondary studies at a community college or technical institute. Understanding/proficiency in schematics, electrical wiring, and working with low and high voltage supply systems would be an asset, in addition to problem-solving skills and the ability to work efficiently and independently.
Find Synergies with a Recruiting Specialist When Seeking a Panel Builder Job
With the widespread importance of electrical applications throughout the commercial and industrial sectors, employment prospects for control panel builders will be rather diverse as well. The following albeit limited cross-section of career opportunities demonstrates just how widespread these options might be:
- Automation/robotics
- Environmental systems
- Commercial construction
- Shipping and transportation
- Water/wastewater management
- Precision machining/manufacturing
- Cold storage/frozen foods packaging
Individuals who are intent on pursuing employment or advancing their career as a panel builder will find benefit in synergizing their search effort with a recruiting specialist from Winters Technical Staffing, a leading Toronto placement agency for more than 40 years.
The professionals from Winters Technical Staffing have developed extensive relationships with hiring managers/employers who require skilled trades, including panel builders; as a result, these recruiting specialists can advise/guide job seekers in their search for such positions. This support from Winters Technical Staffing can/does include directing search efforts toward applicable jobs in terms of:
- Areas/industries of interest
- Background/experience levels
- Entry level/apprenticeship opportunities
- Work-life balance; compensation and benefits
- Potential for personal growth and advancement
Contact Winters Today
For qualified advice and guidance in your search for employment as a panel builder, call the recruitment experts from Winters Technical Staffing today at 1-877-495-7422 to request a complimentary consultation.
