On smaller jobs the journeyman may be required to go the supplies themselves to keep the job on schedule. In addition to just managing supplies the electrician will actually run wire as per the diagrams and building plans. The journeyman electrician will also lay out circuits, set up breaker and panel boxes, install fixtures and lights as well as other electrical equipment. An electrician may have to work indoors or outdoors and often is very physically active on the job.

Most journeyman electricians will participate in working with an electrician in training, known as an apprentice. The journeyman is like a mentor, answering questions and ensuring that the apprentice is installing the electrical wiring, circuits and systems correctly. A journeyman electrician will also be responsible for the correctness of all work that the apprentice or apprentices complete. Good electrical background and knowledge along with good interpersonal communication skills are important for a journeyman electrician if working with an apprentice.

Common work activities include:

• Reading and interpreting wiring diagrams, blueprints or floor plan details.
• Installing circuits, fixtures, electrical outlets, breaker boxes, panels and other electrical equipment.
• Managing and overseeing apprentice workers and labors assisted to the job or project. Scheduling assignments on an ongoing basis to the project on the timeline.
• Coordinating the delivery and requisition of supplies to ensure the job goes forward on schedule.
• Troubleshooting any difficulties or problems with the electrical installation.
• Meeting with contractors, building managers or clients to report any concerns or progress as requested.

In the United States licensing requirements for construction work are controlled by local building officials. Typically, certain types of electrical work are only permitted to be performed by a Journeyman or Master electrician. The requirements for becoming a journeyman or master electrician, and the types of work they are permitted to do, vary between states; however, there are often interstate reciprocity agreements. Not all states offer a statewide journeyman or master electrician license. Before electricians are allowed to work without supervision, they are usually required to serve an apprenticeship lasting from 3 to 5 years under the general supervision of a Master Electrician and usually the direct supervision of a Journeyman Electrician. Schooling in electrical theory and electrical building codes is usually required to complete the apprenticeship program. A Journeyman electrician is a well rounded craftsman trained in all phases of electrical construction installation in various building styles and maintenance of equipment after installation. A Journeyman is usually permitted to perform all types of electrical work except design of electrical systems. Typical apprenticeship programs emphasize hands-on work under the supervision of journeymen, but also include a subtantial component of classroom training and testing. Training and licensing of electricians is by province, but many provinces recognize qualifications received in others. Restricted electrical licenses are also issued for specializations such as motor winder, appliance repair, audio/visual installation, HVAC installation, and similar jobs.  

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