Automation and AI Drive Changes in Electrical Industry: From Student Tours to Job Market Trends
Last Updated: 2026-05-28T19:27:46.014-04:00
Chariho Electrical Technology Students Explore Careers in Industrial Automation
Students from the Chariho Career and Technical Center's Electrical Technology class visited ProSystems Integration, an automation company in Westerly, to learn about career opportunities in the industrial sector. The tour, led by ProSystems' owner John Brunelle and his son Jesse, a Chariho alumnus and engineer at the company, showcased the various applications of automation, from medical tubing equipment to control systems for the Mystic River Bascule Bridge. The visit aimed to expose students to the industrial side of the electrical field, which often receives less attention in their curriculum compared to residential and commercial work. The instructor, Ryan Northup, emphasized the importance of such real-world experiences in inspiring students and providing practical context for their classroom learning.
Siemens Eases Migration to New Control System
Level Automation, a Swedish company specializing in electrical and automation cabinets, has successfully migrated from the Simatic S7-1200 to the new Simatic S7-1200 G2 control system. The transition was significantly streamlined by a new migration tool in Siemens' TIA Portal, which automates the process of identifying hardware and software compatibility. The new system is certified according to the IEC 62443 cybersecurity standard, making it compliant with the NIS2 Directive. This upgrade is particularly relevant for Level Automation's work in the water and wastewater industry. The company is now planning to migrate its HMI panels to Simatic WinCC Unified.
High Demand for Electrical Engineers in a Tech-Driven World
The increasing demand for AI, electrification, and automation is driving the need for skilled electrical engineers. Companies like Nvidia, Apple, Tesla, Intel, and Siemens are actively hiring professionals who can design and manage the power systems behind these advanced technologies. Electrical engineers are crucial for developing more efficient chips for data centers, creating robust battery and motor-control systems for electric vehicles, and building the hardware for industrial automation. The median annual salary for electrical engineers is approximately $118,000.
Post Electric Expands Smart Home and Automation Services
Post Electric, an electrical contractor in Southwest Missouri, is expanding its services to include home automation and smart technology integration. This move is in response to the growing demand from homeowners to modernize their electrical systems to support connected home technologies. The company has invested in advanced diagnostic equipment and training to handle a range of services, including panel upgrades, dedicated circuit installations, and the integration of smart devices like lighting controls, thermostats, and security systems. This expansion is particularly timely as many older homes in the region require significant electrical updates to meet modern demands.
AI's Impact on the Job Market: A Mixed Bag
A recent report by Planera, a construction scheduling platform, indicates that while some manual labor jobs are at high risk of automation, others, particularly those requiring human judgment and real-time response, remain secure. The report found that emergency services have the lowest average automation risk at 11%, while agriculture has the highest at 89%. Among the skilled trades, electricians have a low automation risk of 14% and are in high demand, partly due to the needs of AI data centers. The study highlights that jobs requiring empathy, adaptability, and complex decision-making are less likely to be replaced by AI.
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