Wow this is going to be a long thread!!!
I'll start with the first question and leave the rest for others or later.
I need to know how the job has changed over the last few years due to technology changes.
The job is constantly changing. You have to make it a full time job to keep up with the ever changing codes and technologies. Probably the biggest most significant change is the effect of modern equipment (computers, copiers fax etc.) on electrical systems. You can't look at designing a building the way you used to. Power quality is a huge deal now. Power quality 20 or 30 years ago came down to weather or not the power was on and somewhere near the desired voltage, Now we are concerned with total harmonic distortion, harmonics, clean sign waves... the list goes on.
Another significant change is the advent of battery operated tools. They have sped up the installations significantly and just made it all around easier.
Nick
