3 Things You NEED To Know BEFORE Becoming An Electrician Apprentice

[@americanelectrician]

Let me know what you would tell yourself before you started the apprenticeship!

[@rawnwild]

The first tip is my #1 since I was a kid. I was always taught that on-time is late and 15 minutes early is on-time. To this day I’d rather arrive somewhere an hour early, sit in my car and watch KZbin or read, then jump out when I got 20-25 minutes left until I start then I start heading into work. I feel like this type of work ethic has really set me apart since everyone knows that I will never be late and if I am late, something is really wrong.

[@Horse-c2t]

You don’t get paid for sitting in the car doe. Don’t matter if the customer’s expectations - if there is 30 minutes of security checks, well…that’s time factored into the job.

[@mrwashur1991]

Yeah I don’t work 15 minutes free every day and that’s actually illegal unless you yourself are a contractor. If you’re an employee and the require you to be there 15-30 minutes early then they legally have to pay you for that time. Anytime an employer pulled that shit I clocked that time. I don’t work for free.

[@jameslucena1020]

What a waste of time

[@gamingderpx256]

@@mrwashur1991can yall read? he doesnt clock in for an extra 15 minutes 😂

[@lookherelooklisten7850]

@@gamingderpx256doesn't need to clock in, if it says to start at 8 you should be there at 8 not 7:45

[@Erik_Swiger]

One thing I didn't know is that while I was installing receptacles, my boss would be installing breakers and flipping them on. He said, "Well you should be able to work on stuff hot!" I yelled at him and said, "Well I can, but it's nice to KNOW that it's hot in the first place!"

[@MLI0369]

That is fucked up. FNG or not that seems like a pretty reasonable heads up to give

[@queennero10211]

I am a first year apprentice and I start my first day of work as an apprentice tomorrow and I am excited and less nervous after watching your video . Thank you!

[@user-rn3cw2em1e]

How’s it going…

[@mariobruhasmr817]

Did you go thru a trades school first before becoming an apprentice? I’m looking into becoming an electrician but don’t know if I need the schooling first or what steps people take to getting into that field

[@thatyounginjosh4531]

@@mariobruhasmr817exactly what I’m going thru

[@sggswettyboii4286]

@@mariobruhasmr817find your local electricians union hall, they will have applications, usually requires a transcript, a resume, and your application, also some have an application fee. But you’ll do a test to qualify and then you either get selected to interview or not at all and then you start your apprenticeship while also attending classes to learn the stuff you’re doing on the job site

[@danielmezemir1828]

@@mariobruhasmr817hey I’m starting my first day on September 3 and I didn’t go schooling I just went job fair and found companies with apprenticeships programs so I don’t have to go through school just start as an apprentice

[@TysonSperber]

I’m 30 minutes early sometimes even an hour early to any job I take as a jack of all trades. I always take the initiative to be more than prepared to satisfy customer needs. I recommend the new generation (my generation) do the same.

[@DubG89]

Write things down. Redoing things and taking twice as long on a job because you missed a step makes you look so bad. 🤦

[@americanelectrician]

Totally agree!

[@datgio4951]

Yup, specially since ur dealing with a lot of numbers and measure and what not lol

[@katieblade7083]

I ask my apprentices to do things i know they can't, just to see if they are willing to ask questions. When they don't ask questions, i ask them questions about it.

[@CodyLLambert]

The first point you made on expectations is a very good one. It sounds exactly what we go through in the Army. It is also good practice.

[@markthespark6240]

I am sending this to all my previous apprentices over the last 20 years & they will agree with everything you have mentioned. They thought I was hard on them while they were fresh & green. Guess who are all qualified & are now great tradespeople with good work ethic. If you want to be a sheep, go work on a farm. If you want to be a good apprentice & learn your trade well, work hard, don't winge & lock in with a good tradesman/woman and learn your craft well. The people you work with will give their all if you give you're all.

[@americanelectrician]

Couldn't agree more! Love this!

[@claycharles8626]

@speakup why not? (Your thoughts?) I’m going/looking to be in this field now. I’m “green” and starting from the bottom. I like all perspectives… I you could, please?

[@claycharles8626]

@speakup733

[@jodyboy72able]

For someone who is new to this, how do I become a apprentice?

[@AAbba-zf8zr]

Thanks for this. I'm totally new to the electrical field and I just started hands on practice in a program that I'm in. For the first time I started thinking about other trades and quitting because I felt I didn't do well enough and embarrassed cause I don't know what I'm doing, lol. But I have to remember I'm there to learn and be patient with myself.

[@i_maiko_i]

How is it going so far ? I just got a job offer with very good pay doing outlets/lights and stuff in new building but i literally know nothing about electrical work , the guy said that it's ok that he'll teach me while we will work but i'm still kinda scared that i won't understand the plans or fuck up the wiring and start a fire or some shit but the money is extremely good for my country ... 26€/h compared to average of 8€/h in my country ... so i feel like i gotta at least try it .

[@AAbba-zf8zr]

@@i_maiko_i It's going well. I'm hoping to learn different areas of the field, I've been doing the same thing for the past few months. But I realized as long as you show up and show that you want to learn, most will work with you. I'm taking it day by day and feel a little better about the process. Good luck to you!

[@i_maiko_i]

@@AAbba-zf8zr thanks for the encouraging words 😎 Now I'm in my first job I traveled to Berlin to do water pipes in construction second week here slowly learning but the money is good although I work 5x 12 hours and 1x 9hours in a week :D only one day off but 4x wage of my country so I'm motivated to keep going

[@spacemonkeey]

@@i_maiko_iBerlin, Germany?

[@i_maiko_i]

@@spacemonkeey yeah I'm from Slovakia and work in germany 1300km 11 hour ride.... one month of work there and 10 days home

[@Octane392]

most important thing. pay attention to what your guy is showing you or telling you. nothing is worse or makes you look worse than asking what to do when they just explained it to you with detail

[@mrwashur1991]

Yes listen but ask questions on shit you don’t understand. A lot of older guys forget new guys don’t know anything and they just spout off stuff that doesn’t make sense unless you know everything they’re talking about. It’s better to ask than to do it twice.

[@no.6377]

This comment can lead to some shitty habits from more senior people, though. It's better to ask for a repeat in simpler terms and work on getting it right than to just stay silent because your mentor is so short fused and impatient that they don't want to explain.

[@armandomejiatakara818]

Remember this: If your production does not equal your wage AND benefits package (plus a profit), then the company has no use for you.

[@levinsky5065]

I work as an aprentice electrician, i had a minimum wage at first, after some time i realised we wasted time on a lot of shit, coffee going in eating breaks not discussing what we work on while we were traveling and stuff and the projects would take 2 weeks more then after we got our stuff together and managed time more, this meant that i needed to get more involved in learning and preparing. The team was small, 2 electricians me and one more apprentice, we managed time better and the bussines owners (dad and son - the 2 electricians) made more money since they could have 4-6 projects going while in the past the best we could was 2. This happend because we were finishin work before the construction workers could cover after us and finish their stuff so we could finish and work on more then 2 projects at a time depending on how fast or slow were the construction wokers working. In the end my salary got doubled, my work time was the exact same (9h/day) just my involvement got bigger

[@raychambers3646]

In the uk i wasn't expecting to go to college for 3 yrs after finishing school !

[@infinitusomnia243]

Hey is there any other online course recommended to help get that first job??? All the beginners jobs ask for an apprentice who is already at the end of their apprenticeship. Thank you

[@eats4cheaps305]

If you don't have any education on the trade then you should look for "helper" jobs requiring no experience.

[@marvinperez3314]

Great trade school video Roger, Never seen one like this 👍 thanks 👍

[@americanelectrician]

Thank you 👍

[@bryanbonifacio2271]

I'll take all this to heart.

[@TheBottomG_1]

Went to trade school, graduated about a year ago. They told me that finding a job would be easy. I got played after applying to many companies and the union. I still can't find a dam job. 😐

[@TheBottomG_1]

@yovizx Yeah, I signed up and passed a course for High Voltage Test Tech. Got an associate is science as well as a cert for general electrician. Not to mention my trainee card and a 30-hour OSHA construction safety card. Even with all that can't find anybody who wants a beginner apprentice.

[@TheBottomG_1]

@yovizx likewise brother. I guess it depends from state to state.

[@trevorcanfield6228]

Not an electrician, but have you tried working freelance for a little more experience and cash while in between work?

[@TheBottomG_1]

@trevorcanfield6228 Nah. Here in Cali, you need an apprenticeship before you can go out of your own. Before that, you pretty much unlicensed.

[@relohim]

Any luck yet?

[@alexharshman7025]

The amount of things I don’t know is what frustrates me the most. I need to learn not just one thing I need to learn it all, and I’m thinking about getting into it, but I need that no bs old man to shadow to keep me straight. I’m determined, hard headed and stubborn, but I’m that guy when they say be there at 7 I’m there at 6, I don’t screw around, I get mad about being bored. I think if I got into that field the knowledge of being able to help myself at home would be the most beneficial thing. Again, the not knowing how to do something is so aggravating I just beat myself up over it, and with electricity there’s so many different things I’m trying to accomplish watching KZbin videos and Google one question brings me to another, and another, and it keeps going. I think that’s where school comes into play, keeping learning organized in sections instead of everything all at once

[@Son_scorpio]

Thank you for your advices ...

[@BusinessManagement-UK]

Very informative. Thank you

[@americanelectrician]

Thank you!

[@fisforfriendship6093]

omg 17 hours pulling wire??? 8 hours is tough but doing a double shift + 1 hour was it atleast double time

[@matthill2957]

If it wasnt they fucked him. Probably didnt pay shit if it wasnt Union lol.

[@bj.8887]

I’m only 16 and am going back and fourth on what I wanna do with my life. Is this something worth taking serious?

[@seemycash]

Yeah I’m 26 currently making well over 100k at my operator job i hate and I’m willing to take a pay cut to pursue this cause I want a day job that still pays well and has a better work life balance. My shift work and nights are killing me slowly

[@x7Shuffler7x]

Yes this is something worth taking serious. It's a life skill that you will have with you for the rest of your life. It's definitely worth it if you like to work hands on.

[@SirrPiper]

Do data electricians succ

[@spencerreathaford3621]

I’ve been in dirt crews, mining, tree work, carpentry and farm work and I’ll say electrical is a very smart thing to go into. You won’t kill yourself in 15 years down the line from labor and you’ll get great pay and benefits. But, while you’re able to, try to go into different fields before going into a skilled position to really see what you like and don’t like. I

[@TatazRivera]

@@seemycashI can totally agree with this! I had a good paying job but the hours sucked and it was rotating shifts. Had no time to really do anything so I just finally got tired of it and took the jump. I start on Monday with a local electric company! Super excited to be straight days.

[@archie5385]

Hi, I’m about to be apprentice electrician in a few weeks but I’m hesitant with my math skills like I’m literally bad at math. Can anyone confirm do you have to be extremely good at math?

[@americanelectrician]

You’ll be alright bro. Just pay attention in class. Most of it can be written down and you can use your phone to calculate

[@OSAS726]

You can take a couple of semesters of math at the college Archie. I’m currently in college right now studying electrical engineering and I’ve already gone through college algebra and trigonometry. Next semester I’ll be in calculus. If you ever need help with math, you have my contact here. I would be more than happy to help you. Once you get the hang of it, math is not that hard at all. You got this! God bless you, brother.

[@rettro6578]

@@OSAS726are you willing to provide an email to get in touch about math tips?

[@archie5385]

I’ve been an apprentice for two months. Been doing overtime lately and feels good man. There’s not a lot of math involve of what I’m doing right now but so far so good. I hope you guys are doing well.

[@cronicgamerzsmicrowave2712]

Hey man I know i'm late to the video but i'm torn between going for a residential, commercial, or an industrial. I am going to go to trade school just so I can grasp everything and make less mistakes. Money isn't an issue but what would you recommend for overall career building, and financially? Should i start out residential or build my way up? Or should I go straight into a different field?

[@zerotsu2911]

How do I become an apprentice with no experience ?

[@jakes-dev1337]

I think you just need tools and a grade 12 diploma for most places.

[@henryengellv5075]

For most places you dont need any college education for an apprenticeship or previous experience, that’s the whole point of an apprenticeship. Just look at the requirements for wherever you’re applying. Most times it’s just a high school diploma or GED level education.

[@kaimartin6649]

Can you make a video explains the different types of electricians are your personally experience on the types of electrical work you have done ?

[@americanelectrician]

Personally I have done most stuff. I am a commercial and industrial service electrician and that’s where most of my time has been spent. I have never done residential work professionally but I have done a number of projects in residential. I have done large scale commercial and industrial new construction for about a year.

[@kaimartin6649]

@@americanelectrician yeah , I’m having a difficult time finding a companies that takes people who are wanting to start out. A lot of places are asking for people who already have schooling experiences.

[@StevenOwensby]

unpaid 20 minutes a day for 5 days a week is one hour of wage theft. period.

[@FromAnElectrician]

I agree. Signing into a building and driving around the site is part of the job and you should be compensated for it

[@markthespark6240]

Truly spoken by someone who is going to be an employee for the rest of their life!

[@markthespark6240]

@@FromAnElectrician Truly spoken by someone who is going to be an employee for the rest of their life!

[@americanelectrician]

You wouldn’t expect to be compensated if the job was an extra 20 minutes away from your house. People will drive 2 hours away and it’s part of the job but not sign in to a facility 20 minutes prior that’s in town

[@markthespark6240]

@@americanelectrician So true. You are getting paid to be on the job at 7am, not in the carpark at 7am.

[@АндрейФ-р8т]

If you can explain to me. How many hours i have to work like learner?

[@dylanlangdon-bv3jq]

8600 hours

[@jimsummers487]

Fair….. tell that to your 3pensions and annuity

[@ayiguddah]

Thank you sir

[@Walt.s5]

How do I get started in this career I’m 17 and I’m interested do I have to go to trading school ?

[@americanelectrician]

No trade school required. I suggest skipping trade school and going to find a contractor who works in your area and they can get you set up!

[@prettyboishah2898]

​@americanelectrician Hi American Electrician, I was thinking of joining IBEW Union Local 730 (South Florida). My Dad is an electrician. However, he is 65 and doesn't work as much. It's been a while since I touched any electrical work, and dine any wiring. So you recommend to go straight to a self contractor right away?

[@stilliraise9201]

There not a such thing as good journeyman. Besides they choose the younger ones and leave us 50 yrs old behind. That's why is better to choose trade school since there's no pick and choose age type of discrimination.

[@Walt.s5]

@@americanelectrician ok thank you

[@jeandevilliers370]

If anyone could give me advice would be appreciated I’m an installation electrician but I really want to get into …. Systems protection engineering is that a good choice ?

[@BESWOCKEVr]

If I have no prior electrician knowledge should I still try and persue and apprenticeship even if I don’t know anything?

[@americanelectrician]

Absolutely. I started from zero and was as green as could be

[@panaka1]

should be paid for

[@stilliraise9201]

Wait what??? Don't they said you have to go to trade school?

[@jonton6541]

Nope. Not required

[@stilliraise9201]

The union put you on a waiting list. Is useless to join when there's lots people applying

[@M5WithSubs]

It’s recommended that you go. More job opportunities.

[@stilliraise9201]

​@@M5WithSubs ok I get that. So you are saying to go to trade school first then join union. I think this is what your saying

[@M5WithSubs]

@@stilliraise9201 yes, whatever your preference is.

[@stilliraise9201]

How you guys become electritian? I want to become one. Nobody here is helping

[@dawsonzahnley4652]

There was a course in the college I was in

[@Rajeshmullassery]

Certainly! Here's a revised version of your sentence: "Can you explain in a video how foreign qualification certificate holders can find an apprenticeship in Ireland?"

[@SuperdutyExplorer]

Here I thought the main one was; every other trade makes fun of you 😂

[@americanelectrician]

I’d be mad too if someone was making more money than me😂

[@SuperdutyExplorer]

@@americanelectrician hahahha, maybe but I do like my 5 months off in winter when it's too cold for road construction!

[@americanelectrician]

5 months doesn’t sound too bad

[@adrianortiz5147]

Do u honestly like being a electrician ?

[@americanelectrician]

I love it

[@Colin.does.electric]

I thought your mic was a Klein reamer for a second 😂

[@BucketClinger]

I gotta show up on time to do anything. I don't see how that is special to be being an apprentice. You lost me right as you started talking.

[@cecilseatertan9540]

I used to be an apprentice and this guy seems fairly friendly. Idk if that's just for the vid or this is really him. Either way the guys I worked with were not this friendly.

[@JackElectrician]

🔥🔥🔥

[@americanelectrician]

It’s much appreciated!

[@ChristianStange-s6d]

There's something about making money being the name of the game that is very unappetizing.

[@americanelectrician]

Wel honestly you probably won’t like working anywhere then outside of a non for profit

[@houseatreides6683]

​@@americanelectricianthanks for the video man. Quick question for you, I was a very average Bs and Cs student in high school and I have zero experience with electrical work, so how hard is it going to be for me to learn all of this stuff? Am I going to be able to handle this? I'm not an idiot but I'm not super book smart either, just average

[@houseatreides6683]

​​@@americanelectricianone more quick question then I'll shut up I promise, I'm an Illinois resident for reference and I have a couple marijuana and marijuana pipe charges from 2009 and 2012. No felonies, no other criminal charges whatsoever and I don't even do that stupid crap anymore and haven't for over 7 years. Will those marijuana misdemeanors keep me from becoming an electrician?

[@OutCome5]

@@houseatreides6683 No, that won't stop you from being an electrician. I've worked with ex-cons who became electricians.

[@TyTaylor-mx1qu]

@@houseatreides6683it shouldn’t

[@jonhofelich9107]

Be a worm. Go in on your time and leave on your time. Nevermind you aren't getting paid for that time. As long as the customer and worms above you are happy, that's what matters.

[@silentx1811]

A tip the only stupid question is one you dont ask ask if you dont know youre there too learn

[@anonymous-tq2pg]

This job sounds depressing

[@theloudprofessional]

Do you get paid to be there early? Nope

[@jimmysalford8415]

If you’re paid to start work at 7am and you arrive at 7. You are being paid for not working. Nobody is earning any money until you actually start running cable or whatever you’re supposed to be doing.

[@jimmysalford8415]

Plus if you aim to be there exactly at 7. When you are paid from. That means any hold up on the way and you’re late.

[@matt59fire]

Yes u do. At my job u do. If I ever run a company, it will be the same way

[@M5WithSubs]

Just arrive 5-10mins before start time

[@armandfair3398]

You're just lazy

[@rzawistowski33]

Youre paid for working, not for setting yourself up

[@JackElectrician]

First

[@americanelectrician]

Jack the man! Let’s go!

[@carltucker5254]

So disrespecting your father is acceptable. My son is going to be an electrician because I recommended it to him. He believes in me, and he loves me and wouldn't disrespect me. Us fathers do know more than you younger people. Your father is older than you and has learned a lot about life and from life. You don't know as much as your father, but you are on KZbin telling people what they should do. You have a lot to learn. I don't know you, but I can hear what you're saying. You should try and listen to your father.

[@americanelectrician]

I think you missed everything I said completely. My father is great and we have a great relationship. When I was 19 or whatever I didn’t want to listen to him about it but eventually decided to do it and admitted he was right. I don’t get your beef with what I said

[@xantilirium4675]

You don’t know if he knows more than his father or not, this guys could read regularly on who knows what, and the dad could be a workaholic, respect to the dad ofc but that doesn’t give him authority, its all about respect, his dad gonna guide him but he still has his own wishes as his own person that he deserves to seek out, not saying he should disrespect his pops but I think you misinterpreted what he was saying. Being older doesn’t immediately make you smarter than us “younger people”, i’ve seen some bonehead, and ignorant oldheads, and smart and insightful young people, all respects to you because your a father and that takes dedication and bravery, but that don’t make you better than anyone. congratulations on your son, we need more fathers with healthy relationships with their sons🙏🏽🙏🏽