What Should Apprentices Expect on Day One?

As electricians (or any trades really), we all do not start off at the top- running things! We start off at the very bottom and work our way up. So, what should someone expect when they first enter the electrical trade? In today's episode of Electrician U, Dustin shares his perspective on what a brand-new electrician should expect to be doing as well as a few tips regarding work ethic.
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#electrician #electrical #electricity
Let’s face it; there is so much to learn to become a journeyman electrician, that that amount of knowledge needed can be a daunting task to grasp. To be a great electrician, you must start soaking in that knowledge early on in your career AND continue to learn the entire time you are working in the trades. So, upon entering the trades, this learning starts day one. It may not feel like it, but it’s happening. For the first several months, a green apprentice (or helper) will be expected to be HELPFUL but not necessarily feel IMPACTFUL, and you should learn to be OK with that! You will be expected to do the mundane tasks of cleaning, organizing, and bringing parts/tools to those electricians above you. Part of the reason is because those tasks still need to be done, but the other reason is to learn. There are tons and tons of electrical materials/tools, and an electrician will need to know what those materials/tools are. So, by being asked to go find, restock, or deliver those materials/tools you get the repetitions in by searching for them and handling them.
You may also be asked to do many seemingly mundane tasks like doing nothing but putting the three wires on a receptacle, but not being allowed to screw it into the box. By doing an entire house of installing 3 wires on a receptacle, after several houses, you will become proficient at the task. At some point, your journeyman will recognize your proficiency, and will take the next step at letting you put those receptacles into the box and properly install the cover plate. Its all learning and repetitions! Even something as simple as sweeping up or cleaning. While this seems like something so easy to understand, you are actually learning attention to detail as well as learning how different journeymen want those types of tasks done, as each journeyman is different! Trust me, what works for one may NOT be the way another one wants it done!! You will undoubtedly be the one whom crawls in the attics or under houses. Almost all our work as electricians is hidden from view (with the exception of where the electricity will be utilized like receptacles, light fixtures, panels, etc.) and you will need to know how to get from point A to point B. in addition, veteran electricians have been in so many attics and under so many houses, that we no longer want to get in those spaces! Enter the apprentice!!

[@armandogarcia4006]

I love how you said “if you’re afraid of heights this the perfect job to get over it” instead of saying “then this isn’t the job for you”

[@FishFind3000]

Yep, saw another post from an electrician that said they were afraid of heights. Then proceed to climb 25-30’ of scaffolding to install a light under the eve.

[@MontegaB]

Agreed. Facing it is the best option.

[@bigguyprepper]

I’m afraid of heights still as a journeyman. I’ve learned I’m not afraid of heights just falling. I’ve been fortunate enough to have good foremen who allow me the ability to take my time and be cautious which has helped me tremendously. Working on man lifts I have no problem. Ladders is another story

[@cloakedsquid]

im afraid of heights but being an electrician has definitely helped with that fear

[@mos8541]

i have full on acrophobia, hard wired, cant fix, yet did fine as a Marine, shitting my pants fast roping, at nite, cant see the end of the rope, i absolutely HATE ladders, scaffolds i didnt put up myself, etc. i still do what i have to, but im no where near as fast as someone who isnt afraid of heights,.. however... under ground, submerged, dark, pressing on all sides, no air, ... dont bother me in any way at all.

[@isaiahkaulaity9467]

Unfortunately, a lot of journeyman don't explain or try to train. I really appreciate working with a journeyman that puts some effort into training. Even if it's a "no dummy, you screwed up" type of training. At least they're letting me learn, even if it is with some tough love.

[@bradb877]

My journeyman let me install all the outlets in a 10,000 sq foot mansion. Before he said hey, they need to be 2 inches higher. Guess what I got to do the rest of the day. Go back and fix every one of them. I mean I wasn't sitting around for sure but my productivity for the day was pretty low in actual work completed.

[@isaiahkaulaity9467]

@brad baxter oof, giving detailed explanations is important when training. I used to be in restaurant management and have a lot of experience with training people. If you don't give details, it will get done however the trainee thinks it should get done. 😂

[@curtiswaters7415]

Best journeyman I ever had would take a couple minutes to explain what we were doing if we hadn't done before, mention some relevant code rules, and allow me to ask questions before we got to work. On the commute in the van he would insist that I pick his brain. I figure it probably helped him retain the knowledge long term.

[@marcosraphael2604]

I had learned more from my fellow apprentices, than I ever did with my lead electrician. The amount of times I got told to do something, not explained how to do it, ended up doing it wrong and getting yelled at for it. Now I'm the guy that over explains everything

[@dx7354]

​@@marcosraphael2604I when through the same thing and realized after a point that this dude wasn't interested in training me

[@561ram]

So I'm in my 3rd week of learning how to be an electrician....I can do plugs, regular light switches and I just learned GFCI receptacles!!! I run to the van a lot and grab tools and stuff and that's cool I've learned to identify so much. so far I love it!!!

[@johnsxterra9020]

Week 6 learn how to rough-in a house entirely by myself.I love that I'm getting so much experience already!!

[@edgewyze7352]

I started following you because I'm seriously considering getting into this industry. I'm 40, willing to work and learn. I used to be a cable guy, so I'm apt to this type of work. This video was a sign. I'm going for it.

[@blairwilson9272]

go for it, I am 38 and enrolled in a pre-apprenticeship course for later this year - I reckon it will be awesome work, physical but also need to use your brains too!

[@edgewyze7352]

@@blairwilson9272 yup. I'm looking into one now. Good luck, buddy!

[@RobbR556]

I'm 56, going to be 57 at the end of February. I'm a year and a half into my apprenticeship. Loving every minute of it!

[@aidanray4846]

I decided to go at 18

[@martf1061]

You surely must already have seen electricians and there helpers at work, so you already have a good idea of what to expect.

[@Noah-the-boa]

I've been a commercial apprentice for around a year and a half and I can say this is some of the best advice you could apply to your first days. Don't be afraid to make mistakes, that is where you can learn the most! 👍

[@Immolate62]

Do be afraid of making the same mistake twice.

[@paulinoleal5592]

Hey man I want to be an apprentice, how do I find a company to do a commercial apprenticeship? Also can I change from commercial to residential or industrial?

[@martf1061]

Exactly. But the important thing about Making mistakes... is to learn from them and not repeat.

[@Noah-the-boa]

@@paulinoleal5592 so here in Oregon you apply to the apprenticeship program and once you get through the interview process you are can get picked up by any company. I was just lucky to get picked up by a commercial company. As for the license in Oregon the general journey man license covers commercial, residential, and industrial. But if you just get an industrial license then that is all it is good for. Not sure what state you live in but they are all a little different so you should call around to the trade schools 👍. Hope that helps brotha

[@Bapuji42]

@@paulinoleal5592 Where do you live?

[@05glisedan]

The phone issue is very real. Some just aren't mature enough to disconnect and leave it alone.

[@azveteran2]

I'm having my new apprentice watch this video. You touch on some very good points. When I was new, the journeymen tried to make me quit. They weren't nice to me at all. But they couldn't and stuck it out. Personally, I really want to train. I want my experience to carry on when I retire.

[@lumpyjuicee]

train me r u in ny

[@ethanwasme4307]

i can't wait to train apprentices

[@PhyzDGamingNPaintball]

@@ethanwasme430725 Super smart guy , almost went to college for Business Communications and Computer science, ended up being with my lady and having my daughter at 21 😅, Interested in starting a apprentice program, think it will be good career for me? Already have a brother in the industry

[@brandonknight2330]

Going on month 3 of my apprenticeship and this cant be more true i have been in the shop the whole time putting material requisitions together and counting inventory running to electrical suppliers receiving freight truck and organizing large jobs and delivering materials to job sites. it has been a great way to learn all the different materials i cant way to be put out in the field eventually

[@gueromx915]

Your the shop guy now 😂

[@brandonknight2330]

@@gueromx915 haha i was for about 6 months. Been out in the field for a bit now

[@scottapt5291]

In 1978, I started working in the shop of a big local electrical contractor after school when I was 15. I emptied gang boxes and cleaned tools that came back from jobs, sorted and restocked nuts, bolts, hangers, conduit fittings, etc. and learned what everything was. When I turned 17, I went out on jobs as a summer helper then as soon as I was eligible, I was accepted into a four year apprenticeship. I became a journeyman in 1985. It's been a great career and I was fortunate to be able to get job exposure from everything from multifamily housing to nuclear power generating stations, malls, office buildings, and switch yards.

[@mcb7104]

Sounds like you guys did a shit job at teaching him. lol

[@georgenewman1798]

As a electrical contractor for 40 plus years I so much appreciate this video and your message to the apprentice. Your Spot on and I am one of those old school guys. If I may add that work ethic is everything make your boss proud He will be more interested in mentoring you

[@LandonClimbs]

Absolutely. Give 115% everyday! And you will learn 😌 im excited to become an electrician

[@EdCarrion-f8g]

Thats encouraging to hear Especially coming from the Boss Fortunately I'm the type who respects the process. I don't want anything if it ain't earned

[@Hey_Marko]

Thank you! I’m a 34 year old husband and dad of 4 kids, and I am considering becoming an electrician. I should’ve started years ago, but I have a good work ethic and I am eager to learn. 🤙🏻

[@luis-nu2dk]

Go union. These non unions will take advantage of you

[@dannyperez1431]

@@luis-nu2dk I’m in trade school and everyone in my class wants to go to union lol

[@erikaanderson7912]

34 year old mom of 4 starting this soon! Did you ever start?

[@hidesbehindpseudonym1920]

I'm 37. I couldn't even imagine having kids already I guess that's when people have them though. Been thinking about becoming an electrician since my twenties.

[@RebelliousRenegade21]

At work right now but came across this video. Calling my school to get enrolled in their electrician program so I can start to get trained & certified. I’m 27 and just tired of the warehouse/delivery work. Just time for a change and something I can be confident doing. Thank you so much for this!

[@dgc7742]

I'm with you on that, brother. I've been in retail most of the time and tired of doing delivery also. Just want to learn something useful and pay well. I've been thinking hard on becoming an apprentice myself.

[@RebelliousRenegade21]

@@dgc7742 sounds great to me brother and I’m hoping nothing but the best on your journey, I’ve put in my date to start my application so I’m excited for this journey for the both of us my friend

[@glasscitymatt419]

Same I currently work at a warehouse and thinking the same thing

[@johndavies2949]

The biggest 3 rules as an apprentice. #1. Bring your lunch! Even if all the guys are gonna go out to lunch, and you can join them. Save it for tomorrow. We use to go out for lunch every Friday and take an hour and work a little later that day to make up for it. It was nice and a nice way to cap off the week. But I still brought my lunch just in case we couldn't, like in the middle of a big pull or watching a concrete pour. #2 Be on time! Do not be pulling into the parking lot at starting time. You should be at your job trailer or job site or whatever a few minutes before starting time. It isn't gonna kill ya. Why? So the foreman knows who is there and what jobs to have the guys do and who to team up with who. When you show up late,even just 15 minutes you louse up the assignments and now the forman has to layout everything again just to accommodate you. #3. Dress appropriately. Wear substancial work shoes. No sneakers. Good leather boots or work shoes. Not necessarily steel toes unless it's mandatory for that work site. Everyone hates steel toes. No matter how you try, around afternoon your toes are bumping that steel all day and they hurt. But you should have a pair. Wear rugged pants. There are good work shorts like the UPS guys wear that you may want to wear in the hot summer, but you'll need long pants most of the time. And no holes! You never know where your gonna be working. You wanna make a professional appearance. You're not "stylin" like you were Alan Jackson or something. You don't need a uniform. Just a decent work shirt and pants.

[@anthonyhitchings1051]

There is no reason to hate steel toed boots in this day and age. My retired BIL has steel toed shoes that he loves.

[@MarioChavira-p9n]

for steel toe shoe I have wrangler work socks, it works really well for cheap welding boots from rooster brands! the boots has been numbing front and back of my feet, I've been double socking before I had wranglerXD

[@explorersclub4743]

I’m 24 and I start my first ever electrical job in a few days. I’m so excited and determined to give it all I got. After completing trade school I still feel like I didn’t know as much as I should but this video helped me understand that as long as I’m a proactive learner combined with my fluent tool use and what little knowledge I already have will be enough to make myself a good prospect in the trade. Wish me luck!

[@lieutenantkhaos]

How was it?

[@explorersclub4743]

@@lieutenantkhaos I love it so far i have so much to learn still and I’m still very green but I’m getting cleaner and more knowledgeable everyday. I took on my first side job yesterday and successfully completed the project made $50 for an hour of work no material needed.

[@lumpyjuicee]

@@explorersclub4743 nice job bro, any new updates ?

[@LAAM619]

Updates ?

[@oscargaray5740]

How you doing now bro??

[@alromero5685]

I wish I came across a video like this 7 years ago. By the grace of God I’m a journeyman now.

[@tyd3407]

How old are you?

[@alromero5685]

@@tyd3407 36

[@808_dream]

Good for you man I’m 20 and highly considering going for this trade. Hopefully all goes well

[@alromero5685]

@@808_dream Go for it. Best decision you’ll ever make. With electrical, you’ll never be out of work.

[@IVDestroyerzzVIJc]

@@alromero5685do you need to have experience???

[@Brandonreisinger]

I’m on week 4 of my apprenticeship, the company I work for does new construction on multi unit projects. Every day is balls to the wall, you might trim a couple units in the morning. Hang drop ins after lunch then scramble to Rough a unit cause the drywall guys decided to show up for once. Day one my foreman was like off you go, learn fast cause we can’t slow down. It’s been really exciting. I’m very fortunate the guys on my crew are patient and helpful.

[@BlueNovaPlayZRoblox]

Yo bro how you doing right now please reply if you see I want to get into it be honest let me know everything help a brother out🙏🏾

[@delong_quinton]

I am a younger individual looking into becoming an electrician and I have been told already in the job I am in to take initiative and to ask to work harder. I am the type of person to get really bored when I do not have something to do. they are teaching me right now at my job to be present and to have confidence in myself. I did not realize until this video that this trade may be a very good fit for me. thank you!

[@TwilightxKnight13]

The worst apprentice I ever saw was when I worked for a telco subcontractor installing co-locations in central offices. He had a week of class training and then assigned to us in the field. The first task we gave him was to cut a length of cable in half that was already run out on the floor in our storage area. It was roughly 300ft of 25-pair for a cross-connect panel we were going to pull into a cable tray. It was actually rolled out such that all you needed to do was align the ends and cut it in the middle. Simple. He was gone for two hours and brought us three pieces of cable. Apparently, he decided to read the length stamping on the jacket, do the math and calculate where to cut it in the middle. He miscalculated, and cut it in the wrong place. Then to make matters worse, he recalculated found his error, and cut the cable again as if that would fix the problem. To say we were astounded is an understatement. So, we had him doing some cleanup for the rest of the morning. At lunch an argument broke out when he insisted that if you cut a sandwich into to halves, you now have two sandwiches. Not two halves of a sandwich, but two sandwiches. He doubled down and insisted that a pizza, sliced into eights, is now eight pizzas. He was so insistent that he was getting red in the face, bulging veins in his neck, etc. The final straw was, one of our journeyman was on a ladder and asked to borrow the apprentice's #2 Phillips screwdriver and he responded that all he had were Klein screwdrivers. Needless to say the foreman sent him back to the office. We don't know what happened to him after that.

[@LandonClimbs]

Common sense isnt so common.. if your new and have a problem with the task at hand, ASK A QUESTION PLEASE FOR THE LOVE OF GOD LOL.

[@BlueNovaPlayZRoblox]

😂

[@GauseyYT]

Thanks for that lol gold 😂

[@GailUrge-vq6qn]

What happened to him is that he was eventually placed in the best possible environment for him to start out in the work force by beginning his training in either Subway Sandwiches or Dominos Pizza.

[@marcberm]

Only electrician I've ever seen with chemistry and particle physics books on the shelf! My man shattering the myth that tradespeople have to be dumb jocks or one trick ponies.

[@ryanf1372]

They're just for looks, electricians can't read

[@TwilightxKnight13]

I was an electrical engineer before I was an electrician. Gave me a unique insight into the technical side of the work. You can also find electricians from time to time who just want to know something about everything and might take unexpected classes at the local community college for their own use. I know a guy that has something like nine associate degrees on a number of subjects from chemistry and engineering to journalism and psychology. He has been in college continuously for more than 25 years taking a class here and there.

[@jacobrichardson3744]

It's so crazy to see where I started 5 years ago, watching your first few apprentice help videos. To now, I have my j card and am watching these revised apprentice help videos. Crazy how fast time has gone.

[@Kubaski616]

Love the rant about the differences and relationship between the older and newer generations.

[@Canadian_LEGO]

This came at the perfect time. Starting my pre employment courses in a month, hopefully get into an apprenticeship right after that.

[@sargeatlarge24v]

I’m 25 and was raised by the old school guys. A lot of good tips in this video. I’ve helped some buddys and my moms ex boyfriend when I was about 13 do electrical and decided to finally get a full time job doing electrical. Staying off your phone is going to put you ahead of everyone else these days.

[@MontegaB]

The work ethic thing is so real, man. I'm not one to pile on the new generation and say that they are soft, but the fact is modern life is a lot easier and more convenient than a couple of decades ago. Hard work is really few and far between for most kids. I will say, though I think there is hope. A lot of it is based on the individual. I know when I first saw what hard work was it was awe inspiring. There's nothing more respectable to me than a relentless work ethic.

[@damianroybal1506]

17 year old apprentice here, this generation is probably more soft because of the technology but I offer to work weekends after working Monday-Friday because I love learning and I show up early I hope to teach the next generation right

[@case6189]

Exactly. Young kids just don’t seem to take pride in their work at all. It’s sad to say every job I’ve ever had all I’ve come to realize is the majority of people you work with are lazy, whine and do their best to avoid working as much as possible. Convenience is exactly the problem and honestly most of them will never understand

[@HELLNAWW]

As someone that got sold up shit creek on the college path, I think that has something to do with it. We are teaching young men that sitting down with their heads down is productive and will make them money. It doesn't work out for most of them, they just get debt, a lazy work ethic for physical work, burnt out from doing mental work, and no job at the end.

[@HELLNAWW]

The Gen-Z that I work with purposefully try to do no work and the bosses encourage it. It's a bullshit factory, office work. Don't like it. It's about doing as little as possible, not being rewarded for your hard effort.

[@Dairybacon]

Just got my first apprentice this week. Newfound respect for all the guys I worked under that had to answer my million questions and show me how to do everything.

[@thefuturegamer9451]

I am apart of gen z and I totally see people my age that don’t understand work ethic, I have had many times with both school and work where I have to relay on a coworker or partner on a group project to get a certain part done only for them to be on TikTok or instagram or whatever they are involved in and push it back. That’s also why I have this thought sometimes where I need to do everything as I can’t rely on other people to do their part

[@marcellorenz4592]

I am a high school teacher who is currently teaching Electrical and Electronics classes. I am in my last year of teaching and am more of the “old school “ type. I still try to get across to my students that when they are out in the work world or if they decide to apprentice in a trade they need to show that they are willing to work. It is pretty obvious which of my students will struggle for the reasons you talked about. They are too concerned with being on their phones or trying to avoid doing the work. However I still see many students who are hard workers, ask good questions and want to do a good job. Keep making your great videos. I find them educational, and also entertaining. Which is the key to getting people to learn.

[@richardb2795]

tomorrow will be 1 year as an electrician, your videos have helped me immensely.

[@royreynolds108]

This video, even though made for electricians, is "on point" for every job. I remember being an engineering aide in a division engineer's office for the first time in 1965 when I was 17 between my freshman and sophomore years at college. I am 76 now.

[@obey_giant]

Bro seems mad chill. Trying to get into an apprenticeship at 30, super hyped I found your channel! Hoping I can make this happen 🙏🏼

[@turrubiartes21ify]

Love all your content brother, I wish you can have more topics about life or just random thoughts that cross your mind, love the way you express your thoughts

[@tyson31415]

As a "New Guy" I have to say this hits perfect. I spent last year being the person who knew where things the "doers" needed that were hidden in the depths of the truck's "back seat", which wasn't that hard since I had to sit back there with all of it. This year I have been elevated to sitting in the front seat, and am permitted to use most the power tools.

[@jaypioh]

boomers will never understand that the reason why the younger gen doesnt work as hard is because they have to work FOR BOOMERS. millennials and zoomers weren't taught how to do anything by gen X nor boomers but the boomers still expect these standards of the younger folk. thanks for the helpful vids as always, i will try to absorb as much as i can so i can be a good helper.

[@miles13242]

Man, this is pretty true. Without KZbin, I wouldn't know how to do anything. Way too many broken homes/families that weren't there for the next generations.

[@BonurChamp]

​@@miles13242Yup. KZbin University

[@Mountains4ever]

Dude, I want you as my teacher when I start this. I’m 33 doing a career change and have no idea what I’m doing. Your teaching style is exactly what I want/need

[@zzlee08]

I’m moving from Sales to this field. Hopefully it’s a good choice. :)

[@gratestever6409]

I’m 19 and I want to get into this career or welding trying to see which career path would be better

[@Keepgoing9919]

@@gratestever6409 welding is terrible for your health which you probably don’t care about right now, but you will when you become an old man if you make it that far. I’m only 24 and working in construction I see a lot of younger guys taking their health for granted trying to be macho but there’s nothing macho about losing your vision or hearing. It makes you weaker in fact. Take this from someone almost of peak physical condition who has experienced multiple chronic injuries.

[@rev3160]

@@Keepgoing9919yea I recently spoke to a guy who switched from welding to being a security guard because of how physically tasking welding was on his body

[@jutde]

I don't have a fear of heights, I have a fear of unplanned landings. I look forward to the adrenaline rush of confronting that fear regularly.

[@sunbeames1847]

I'm an apprentice working for 4 months now for commercial. Not only does my supervisors teach me about parts and tasks, they also instill the fear of OSHA. For example, a week in I did what the guy at 9:45 did, got chewed out for it, and was told to find a bigger ladder. I was also told that if I got caught again then I would be tasked with retrieving every abandoned ladder owned by the company on site (which could range from 6 ft to 12 ft tall).

[@ffejkk37]

What if I'm a 2nd year electrician starting with a new company? The company is a click of 10 electricians that have been together for decades.

[@shootmalones]

Im excited for this. Ive been doing community college for a couple years and im just sick of it, thinking i might learn a trade

[@bosco2814]

I'm a 33 immigrant, and going to change my career from a teacher to an electrician. Tomorrow will be my 1st day as an apprentice, which is quite nervous and stressful.

[@RioDsai]

How did you find it

[@bosco2814]

@@RioDsaiI'm in Canada. Just keep looking for any electric company that would willing to hire an apprentice. I've been working for almost a month.

[@RioDsai]

@@bosco2814 I mean do you think it's getting on

[@bosco2814]

@@RioDsai I'm definitely in the process of learning and getting used to the basic tasks, like installing boxes and cord lining. However, having a good supervisor/mentor makes a big difference. My first supervisor was patient and knowledgeable, and I learned a lot from him. Otherwise, understanding the underlying logic can be quite challenging.

[@ryanf1372]

I've been on jobs i didn't have anything to do for weeks working 6 12's . Sometimes you get paid for just your time. Some days my only job was to go pick up food for lunch .

[@deleted917]

Helll yeah

[@ricardoalvarez7016]

100% agree with you on this video! I feel like I’m in between as well I know when there’s a time and place to be on a phone. Worth ethic can take you a long way and some of the younger generation don’t understand that! It seems as if though they want to be entrepreneurs, don’t get me wrong there’s nothing wrong with that either but we need more tradesmen/tradeswomen in our world!

[@DaunteNicholson15]

I’m so glad I found this video I have just graduated high school early and got a call few days ago and next thing I know I’m working on Monday for an apprenticeship I straight up quit my job at target and I’m very excited to learn this trade I know it’ll be a lot of hard work

[@knappyjr7489]

How did is it going

[@DaunteNicholson15]

@@knappyjr7489 yo I totally forgot about this comment but im still with the company and I am in school and the company is paying for it as long as my grades are good. The pay is great for a first year too but definitely this is my career for life. Love learning every step of the way.

[@ChrisCurtinATL]

I loved your approach to the apprentices. I'm in a completely different industry, but do the same. Give them something to start with day 1. Answer questions, ask them questions, recommend sites and videos to go look at. Only once have I sent one to get my lunch :) Of course when they f-it-up explain what they did wrong. Most laugh about how little they knew at the end of the first week once they realize we expect them to have to learn.

[@calebschannel505]

"you're gonna have to suck for a while" love that😆

[@DominickRuocco]

I'm so grateful that the Electrical Contractor I started with allowed me to work with my hands on Day 1. The first week I just installed devices but in my 2nd week they allowed me to work in a rough in with supervision.

[@Bapuji42]

You're really lucky. I've been lucky in that respect too. I've only been in the program since June and I've been able to do a variety of stuff from underground to rough in to trim.

[@Firestarter635]

Three sayings I heard from my time in the trade. 1- If your not mechanically inclined your going to struggle. 2-In relation to pulling wire better looking at it than looking for it. 3- If you don`t make your boss money he`s got no use for you.

[@thatcornercamper6024]

Just had the opposite experience day one on the job. I did 90% of a service upgrade on a panel while my master watched, told stories, and told me what to do. He jumped in every so often to check my work or do something he felt more comfortable doing. Loved the hands on experience today.

[@palmer8976]

I’m 16 and looking into getting into this field. Thank you for your insight!

[@michaelwarnock3988]

Dude send it, find a local dude to start doing stuff for. Us young guys have it good- easy to be better than the other shmucks.

[@palmer8976]

@@michaelwarnock3988 I’ll look into it! Thank you for the advice

[@thezedunderurbed1049]

Don't, stay in college.

[@libra6829]

@@thezedunderurbed1049 Why do you say that?

[@me56ize]

@@thezedunderurbed1049 college is a scam unless youre going for the right degree

[@1992-g2k]

I'm wanting to get an apprenticeship. So, I recently started as a shop help for an electric shop. I try and learn and soak up as much as possible from the journeymen. Very lucky to work at an awesome shop and the journeymen are all so helpful and answer any questions I have. Once I have an understanding of the trade and tools and the gear that they use. I plan on trying. Im currently part of the union working at the shop so im hoping with the right knowledge ill be able to secure me a spot and work my way to journeyman.

[@MrKetchup1805]

I was extremely afraid of heights, and still fight it. Yesterday, I had to climb out of a boom lift 40ft up onto a 45 degree shingled rooftop, and the scramble up to the peek to swap a light fixture!!😅

[@Rckstrroma5]

Make sure to also have some tools and a small side bag to carry them or even backpack If you have the tools- you can do more and not be bored

[@sparks3842]

I’m fresh out of highschool and start my apprenticeship next week. Really looking forward to it🤘

[@delevingne8691]

Damn bro how did you get an apprenticeship?

[@sparks3842]

@@delevingne8691 I just kept calling different companies until someone took me for an interview. I started working today but won’t go to school till the end of the year.

[@paintball130]

What you lack in experience you will make up for with muscle... If its your first day as an apprentice in any trade, make sure you eat your Wheaties that morning

[@Valleyplant]

It’s second month as an apprentice and I have already felt myself going up the learning curve. Once I got to the point where I was doing my own conduit runs and other tasks without supervision I realized how enjoyable this trade is

[@Michael-b9n2k]

On day one you're going to learn how your journeyman wants his extension cord rolled up

[@aaronhurst03]

Or the wire hanging from the ceiling says I need it in 5ft wraps but then proceeds to wrap it the way I did just a lil faster cause he as trynna prove a point SMH .

[@realfloridaredneck1988]

My first day was bending 41 1" EMT, then building boxes to attach to that conduit. Trial by Prefab!

[@johnsxterra9020]

First day on the job I have to drill holes in studs 36in up then pull wire through those studs at the end of the day sweep up wood shavings

[@BlackHoleForge]

I was working on a residential site with my father one summer. We had to replace some gas pipe. I had been digging a 120 ft ditch since 7:30 a.m. And I mean digging in that thick clay with gravel and rock stuff. We sat down around 12:30 to have our lunch and I noticed this machine being delivered down the road. You sat on it, and it had a big bar on the front like a chainsaw. Oh that's a Ditch Witch. It can dig ditches six foot down, doesn't even care if there's rocks. Then I asked, why didn't we get one for this job? Well if the boss rented that machine, then he wouldn't have money for you now would he? Son you are our Ditch Witch. I got a little down thinking about how easy it would have been to replace me with a machine. It would have been quicker and with less effort. I guess the boss noticed I wasn't in my normal chipper mood because at the end of the day he came to me and said, tools can be replaced, but good workers are hard to come by. That shovel and that Ditch Witch do the exact same job. But if you don't have somebody that knows how to use that tool, then it's useless. The tool is only as good as the person using it. I learned what it means to be an apprentice that day, about the values that was placed on my work, and how me as a person can also add to the company.

[@hellsbreach]

6:40 As a wise dog once said, "Sucking at something is the first step to being kinda good at something."

[@leekazuya1305]

when I was first year, a journeyman I worked under would ask me to go do site clean up and garbage run every day, and he would tell me to save up all the scrap wire if I happen to see some when I am doing site clean up, he would put it in a bin in his van, and I always thought he is gonna sell it and keep it to himself, a while later the bin was full, we drove to the scrap yard, he sold everything and handed me half the cash and told me something like "you did a good job cleaning up every day, and without a clean site, things won't be very productive" lol it was like 120 bucks, not much but the thought was really nice. I think because of that experience, I never dislike cleaning up the site, even though now I don't have to, I still clean up alongside the apprentices whenever I can.

[@Grayzul]

Start my first day through IBEW on Monday. Ready for my journey!

[@thecookiedoughjo]

Thank you. I just applied for an apprenticeship position now that I watched this video I feel very good about it.

[@germankatze5484]

Starting my first day In the morning, I appreciated this video thank you!

[@PatrickPease]

I really appreciate how you went from professional video persona to journeyman teaching the fucking apprentice

[@TheForgottenMan270]

The differences between journeyman and apprentices that the journeyman has knowledge and experience. The work in and of itself is all journeyman work. If an apprentice isn't doing the "mundane" work, a journeyman is doing it. When I got into the electrical trade that's the thing that I always thought. Now I do jobs on my own and sometimes they guy in charge. The company I work for is really small and so I have very little leadership opportunities, but my boss trusts me to do things right. As far as I know of there haven't been any complaints, but I have heard plenty of compliments and asking for me to go back for further work. So just remember, anything pertaining to your trade is not below you.

[@bassman87]

If you're keeping your phone on you, go into your notification settings and uncheck all the social media apps. This way you won't get distracted by social media, or any other non essential app, but if say your wife calls you cause she had to go to the hospital, then you can get that call. Then after work you can choose to turn the notifications back on, or eventually you realise how nice it is to not get bombarded by notifications all day, and you get to choose when to be on social media, and not have social media dictate to you when it wants you on.

[@BriarAndSons]

Great advice, thanks for sharing! I'm a 37 year old software developer looking to get away from a desk and still have a challenging career. Strongly leaning towards electrician, but my challenge will be getting a job without experience or a college program since I can't take two years off! :)

[@TheLonelyStoner101]

Just took a tile apprenticeship. It's basically the same shit. You're a runner. Go grab shit. Make sure you watch what I'm doing! Now you do it. Etc. Mundane work at times. Grunt work at times. But I love it. They love me. Great video. If you don't have work ethic, don't even bother.

[@lukekoletsios3236]

Thanks for the video man! I'm 20yrs old from Australia. I got 86ATAR but chose not to go to Uni so I could explore my options. I've done construction, sales, coding and now I'm ultimately considering to becoming an electrician. It's the only trade that's interesting to me because even humans are electric. I want to own a business but I do understand that it's critical that I become a good electrician first. If I end up becoming an electrician I want to learn and work as much as I can in the 4 years. I understand I'll probably work harder than what I get paid but the skills I would've developed will compound my money. Hoping to get really good at being an electrician within 6 years and then starting my business, hoping to create a business with millions of revenue by 30. Maybe I find a really good electrician with decades of experience and I become the sales & marketing guy. Video notes from what I remember after watching once over: - Day 1 jobs depend on the type of electrical work but in general I'll be doing the mundane tasks like transporting tools around or sweeping. - Focus on not taking the older guys impatience to heart since they were probably raised by very strict parents. - Don't quit just because it gets hard. Everything is difficult in the beginning and you just have to utilise a good work ethic to push through. Once you have good muscle memory and are in flow it'll be more enjoyable. If I do end up getting into an electrician apprenticeship I'll definitely check out your course to speed up learning time.

[@adampindell]

Its a great trade! Go for it Man!

[@chrisathomas1]

OMG, Thank you for the whole phone thing, I teach high school pre-apprentice class and I am going to show this video to my students this semester about the phone thing. I totally agree about apprentices OR journeymen on the phone for social reasons and NOT work reasons. This generation of people don't understand. I am in mt 50's and half way get it but I teach employablity skills in my students and not being on the phone is one of them. Thanks man!

[@timbo86051]

I remember my helper after six months finally was able to pull the home runs in an eight hour shift so the next day I had him sit on the hot water heater basin and watch me do it which took a half hour and then he found out how shitty he really was.

[@Immolate62]

Once you've done a thing many times, you are primed to learn the most from an expert because you immediately focus on the things he is doing faster and better than you. The first time you see an expert at work, there are a thousand things he's doing that you're not familiar with, so much of it just goes over your head.

[@martf1061]

If he understood and tries to get a little better each day, then he's a keeper

[@anthonycockerham3026]

Skilled labor is probably the last jobs that will still exist when robots take over because it is so hard to train or let alone build a robot to do the same thing. It is also incredibly expensive to shield big electronics from even static electricity let alone voltage from a panel.

[@tmartes]

I'm 37 and it's hilarious the things old timers complain about, I'm always googling things I don't know on my phone, taking pictures of materials or wires I've never run across, so I've gotten flack for it. The thing I'll add is there's lots of guys looking to NOT keep you on bc of preconceived notions of "NoBoDy WaNtS tO WoRk" when really, older generations have lower standards for baseline respect at work. Add to that that everyone at work wants to both LEARN AND EARN PAY, if you aren't learning and earning, keeping your head down and following orders is harder. Knowing how and why you're of use keeps guys engaged, too (feeling lost and being treated like a grunt doesn't create happy competent workers). Now I've seen new guys grab their phones constantly out of habit bc of age, you have to keep them busy/lay out the Plan of the Day so idle time isn't as much of a thing.

[@TwilightxKnight13]

I assume you are not an apprentice, or at least not a new one. If an apprentice in their first few years has to look things up online to do the work, then the journeyman is garbage.

[@garykintzler4273]

I'm the old (69) one that has phone issue is very real and this was a great video and I'm so happy you have put this out. Should be part of all training every day.

[@alphasaiyan5760]

Get with the times old man lol. Na it’s one thing when it’s all day long doing non work related things on the phone. Like me I’m 42 years old and have been in this trade for 25 years. I started back before phone were a big deal. But now I use my phone to look up a lot of information while I’m on the job. I’m self employed but still. As long as it’s being used for the right things at the right times then it’s not that big of a deal. Especially if the Person is productive and makes you money.

[@FishFind3000]

@@alphasaiyan5760 you can have the code book on your phone in digital form. It can make finding info easier as you can search for specific terms.

[@alphasaiyan5760]

@@FishFind3000 exactly sir 👍

[@simple3316]

I'm pretty sure what he ment was when people used their phone when its not work related.

[@alphasaiyan5760]

@@simple3316 lol yeah but they don’t care. They just immediately assume it’s something not work related. So it doesn’t matter anyway.

[@rongenovese4416]

Man O Man you hit the nail on the head ...sat my boy down to listen to you ...Thx

[@kevinellis92]

My first day, they gave me a drill and told me to drill thru the wood panels and run a wire thru it. And set up outlets in a rough in. Then I ran wire for a garage door motor. And the whole time the jman was telling me I'm taking too long.

[@MLI0369]

I just retired from the Marine Corps on Saturday. I applied for federal jobs and want to go to school to finish my degree but nothing has hit yet. I reached out to the local IBEW and they finally called me back. I’m very aware that I have to be the BOOT all over again, but I love the accountability that comes with electrician work. It’s what drew my interests. You have to be aware, you can’t get complacent and you have to break you back again before you move up. I’m not super excited about the back breaking stuff again, but I truly respect the craft. I really hope things can work out. I’m 39 and nervous AF, but I’m not getting any younger and trades, specifically electricians is in demand.

[@GODofORCS]

Ive been working with a fire alarm company for 7 months now this helped me a lot.

[@brianrosenberger6515]

At 48 yo this is my first week of a new career as Electricians apprentice. Thanks for the heads up on what to expect.

[@matthewbridger2991]

First day on the job, well half the day was safety orientation but after that was out in the Texas summer heat in FRs learning how to cut thread and bend 2" on a side winder.

[@Doug19752533]

0:03 answer: P A I N

[@atbell619]

The way you explain this is so funny and lets me know that it's okay to not know what i'm doing. Thanks.

[@Watersleigh]

"work ethic is currency in this trade"

[@maxreilly3934]

I like this video! Someone new needs to respect and follow direction. When you show your ability to do so, you will be trusted and given more responsibilities. As your skills and knowledge advance, you will have an understanding and respect of how the many tasks required by a team of professionals only work as a team. Your first person experience will allow you to understand how to have others assist you to complete your ever changing goals. We are all learning and teaching. The fastest way to success is to respect everyone at every level advance from their current status. Follow your mentors and strive to become one yourself while remembering you once where a novice yourself.

[@krystianfrench8268]

I can't wait to get into this industry!

[@selsp97]

Great information and entertaining about the training. Sounds familiar because goes across all or most trades.

[@brycorn5344]

Thank you for this video, it has helped to boost my confidence to figure out what I will be doing as an Electrician and an Electrician's Apprentice. I am still in school to learn the trade and I am really excited to get started. Thank you for all the tips, this is really helpful.

[@richardvanderpool3075]

I am a retired electrician of 30+years and I have a true story about a helper... We were wireing a school addition and I was chasing the mansions putting in 4x4 metal boxes with 2' ridged stubs... I had 3 helpers and I had making up the boxes.. I showed them how to install the connectors and which knock outs to remove... I left them to install boxes and keep up with the masons... when I returned to check on them... they had installed everyone of the connectors backwards... They had the locknuts on the outside of the boxes (approximately 30 boxes) I showed them again how to install the connecters. I even made up a box for them to go by and they still screwed it up...this just shows that you can't leave a helper alone for too long.

[@anthonyhitchings1051]

on a side note - as a structural engineer decades ago two graduate engineers showed up to work without either a calculator or a slide rule !!

[@ehlude]

the whole cleaning process is the best thing they will ever do for a 1st brackets first job site ever

[@keyzy2]

im happy that when i started i actually knew what i was doing because i switched to a trade school and wanted to try electricity and i learned so much so when i started i was confident

[@Whereswalter1]

I just hired a new apprentice. And I am Definitely going make him watch this video. Thanks for the video. I could not have done a better job at explaining this.

[@KianWilliams-el1pr]

thanks for this helps a lot going for apprenticeship wish me luck rlly wana do it

[@martf1061]

All you are saying, is exactly right. I would have liked listening to this in the beginning.

[@TheBrownMan2112]

Great commentary and insightful advice all around but it really boils down to what he touches on at the end. 18:04. If you can wrap your mind around those two things and show your bosses and fellow apprentices that you’re there to work, you’re golden.

[@shasmi93]

I’m 30 years old. Born in 1993… I HATE phones and what they have done to society. Good thing I’m going into the trades because I’ll be with the old dudes yelling.

[@grimtheassassin]

Guess who is giving the kids the phones..

[@shasmi93]

@@grimtheassassin my parents gave me a phone when I was in 5th grade. Doesn’t mean I used it, except to call and check in with them.

[@mackfisher4487]

New to you Set: I like that you added a VOM (analog "volt, ohm, meter") to your set. Excellent short video and trying to instill a work ethic to an apprentice, that's why ex-military people work out so well they used to following orders.

[@andrewgoodwin4771]

I just started last week working for electrician. I came in as a laborer and they had me installing lights by the end of the day. Of course I'm 36 and it probably done every other trade a construction site has. Plus I came prepared most every tool I needed except a tape measure that doesn't break when you extended more then 2 feet. That's critical when you're up 30 ft I'm trying to measure off 57 in from the wall.

[@eats4cheaps305]

Starting trade school in a month, looking forward to starting this out!

[@808_dream]

Great advice dawg I’m 20 highly considering electrician work so really appreciate the tips