Q & A | How I Became an Electrician | Lex Electric

[@isabelle6119]

I'm so happy I found your channel, and I can't wait for more electrician content! I'll be starting trade school in a few months (mandatory in canada) and I was super stressed out about being one of the only girls and not being as strong physically. This video made me really excited instead 💪 looks like a fun challenge, and I'll kick ASS

[@LexElectric]

You will do great! And there is a chance you won't be the only girl

[@themore-you-know]

How is it going so far? Any update?

[@khaledal-suhbani5517]

Hi Isabelle, Could you please tell me the school you join, it's name .. How is it? Do they accept international students? Thanks allot.

[@Mark-pz3lq]

Many men have also had those same concerns if they were smart enough if they were strong enough they were able enough to work in the skilled trades. They typically just keep it to themselves. It's good to share the type of stuff so you can see other people have the same stresses and anxieties that you do even no matter what gender you are

[@mackenziems1651]

Girl. The respect I have for you. I have never commented on YT in my life and yet I had to for this vid. Just discovered your channel and you are seriously such an inspiration and actually comforting haha as I consider electrical. The fact you modelled and have more feminine aspects and do the event management/social media on the side but also have a down to earth personality and love working with your hands and taking on a typically male dominated field - BRILLIANT. I never thought people like that existed. I’m 20 and really love being feminine but keep coming back to trades. It’s a battle because I’m not sure if I’m cut out for it but I really want to give it a go. It’s crazy how similar we are and it’s so inspiring to see how successful you have come. Also - teaching!?? When you said that I was like wow I also wanted to do that all growing up but am not going to pay and spend 6+ years to teach. It’s great to see someone excel in this field while also having other interests. Anyways, thank you for the amazing content, pleaseeee keep it up! I’m from Canada so if you ever want a friend, or want to chat about careers - I also love wine LOL

[@LexElectric]

Mackenzie! You are such a sweetheart. I'm so honoured you took the time to comment. I am so lucky that so many awesome women before me paved the way and allowed me to be in this trade the way I am. Also glad the tides are turning and feminine does not equal bad anymore, just different 🙂 Keep kicking butt, and if you are considering a trade, do it! But don't be afraid to be your authentic self. You sound amazing and the industry would be lucky to have you!

[@valv9459]

Just don't get fired, for filming videos on the job and lack of performance for trying to get out of the job early to film videos!!

[@hunyella]

Thank you.. I’m trying to look at all my options as far as a career. I did a test and said this can be a good option.

[@LexElectric]

Glad I could help!

[@jonmolina948]

Do some reverse planks or some hyperextensions when your back acts up, and keep doing it after. Get some blood flow going, build some muscle to help stabilize your spine. It’ll save your back.

[@LexElectric]

Thanks for the advice!

[@lilysnowe-potash7772]

Thank you so much for all your Electrician videos. Please keep it up! I am starting Electrical school in the fall and watching your videos has left me less nervous and even more excited to enter the trades world. I look forward to more of your videos!

[@LexElectric]

Thank you for your comment! Don't be nervous, you will do great. Its an exciting career. I wish you all the best! (And I will be posting weekly now, so stay tuned! ) Any video suggestions?

[@lilysnowe-potash7772]

Hi there! I’m not sure if this is a good video idea or just a question I’d like your thoughts on but... I am a 21 year old female who likes the idea of getting into a union which is why I have chosen the IBEW program that starts in September. I’m wondering what you think about a pre-placement program for someone who doesn’t know if they will like Electrical and who has no experience with it. Thank you so much! I am loving your new uploads! Excited for more!

[@LexElectric]

@@lilysnowe-potash7772 try to find a trades sampler course before you get involved with the pre apprenticeship course. There are lots of free programs (especially for women) where you can try out different trades to see if you like them.

[@jorge.briceno]

Hi Lexi, greetings from Colombia. I'm an electrician, too. I'm learning English and I like yours videos. In Colombia, the girls don't work in this Job because is very hard.

[@LexElectric]

Hey Jorge! I was in Colombia for a month a couple years ago. I loved it so much! The people were so nice :) thanks for watching.

[@NasirKhan-vz2qy]

I salute you and your struggle 💯, You are really strong, I am also an Industrial Electrician

[@sabisism]

Hi, i'm an electrition from Israel. I wonder what are the licence levels that you have as an elecrition in your place. In Israel we have: 1. Electrition assistant. 2. Practical electrition- allows up to 3X40amp 3. Qwalified electrition- allows up to 3X80amp 4..master electrition- allows up yo 3X240amp 5. Technic electrition- allows up to 3X400amp 6. Practical engeneer- allows up to 3X630 7. Enganeer- every current level is allowed

[@lilyvoon10]

Love the new name for your channel. Lots of good advice here!

[@LexElectric]

Thank you! I appreciate the support

[@markcannon8522]

Tomorrow is my first day as an apprentice and im nervous af, your videos help to give us green guys confidence thank you

[@LexElectric]

Congrats and best of luck! You'll feel really dumb , but push through , everyone starts at the same spot.

[@markcannon8522]

@@LexElectric thank you so much for the encouragement!! I am so glad I found your channel

[@emilyy__etc]

Lexi!! Instant follow girl 🔌 I just started going down the electrician rabbit hole last night, kind of by accident. When they say representation matters, YOU are it! I never even considered going into a trade because I’ve never seen or heard a girl that looks like me that’s into what I’m into in those fields. I looove your point about not dimming your femininity or other parts of yourself to please others or fit a mold. Stoked to hear more of your perspectives!

[@eugenedauz4435]

Always keep a positive attitude.🙂👍

[@jstephen591]

Thanks for posting this information. I'm gearing up to enter the electrical trade (hopefully), but it's been hard to find information from people who aren't journeymen or masters. It's good to know that I can relate to your experience. Good information and advice, too. Looking forward to more content dude.

[@LexElectric]

Thanks for the kind words Josh! Good luck out there and keep me posted how you get on.

[@CnuAkoju]

Mam call me

[@thomasr1051]

We definitely do have some way to go to create an inclusive work place

[@LexElectric]

Yes we do

[@sallysue8176]

I hate school. Writing a paper is painful. My dad was a transmission lineman after a Former electrician. I have wired a house with him. The ceiling was the hardest, it was fun. I am thinking of becoming a electrician

[@LexElectric]

Do it!

[@journal_to_reading5920]

I just got an apprenticeship and I saw your channel and you were not doing the electrician part of it and very random. Thank you for posting more frequently!

[@LexElectric]

Trying my best !

[@journal_to_reading5920]

@@LexElectric I see that you are! It’s honestly so great to see, that you have been posting more frequently. My post was kinda confusing... it was late, forgive me! It’s really nice to see you posting more, and i thought you were like a one and done on post of the electrician videos, so yay! Thank you, I like what you do and it’s nice that you got back into!

[@LexElectric]

@@journal_to_reading5920 thank you! Yes it seemed to be interesting to many people, so I wanted to do more. And I took a long while off during the winter because pandemic and S.A.D. Feeling in a groove now, so will try and post weekly. What day is best to post?

[@journal_to_reading5920]

@@LexElectric for me during the week like Wednesday but honestly if I was a KZbin, I’d film something in the week and post it on Friday or Thursday to beat the “lazy”KZbinrs that wait for their day off, so I could beat the algorithm for the busy days. Hopefully that helps, I really hope to see you succeed! Best of luck!

[@NathanaelJohnson]

take care off that back! I had a spasm recently and the physical therapists of KZbin helped me heal right up

[@LexElectric]

Thank you! Isn't it great to have so many resources for stuff like this? I am currently laying on a foam roller, and it is doing way better. 😊

[@NathanaelJohnson]

@@LexElectric So true! I also really appreciate the resources of those who help give me a peak into what a career change into electrics might be like.

[@LexElectric]

@@NathanaelJohnson that makes my heart happy! I'm trying to be the person I needed 5 years ago.

[@marx3100]

Love these videos! Also an artist going into the trades so thank you for the inspiration!

[@LexElectric]

Thank you Marx , best of luck to you

[@22mscupcake]

Thank you for this awesome content!❤️🎯🙏🏾💯

[@LexElectric]

Thanks for watching!

[@JoseKai-cn3lk]

I'm really inspired by your work,attitude of work and advice, l appreciated as an apprentice electrician l do learn alot ..thank you you very much.

[@aaronbrown5631]

Re back/general physical health: Big fan of the yoga also. Personally, I've gotten much more into strength calisthenics over barbell/dumbbell weight training lately - convinced by the argument that it strengthens the joints more so (but I still do kettlebell lifting as I have for a long time, here and there for HIIT/overall strength and flexibility benefits). I think all this has helped me a lot in trade work thus far - hoisting around 40 foot ladders (with another person), sometimes with extensions on top. Carrying solar panels up said ladders (probably not an industry standard practice because they have equipment for that). Being cognizant of 'man-splain', but if you're interested in more input re back problems, I may have something to add.

[@LexElectric]

I appreciate the help! I've heard similar things from my chiro and massage people, but I definitely need to do more as we all do! Tell me your manly secrets 😜

[@aaronbrown5631]

@@LexElectric Is the issue injury related? Vertebral or muscular, fascia?

[@LexElectric]

@@aaronbrown5631 injury about 3 or 4 years ago. I believe it was muscular

[@aaronbrown5631]

​@@LexElectric It's target audience is definitely 'tough guy' in nature, but the stuff is totally relevant for ladies too (just like being an electrician): I've been using the book Convict Conditioning. It has a pretty solid progression of bodyweight ab work which leads into a bridging series for the lower back (assuming your injury was lower back). It's nothing secret - just a decently well thought out, careful approach to building full body joint and muscle strength. All about doing stuff slow and correct, reaching benchmarks then moving on to a more challenging maneuver (not doing herky jerky 100s of pushups or whatever people think is good calisthenics). Less exciting or attention grabbing than yoga perhaps but feels good to progress in the stuff over time. Could probably write up a summary but maybe to an inbox if interested due to length.

[@LexElectric]

@@aaronbrown5631 wow thank you for this. I'll definitely check out the book! My massage today sorted some stuff out, but he also gave me exercises to do, so getting into a work out routine would be most helpful. Strength is key for me, and I find female targeted workouts tend to focus on fat loss, which I am not about!

[@julianendovitski5146]

thank you for making these videos!

[@LexElectric]

Thanks for watching! Hoping to get new stuff up soon 🙂

[@aaronbrown5631]

Another thought - you said 'never' went back to school. Pretty sure I'm a fair amount older than you and I just started back up working towards that bachelor's, possibly in engineering. Full time work+full time school is definitely not a pleasant experience currently but mixing up the two is something I'm considering going forward. I've said for a long time that I want to both design and implement renewable systems (thus the engineering + electrician work). How well can someone practically apply both fields in their career simultaneously? I dunno - maybe I'll have to find out. Anyway - possibilities are always there was my point.

[@LexElectric]

That's fair! I guess I was playing into the high school guidance counsellor narrative of needing to go into uni as the next life step after high school. It's absolutely true that you can switch any time , I have seen 40 year olds move into (or out of) electrical. Gone are the days where you have to stick with one thing your whole life. That's awesome that you want to build a better future. Something we should all strive for.

[@kevinantoine4891]

I'd say your experience as a electrician you'll implement your electricians prospective into your design. Design Problems/flaws you saw as a electrician you can now redesign it and mass produce it.

[@estelletsimbis4800]

Thank you for this video Lexi! How difficult did you find the technical side of the job to accustom to? I’ve never been great at maths and seeing even my partner studying for his electrician exams and seeing the content it low key intimidated me! I’m not too stressed about the physical side, more understanding the job itself if I ever decided to pursue it!

[@VancouverElectricianApprentice]

Hi Lex, So happy to find your channel. Currently, I am applying for Electrical foundation program from BCIT. The admission advisor said current applying are looking at possible April 2022 start date. Luckily, Waiting time is less than one year.LoL! Any suggestions for preparing myself before starting my program. I am not sure if it is hard to find a job as a fresh graded apprentice ？Could you share your job hunting experience with us？

[@LexElectric]

That's great! I was on a wait list for 2 years so I understand! If you can get some work on a site, as a labourer or otherwise to get some experience with tools, that would be beneficial!

[@VancouverElectricianApprentice]

@@LexElectric Thanks for your quick response. I was thinking to find a helper job at the counstruction site or just do food delivery before my program starts. Your suggestion definitely helps me decide which path I should go. Thanks. Hope you recover from back injury soon.

[@LexElectric]

@@VancouverElectricianApprentice good luck! Thanks for your comment ☺️

[@MultiSmiley94]

How tall are you? I'm 5'2 and I really want to do a trade in electrical but I'm scared I won't have enough strength bc of my height :/

[@raven-chan2071]

Same lol

[@ashlynbottger5766]

Do you think i am able to learn and become an electrician even though im 18 and have zero experience or anything to my knowledge about being an electrician, it's just recently sounded interesting to me and i would like to persue this but i don't know that i have what it takes to get into this field because of my lack in experience and knowledge

[@LexElectric]

You're only 18, lots of time to learn

[@triplea_qgb1963]

​@@LexElectricdo you have to be good at physics ?

[@khalilrehman6466]

I've been working as an electrician since my childhood (when I was 12),and it's been so great to be a part of this profession, BTW on the other hand I've got ACCA CERTIFIED ACCOUNTANT AS WELL

[@LexElectric]

That is awesome!

[@cailin1123]

Hello! I am a nurse looking to have another side hustle (besides bartending). Can you work and go to electrician school? In my case I work 3 twelve hour shifts a week

[@LexElectric]

Ooh that's tough. In my area, school is Mon - Friday so that would be tough

[@nafa7113]

(Please answer this) I am a 15 year old girl, and I do believe that I am at the part of my life that I should know what to do . But I really have no idea, this job sounds interesting but, I'm just afraid. Is this dangerous?

[@hannahmoravetz5590]

I'm not sure if you mentioned this or not but what was the name of the program that you first went to? The 3 month (I think) that introduced you to a lot of different trades. I'm really interested in trades but am not sure which one to choose, so going to that program would be SO helpful. Also, love your channel!!

[@LexElectric]

Hey! So late to reply but it was Women in Trades exploration

[@skinnyboycole_TTV]

how hard is all the math?

[@LexElectric]

At School = hard, expect to study 2 to 3 hours a night (I'm currently studying lol) At Work = easy. Need to know how to find center and basic fractions.

[@skinnyboycole_TTV]

@@LexElectric okay, been thinking about trades, not sure what to go with

[@LexElectric]

@@skinnyboycole_TTV check if a local college offers a trades sampler course, that's what I didn

[@danielhady3021]

I personally didn't find the math difficult tbh. It's algebra and basic trig. Then in the field mainly arithmetic with fractions. Sometimes you may need to use some trig for conduit bending like matching an offset etc.

[@ourleopardtortoises6543]

Great video my partner was trying to order the splurge safety vest for me but not available in the US great video

[@LexElectric]

Hey! Thanks for commenting. I have added a US link. Let me know if you have any issues!

[@pressplay6847]

I did apprenticeship in navy

[@AlexisKateStitches]

What is the math involved with this trade & with schooling? Never really been a math person so I’m curious to know if it’s anything intricate

[@LexElectric]

Schooling can be tough for math. But I think most schools offer tutoring or pre courses to get your math skills up.

[@hamidmoulla4716]

Bonjour je suis électricien de chantier cherché emplois un canada. Comment fait les inscriptions cherché un contrat de travail... merci beaucoup

[@Raiyanna1111]

hi! where did you find the women in trades program?

[@commercialelectrician133]

I tried to order the vest for my partner she is an electrician and they would not ship to US

[@LexElectric]

I will add a link for the USA Amazon!

[@commercialelectrician133]

Thanks she has some videos on KZbin under Marizel Garcia

[@LexElectric]

@@commercialelectrician133I will definitely check her out! I have just updated the description to include USA links, and will do so on all my future videos. Thanks for the support!

[@raulcoss3906]

How did you hurt your back?..will you be ok soon?

[@LexElectric]

Unloading the dishwasher 🤣 But I have had back issues my whole life, I hurt it badly at work a few years ago screwing in a light bulb!

[@raulcoss3906]

@@LexElectric 😲 damn...i hope you will consider to wear one of those belts that the power lifters use, for back protection,at work..and at home..back problems,they dont get better with time😞take care of yourself

[@thomasr1051]

The act of writing in the notebook itself improves your memory of the thing

[@Thewhiiiterabbit]

Editing Lexi. Genius.

[@LexElectric]

Me from the future is way smarter

[@Thewhiiiterabbit]

@@LexElectric Ditto. I bet Editing Lexi would be a fun charactor to develop..

[@LexElectric]

@@Thewhiiiterabbit I'll workshop it over on my reels! (If you haven't yet, follow me on instagram at @lexielectric ☺️)

[@orendanoisecat6128]

I did a trades sampler program too, thats how I chose Electrical. Learned how to do some basics like 3 way switches, made extension cords, outlets, lights, and wire a large green house with lights as well as a couple cabins. I'm all in now! But I'm starting to wonder if I should even do the foundations course i was just accepted into (starts in august)...I'm wondering if i know enough to just hit the ground running?

[@LexElectric]

It really depends! If you can get hired without needing it, great. For me, no one was hiring unless you did foundations.

[@ragunaidu2]

Which part of cannada do you work

[@sachiniayoni8896]

I wanted to ask you if you could make a video on how you got the licence if that's possible. from what I have researched they need a certain number of hours of experience before you can write the exam or take the courses but I am confused on how to and where to get the experience from. thank you.

[@LexElectric]

Good question. Its highly dependant on what country you're from. In Canada you need 6000 workplace hours, and levels 1 - 4 of school before you can write your "IP" exam and be a certified electrician. Where are you from?

[@sachiniayoni8896]

@@LexElectric I am in Toronto Scarborough. so where did you get your 6000 hours from? I don't even mind moving if there is a place that lets me train to get the hours. In Scarborough from what I have researched, it is not very clear where to get the hours from.

[@LexElectric]

@@sachiniayoni8896 hey fellow Canadian! So you get your hours by working. But if it's the same as in BC, you need to do a foundations level course first. Then you apply for jobs as a first year electrician apprentice. By working, you get your hours to move up to the next level. Google search "red seal electrician Ontario" for more info specific to your region.

[@joshlavecchia9888]

@@sachiniayoni8896 you need 9000 hours in Ontario so 5 years and 3 levels of school

[@sachiniayoni8896]

Thank you so much for the information.

[@kikijewell2967]

Thank you for the words on dealing with harassment. I want to return to my old (male dominated) career and I need to find new ways to communicate that aren't simply _participating_ in toxic male culture.

[@Artecus]

Your channel has the potentiality to get huge because of your content, yes, but also because of your *context.* please become a cottage industry of electrical content. You’ll see what I mean, later.

[@LexElectric]

Haha thanks! I'd love to start posting more regularly again. 😌

[@Artecus]

@@LexElectric You're welcome. I live to serve. I also just promoted your channel to a female acquaintance. So, if your views, likes, or subscription or all increase by one in the next 17 hours, you can keyboard dance to your referral.

[@mrcoollu9662]

Do you need to be good at math to be a electrician

[@gareth5853]

Hi Lexi, I am an ATEX approved electrical instrumentation engineer (UK) I am looking to emigrate to Canada, locations of note, Ottawa. I would ideally like to stay in the sector of ATEX work but its not important, apparently you have to have "Red seal"? is this a regulation requirement, and is there anything other than this set specific that I need? Can you recommend any areas that offer work in general, or to live other than Ottawa. I would appreciate the time given to reply and help. Thanks - Gareth

[@marilouduque1540]

I'm also a lady electrician here in the philippines 😁

[@LexElectric]

That's wicked

[@marilouduque1540]

I don't see anything wrong with being a female electrician as long as I enjoy my work.

[@marilouduque1540]

Since people here hardly believe I'm an electrician and I constantly have to convince them that I can do it, watching you on KZbin actually gave me even more inspiration for my work.

[@LexElectric]

@@marilouduque1540 the more they see you doing your thing, the more accepted it will be! Just think of future generations that you are paving the way for.

[@alexial8772]

Hey I wish I had your email so I could ask more direct questions, but I’m a 24 year old female in Vancouver trying to get into this trade. I have had different people tell me that I don’t need to go to school first and I could just apply as apprentice for an electrical company. And that they would pay for my schooling. Just wondering if you did that? Or did you start with school first, then apply somewhere?

[@LexElectric]

In my experience, no company has paid for my schooling, union or non union. In my last class, only two or three people had their schooling covered by their job. Also in my experience, even companies where I knew someone, I still had to do my foundations level. That's not to say there aren't companies that hire green people! Just that they will a) not be union and b) may not pay the best. But if you can get your foot in the door, great! Apply away. But if you find it difficult to get a job, consider doing foundations. Also if you want to go union, look up schooling offered by the EJTC.

[@loganocchionero6621]

Are you Canadian?

[@pressplay6847]

How can I come there for job of electrician

[@lebogangmartina975]

hi i am from south africa and i do have a bit of qulifications in electrical ....now i would realy like to know how to come that side and do what you do.. by the way i am poor lol

[@LexElectric]

First step is getting a visa to work here. Government of Canada should have resources for you!

[@rachelc9395]

Are you a journey or apprentice ?

[@LexElectric]

2nd year apprentice!

[@electricaljob7626]

Hi friends

[@newworldhealing7920]

I know someone who said they did slab for their entire apprenticeship and barely knows anything else, would you say they had a bad boss or were not asking enough questions and applying themselves enough im that person that asks a lot of questions but I wonder if it could also be the person in charge choosing to just stick them with one thing because they don’t like them or truly don’t think they were capable of much more...

[@LexElectric]

You can avoid this by finding a good company or going union. My union makes sure each apprentice has a variety of skills and doesn't get stuck in this exact scenario. I would say that is a bad boss, and your friend shouldn't have put up with that.

[@salanali339]

Love u

[@Aliholic]

BOKBUNJA-UM BLACK RASPBERRY FTW

[@joejoe6949]

I’m a electrician that listens to Paula Abdul in front of his coworkers

[@LexElectric]

Heck yeah, Paula Abdul

[@mikehuntishairy]

I have only one question for you..... How is Zack possibly related to someone so cool...? Can tell which sibling got DA GOOD GENES. One more thing - if any males give you crap on the job, just remember: MEN AIN'T SHIT Have a fantastic day ☀

[@LexElectric]

Haha that's too funny! Thank you 😌.

[@nerfkilo]

Ambulanced, nice

[@LexElectric]

Haha 😂

[@joejoe6949]

Try unrolling 200 ft of 350 to 750 mcm wire then come back to me about your back. Lol take care of your self because no one will.

[@LexElectric]

Yup.

[@jellybeansi]

Did you do the foundations course at BCIT? I've been looking at their Trades Discovery *For Women course, just to confirm the electrician career path is right for me, and the Electrician foundations/apprenticeship after that.

[@LexElectric]

I was at Camosun but did 3rd year at BCIT

[@robinsymonds5353]

Former model? What hands?