Why Your Apprenticeship Sucks & Should You Get Out?

Picking up a trade can be the best decision for your career, however unfortunately there are a lot of crappy employers out there who are actually impeding your progress in becoming a skilled Tradie. Here’s how you can improve your situation and potentially thrive elsewhere!
🔗 ELECTRICAL APPRENTICE TOOLS
• Under $100 - Every Ele...
🔗 HOW TO GET AN ELECTRICAL APPRENTICESHIP
• How to be an Electrica...
⏳ TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Intro
01:02 Addressing Potential Arguments
03:39 Notice any Red Flags
06:32 Change your Perspective
08:13 Find a new Job without Quitting the Trade
09:52 Conclusion
⚠️ WARNING
Do not attempt DIY Electrical work! All activities in this video have been performed by a Licensed Electrician for educational and entertainment purposes only. All work is done at your own risk. Corey Bruhn will not accept responsibility or liability, for any loss, damage, injury or negligence. Please consult a Registered Electrical Contractor or Electrical Inspector prior to dealing with any electrical installations. For more information visit: esv.vic.gov.au/DDIY

[@justinfarquhar8299]

Very Nice. Lots of apprentices take abuse because we think there is something wrong with us and it's our fault. But lacking knowledge and experience isn't a fault if the right attitude is there

[@Knosferatu]

Apprentices need a teacher like you man. So chill and down to earth. Subbed bro.

[@coreybruhn]

Haha cheers mate!

[@Mick_Au]

Hey mate hats off to you for sticking with it even though you were treated like shit. And very true mate there will always be pricks no matter what job or industry you are in part of life unfortunately.

[@CrowrockHD]

Awesome video! Your channel looks like it's providing lots of useful information in a easy-to-digest way

[@dossgroves]

Great video mate, keep up the great work!!!

[@johnfisher8985]

Cool video I'm a 2nd year electrical apprentice in Adelaide by the way and work for a small company (3 people). I feel like at work my tradesman doesn't teach me very much and most of what I learn is from online stuff and tafe. They're busy doing their own thing and don't really care about me. E.g. my mum died in November last year and they just acted like nothing happened, I understand that it can be a difficult thing to talk about but they were of no comfort to me. Or another time, I spent a few weekends helping my tradesman move house. And now that I'm moving house and doing it up, I asked him for help and he hasn't helped me at all and just spent his time playing video games on the weekend. I care about what struggles they're going through and try to help them, but its sad when that attitude isn't shown back to me in return. Its my responsibility to be faithful and to work hard at my job and I try to do that the best I can. And I do my part, but I feel like they're not doing their part. They're good electricians but that's not enough, they also need to have good personal skills and leadership skills. Which leaves me in a position where I should move and work with somebody else who will do their responsibility and teach me properly.

[@coreybruhn]

Sorry to hear bro Yeah do what you think is best for you, it's definitely possible to move companies during your apprenticeship cause I did. If you're after some advice just make sure all your cards have been submitted and approved by your employer before you leave, otherwise you'll have to do that time again

[@Jomama027]

Great advice mate 👌

[@tomwhitehead3352]

Brilliant video 👌🏽

[@HeinRothman]

I’ve found younger tradies to be more accomodating to apprentices

[@coreybruhn]

I agree, probably because being an apprentice is still fresh in their head and they know what it's like

[@rates.]

Really appreciate these videos mate just started my electrical apprenticeship in June.

[@nashw_1828]

How's it going and how much are you getting paid?

[@altruism9399]

Good videos I'm going to start in AUZ soon, have more that 12 years experience hopefully I get some good place to work. Not looking forward to all the training I need to do old things I probably forgot by now. Can't wait to get my ticket so sad I need to do everything again.

[@coreybruhn]

Good luck mate! Our trade is always changing and new regs are constantly being introduced so more training can't hurt

[@mysticalnewt2012]

Great video thanks for your unique insight on this. The 'hazing' culture of trades is something I've been concerned about, I just want to learn and ask questions without judgement. I'm actually going for an apprenticeship now, been researching a lot. To help you as a creator, here are some of the things I've been investigating that others could be curious about too, especially with your perspective: What are the biggest mistakes to avoid as an apprentice? (That tools anecdote will save me from doing the same) Best career paths to take? (Residential, commercial, industrial, solar?) + What's the difference between residential, commercial, and industrial (An actual sparky's perspective here vs what my textbooks says) Is Solar as bad as everyone says it is (in QLD here with cooked summers lol) Employer 'green flags' while job hunting Considerations while moving employers / industry / states mid-apprenticeship How can you keep a good work-life balance (friends, hobbies, starting a family, etc) What goes into starting your own business as a sparky? Subscribed for any future wisdom you have to share and cheers for the work you put in!

[@coreybruhn]

Appreciate all the ideas mate 👍

[@weak6934]

Hi Corey, I love your vids bro, could you please make more tutorial videos like your “How to strip cable faster” they are so helpful 🤧

[@coreybruhn]

Cheers, any specific tutorials you had in mind?

[@sinaadineh2076]

Hey mate. You and your videos are absolutely awesome. I am also in Melbourne and almost in my second year. I would love to work with someone like you haha

[@coreybruhn]

Haha cheers man

[@alexrobertson232]

Nice Vid !

[@OpBolte-hm9mx]

Great bro like it

[@harrykelly9462]

currently battling between going to university and studying commerce or finishing my apprenticeship (currently a 2nd year apprentice). Really trying to be positive, i give it my all everyday and want to be the best apprentice i can be. The reasons i don't like it is the job insecurity, and the overall industry. Looking at doing Uni part time online for semester 2 and if i enjoy that, quitting my apprenticeship all together. love the content too, keep it up

[@coreybruhn]

Do what's best for you mate! Haven't really heard of job insecurity for a tradie apprenticeship before, what kind of work do you do?

[@maddie4664]

Hey I’m in the same position. I do part time uni for business and I’m almost in my second year of electrical. I’ve had a horrible time. I’m sent out to host companies at my apprenticeship and they have sent me to a company who do fire electrical for a year, which was definitely not what I want to do. Worked with an absolute asshole and I just don’t see myself doing it anymore. Because I’ve only worked in fire I’m so far behind in tafe and tafe is hard to juggle with uni. I want to just do uni now but I’m scared I will regret this even though I started the apprenticeship as a back up. How are you going? I’m moving to a commercial electrical company soon but I don’t have any will for my apprenticeship. How did you go with quitting?

[@remydoeshussain7836]

Great video man. Are we able to connect via socials? Cheers!

[@Gelato3]

I’m a 3rd year apprentice mechanic and I wanna switch to electrician apprenticeship. I don’t think I can finish my mechanic apprenticeship in the 4 years because my boss has only just started giving me allocated time to do my online schooling and I’m very far behind

[@adantepatane]

Im about to take cert II for electrician.

[@visionarystyle_]

Can you make a video on what the minimum tool requirements you need for a first year apprentice to bring on there first day?

[@coreybruhn]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/rKrbgmytib-noKM this video I made covers that 👍

[@patrickmccaffery1412]

1st year HVAC Tech apprentice. Been in the job for almost a full year. Have been making many stupid decisions, mind goes blank most of the time, not processing anything. Have also had tradesman vent their frustration on me. I didn’t stop when my 6 month probation was complete as I didn’t make my mind up yet. Am now quite depressed and considering quitting my apprenticeship and looking for other work. Any advice or feedback on my situation?

[@coreybruhn]

What made you start the trade and are you genuinely interested in being a fridgy? It sounds like you're getting mind blanks because you're mostly in a fight or flight response at work (stressed). I'd say stop being so hard on yourself, you're a 1st year, you're gonna make mistakes. As long as you learn from them you'll get better over time. If you're depressed you need to talk to someone about that. Your family, mates, a counselor, your GP, etc. I can't give you a clear answer because I don't know your full situation, but try and follow some of the advice I give in the video, hope that helps 👍

[@owenbrown5438]

Hi mate I am from the UK I have been college an completed my Level 1,2 and 3 in electrical installation. I was just wonder how do employers look at other certifications in Australia. Also having these what qualifications would I need to become an electrical apprentice in Australia. Any help would be great👍

[@coreybruhn]

After a quick google search I found this website with useful information: www.downundercentre.com/electrical-skills-assessment-australia_s11#:~:text=The%20Electrical%20skills%20assessment%20required,you%20are%20based%20in%20Australia. Other than that I can't provide anymore help as I'm not sure how the process works for people overseas

[@jacobholland5864]

Hi mate thanks for vid and I have a question in regards to a shitty workplace. if you have a minute to respond that would be great. I’m an adult (29) living in Melbourne and will be starting my apprenticeship next year when I get permanent residency. I was wondering how smooth the process is when changing employers if you wana jump ship? Will there be problems with TAFE, or is it as simple as putting your 2 weeks notice in, starting new contract with new job, then informing TAFE in writing? Also, if doing overtime, does that count towards you finishing the 4 years early? 4 years 8 hours a day or 12 hours a day is a big difference right.. is it logged in a signed paper log book every week or something? Thanks.

[@coreybruhn]

When you start your apprenticeship, you'll be using an online system called e-profiling where you'll submit weekly cards that track your hours spent on the job and at trade school. Your RTO (registered training organisation) will sort out the transfer if you jump ship, however you've got to make sure your boss has approved all your weekly e-profiling cards before leaving otherwise those hours won't count! You can finish your apprenticeship earlier by entering more hours into your e-profiling (you can't fudge these numbers though because you'll be caught out). It's possible to finish your Apprenticeship in 3 and a half years if you smash out your e-profiling, pass your exams and get your boss to sign you off early. Hope that helps mate!

[@jacobholland5864]

@corey yes mate this helps infinitely. This is the answer I have been trying to find for weeks, sifting through all the google jargon. Thanks brother.

[@parisatkin6109]

hey do you have any tips for getting an apprenticeship i’m currently doing a cert 2 but i’m struggling to find a work placement.

[@coreybruhn]

I made a video on how to get an apprenticeship in Australia which you can watch here kzbin.info/www/bejne/mp65g6umZqmDf6s

[@tesla2200]

Hi Corey I'm planning to study electrical technician there in Australia, I live here in the PHilippines a Liscense Electrical Practitioner, what school would you recommend there to study electrical technician course? thank you.

[@coreybruhn]

Any trade school that offers the cert 2 in electrotechnology close to where you'll be living in Australia. Also google the best pathway for international sparkies transitioning to Australia

[@charliemcneary3208]

Hi Corey, I’m 16 years old in a mechanics apprenticeship, my boss is sort of bully, I work hard every day but go to work in fear of keeping my job because if I ever ask for help he tell me to figure it out and leaves me confused could use some advice, thanks.

[@coreybruhn]

That's rough mate, are there others at the company you can ask for help? How long have you been in the apprenticeship for and where are you from? Just tryna get a lil more info so I can give you some good advice

[@kelvingutierrez4198]

Being a helper is way worst than being a first year apprentice they take advantage of you you feel more of a slave for minimum wage The thing that gets me is that i have to wake up early asf compared the other jobs ive have this one is the earliest yet

[@heinrichschneider8311]

I hate my apprenticeship, im 100% going to be a betger tradesman with regards to treating people right. But at this stage im also thinking of getting the ticket and leaving... I hate the culture

[@malikbasitjatoi]

I am electrician need job 1:57 please help form Pakistan

[@pavelsidor]

I’m 27, and I’ve been thinking about it for so long Im from GC and it’s so hard finding an apprenticeship

[@coreybruhn]

Have you tried getting into solar, it's a lot easier starting out your electrical apprenticeship that way

[@pavelsidor]

@@coreybruhn id consider it, I just know I’ll be cheap labour for someone, I know I have to pick a company thats actually teaches you things. Domestic is just very bad money so I’d prefer commercial

[@coreybruhn]

@@pavelsidor Find a commercial solar mob. Yeah you'll be putting up panels all day but you gotta start somewhere. Good luck with your job hunting

[@pavelsidor]

@@coreybruhn thank for that I’m just curious if there’s any way to fast track the apprenticeship. Also it’s about 5 years till you can get your contractor licence yeah?

[@coreybruhn]

@@pavelsidor Yeah it's possible to finish your apprenticeship in 3 and half years, you've just gotta finish your schooling, submit all your e-profiling cards early (the system used to log your work hours), pass your exams and get your boss to sign you off You can go for your contractors licence literally right after you receive your A-Grade, it's just a small business course which can be done online and then you have to set up an ABN, insurance, etc.

[@trisonangel123]

Hi Corey, I’ve thought about getting an electrical TA job after my pre app, just so I dont have to go through the apprentice wages and Hoping that company will offer me to be their apprentice eventually and keep that TA rate (which is slightly higher) until I finish my apprenticeship. Do you think it’s possible? Appreciate it!

[@coreybruhn]

Hey mate, what country are you from and are you able to live comfortably on apprentice wages?

[@Trentass136]

I don’t know if you can speak on being a boss and having apprentices and being under the pump if you yourself have not started your own business, and kept the cash flow positive also while trying to juggle each job plus trying to tender for new jobs keep clients happy do paper work. Just not sure if you can speak about bosses of company’s if you don’t have your own company. Just my opinion, apart from that one part, sure rest of the videos good. I think being in the trades frustration is fair to come if it’s just the apprentice and the boss, there’s money and deadlines on the line. Life can be frustrating and I think it’s okay to show that frustration, a good apprentice won’t take it personally, they’ll understand, and maybe forgive the boss for his frustrations.

[@XvTOASTvX]

Yeah but no offence in anyway too you I thought that too maybe they are just venting and I let it blow over and I was heavily abused and bullied by the company I was in I was to scared to look around because even I believed I was only capable of doing the job with the company I was with. I resented going to work I resented the place it go so bad that I got depressed and suicidal since then I’ve gotten past that I’ve realised what I know and my self worth I’ve now gotten a job at a completely different place and the respect and help I’ve gotten from the get go is the difference they have deadlines and same responsibilities but don’t take it out on the people they show people more efficient ways instead of degrading people That’s my experience obviously It can differ I think a lapse or a small vent is fine but to Take time & explain is the way to go makes people want to do more work and for the business

[@coreybruhn]

You're right about not having to deal with cashflow, however I've run jobs with apprentices working under me and observed how different bosses run their businesses so I still think my points in the video are valid. For example If an apprentice fucks up yeah you might be frustrated, but how is letting it out gonna fix the stuff up? I'd argue a better response would be to just point out the mistake and tell them exactly how they can resolve it. The apprentice is mostly likely already annoyed with themselves, no need for added stress.

[@coreybruhn]

Thanks for sharing, sorry to hear about your shit experiences at the beginning though

[@XvTOASTvX]

@@coreybruhn cheers it’s been pretty bad I’ve gone through 6 years with that company 4 as a apprentice gone into a position where I am a supervisor and I now know exactly what I don’t want to do. Great video Corey it’s a good eye opener even myself I knew in the back of my brain that I wasn’t as bad as they made me out to be but the consistency made me believe that I was now watching your video I see how bad it was major red flags and I always just took it as that’s how it is and then ended up believing it myself

[@coreybruhn]

@@XvTOASTvX Cheers mate, glad it's going well at the new mob!