8 things I wish I knew before beginning my APPRENTICESHIP | Make 2024 your BEST year 

Starting your own company will exponentially increase your learning. You will be the journeyman, foreman, superintendent, estimator, project manager, bookkeeper, salesman, etc. Gain as much experience as you can, but don't hesitate to start your own company. Every year you wait to start your own company, you are just another year older and another year behind. You will experience more personal growth venturing out on your own. Keep up the good work. You are doing great!

Thanks for sharing. Some thoughts for all y'all: 1. 90%+ Merino wool socks are year-round comfort. They are just as warm when wet and naturally prevent foot odor. (As an experiment, I wore a pair inside my heavy workboots for two weeks while doing hard labour in the middle of a sweltering summer and, while they ended up so full of salt that they could stand on their own, my feet never got uncomfortable nor did the socks smell bad at all.) 2. If you can keep your torso at above 85F/30C, your brain won't start closing blood vessels in your extremities to keep your core warm enough. A good electric vest will, therefore, keep your fingers and toes warm and nimble even in the worst cold. They are *_hella_* expensive, but an excellent investment if you have to do fine work at -30. 3. Until you can afford an electric vest, pick up some Zippo/Hakkin/Peacock 'catalytic hand warmers'. They catalyse lighter fluid--i.e. without a flame--and will stay *very* warm for up to 30 hours. (You can also get USB hand warmers, but I would make sure to get a known brand rather than a random one of unknown quality.) 4. To help keep you cool in hot places, unless you invest in an active cooling vest/etc., you can't do better than a 100% PVA cooling towel like the Ergodyne Chill-Its 6602. *MAKE SURE EITHER THE INFO OR A COMMENT SAYS THAT THE TOWL GETS STIFF WHEN DRY!* That is how you can know that it is actually 100% PVA. A band wrapped around your neck will keep you cool for at least a couple of hours, and you only need to keep it wet for it to keep working better than you could possibly imagine. They aren't at all expensive and I have one that is almost ten years old and still going. 5. On the subject of tools, find out what the best brands are, then hit every single pawn shop/flea market/auction/estate sale/etc. you can find as often as you can. I've picked up $150 top-quality tools for $5 from a bin because the pawn shop owner didn't know what they were really worth. (...and well-worn tools in an well-worn belt/pouch/etc. will give people the impression that you've been around a while.) Only buy cheap crap until you've saved up for the very best in the world, then treat it like the treasure that it is; protect your tools like a dragon protects its horde and they will serve you well for the rest of your life. 6. The larger and older a power hierarchy is, the more corrupt and tyrannical it will become. ...and the current crop of unions are very, very large and very, very old. Act accordingly. You have been warned. 7. At the end of the day, the only thing you can be assured to have no matter what happens is your personal honour and--to a lesser extent--your reputation. You need to guard your honour with your _life_ and your reputation almost as hard. (While *NOBODY* but you can damage your honour, your reputation can be utterly _destroyed_ by others.) Everything you do needs to be done to the very best of your ability, even as you seek to increase that ability. 8. Don't worry about doing something fast, no matter how much someone--including yourself--might be riding you; speed and efficiency will come with time, practice, and understanding, so, first and foremost, focus on getting it right. After all, if you screw up because you are trying to please someone else or just get it done as quickly as possible, won't fixing it take even *MORE* time? 9. Be financially responsible. Just because you start making serious coin doesn't mean you should spend it as fast as you can. Sit down with a financial advisor and start investing in your future. (How much do you want to be receiving in pension every month once you retire? You need to have solid enough investments that you can pull that much from the _interest_ of those mutual funds/etc. without touching the principle. That is the only way to be sure that you can have enough of an income for the ten to thirty years of life you can expect to have after you retire.) 10. Prioritize what is _really_ important in life: family. Putting career before family may seem more fulfilling and exciting, but it really bites you in the end, as that path often leads to dying alone and lonely. (This is *_ESPECIALLY_* important for women; extensive studies have shown that half of Western women at age thirty are childless, half of them remain so, and *ninety percent* of those one in four women end up regretting it. While men can have children at pretty much any age, a woman's ability to bear children starts to nosedive even before she reaches thirty and almost flatlines by forty. As well, medical complications start to add up, steadily increasing the chances of a miscarriage. This is serious, ladies! Listen to the lonely old women before taking advice from the young party girls and 'boss babes' who have very little life experience.) That being said, there are *many* careers--like electician--that can be flexibly run from the home, so you can be there for your family as they need you. I hope that this helps y'all.

A very smart young lady. I have been in the trade 46 years and when I started I did everything she said back in the 70s. My electrical trade treated me good over the years . Worked for the same non union contractor the entire time and never laid off through many recessions

Karly, I just watched your post. It is really great and you're a great person. All the things you touched on are informative and true. Here's to wishing you nothing but success! Never change the great person you are. The world is lacking such people today.

This is a great list! And not just for the trades. Much of what you outline is fundamental to managing and leading; carry this forward and your company will come and its employees will be happy.

Very well said, I agree 100% working as a construction and maintenance electrician for over 45 years with experience from all sectors of the electrical industry. Finding more instrumentation and programmable controllers to work on really peaked my interest. Also electrical is getting into electronics more and more. Stick in there and work on as much different jobs as you can. Thanks for sharing. (electrician from Saskatchewan)

You are mature beyond your years, Karly. So many good points. Hard to pick one point to emphasize, but I do like your take on #5 especially. Wishing you all the best.

Very well said. You’re Definitely on the right track.

Hi Carly, your parents must be super proud of you! Happy 2024🎉😀

Your a breath of fresh air not very many people you're age even have goals for them selves. Hats off hands down a wonderful person.

Being an electrician has many opportunities, acquiring the many different licenses makes a big difference in your pay. The one item to missed was pensions, young people don’t think much about this until much later in life, and like all construction jobs the work is very hard on the body. You are right in many ways between union and nonunion companies, but union companies are far better to work for. Not all contractors are honest. I encourage you to follow in this trade, it will get you many opportunities that you may not be away of now.

Great advice all around. As someone who’s been through all of this in red seal carpentry and now as a GC. Everything stated in this video is so important, do not underestimate her advice on dressing properly, keeping a clean vehicle.

You have a lot of wisdom and I'm very impressed. You rock - and congratulations on grasping something at this level early on in your career.

I am so admire you Karly. Such young but so talented confidence and so determination. You are going to be very successful. Thank you so much for this Awsome video.

Thank you for this! I have definitely gotten to comfortable in my current job that 7 years has gone by! I have spent the last month hounding electrical companies to take me on. Your content as well as others has helped me to finally push this career I’ve wanted for years.

Thank you for the information, I wish you all the best in 2024🎊

This was solid gold Karly. Especially for the amazing tradeswomen or perspective tradeswomen. We are having a surge of women getting into electrical work here (Central North Carolina) and it’s awesome. Their attention to detail is on another level. As a site manager I love to see them show up and request them even. They just do better work. Cheers! 😎🇺🇸🇨🇦

Happy to see Canadian construction electrician content! Great video, agree with all said. I'm starting out new in 2024! very inspiring. Would love to see more educational Canadian specific content to prepare for the riggers of school. Maybe look at the new 26th edition of the CE Code when it is released?

Great video! Your passion for setting goals and personal growth is contagious😇

Well Said, your list can be applied to any Job. All the best in 2024

Amazing! You gave out so much (LIFE) Alpha that it would benefit one and all. Happy New Year! Keep the pressure on!

This so true...i am proud of you. You keep doing what you thank is right for you and future

Your point on taking control of your education/growth is crucial for people entering the trades. People new to trades sometimes think they will be taught/fed everything they need for success in the same way universities hold your hand through your education, and that’s just not the case. If you can get in a mindset of humility and asking questions every time you don’t know something instead of just shrugging and saying good enough you’ll be years ahead of your peers and you’ll find huge success in your trade.

Great video! There is no limit to how far you will go! Keep up the good work!

Keep up the great work. You are on the path of great success.

Karly , you do nice work and you are wise beyond your years . one of the things I learned that has served me well is to keep a second set of boots and socks in my truck I found that changing my boots and socks at lunch it has made a difference in my physical condition over the years.. I am looking at 60 and I can still go running . the boot changing thing got started when my feet got soaking wet . then i just started changing them at lunch , also I found the work boots last a lot longer . Be Safe

Great video! I appreciate your comment on looking professional/clean. IMO, one of the reasons tradespeople are often looked down upon is their appearance, especially when dealing with residential and small business customers.

Happy new year have a wonderful 2024❤

Happy new year 🎉🎉🎉❤❤❤❤and Thanks

This was actually such an informative video! I like every single point you make. On the topic of unions and growth, I would like to add that people should be wary about getting trapped working at a small outfit. You get tons of great experience but it is very hard to grow and expand your personal arsenal if you re limited to working for a smaller company that’s only ever gonna do the same jobs over and over

I’m a self employed welder, mechanic for 20 years. Everything you have said including the shy description matches me as well. I’m successful and respected from practicing the principles you have mentioned.

Thank you for sharing this with us, it's very good❤

Great video and tips, thank you for putting this out there! I completely agree with everything you said. The only thing I could add is not only being personally clean and not dressing like um well let’s just say rough is keeping you work vehicle clean inside and out. I have gotten many compliments over the years from fellow trades but most importantly clients about how clean my truck is to which I reply I look after my truck just like I will look after your home/business.

Great video! Point #6 is really important. You can become institutionalized at a job where you only know what that company does and how they do it to the point where that's all you know.

Great list Karly! Cheers.

excellent video, I understand perfectly everything you explain and it's really true, I returned to my native country with only a bag of knowledge and some tools to be able to start something on my own and everything is going great. It was also a major change in my life, but the experience in this field made me overcome everything. what you explain applies anywhere on the globe! Thank you, I follow you with interest even if what you do is different from EU , you are wonderful and take care of yourself. Happy new year !

Appreciate this video and your topics are very well said. You are very confident, positive and goal-oriented. As an individual re-entering the electrical trade, this is motivating. Thank you 🙏🏻

Union will definitely pay more than non-union. She said she lives in the warmest place in the country and that's British Columbia, and B.C union rates pay lower than Ontario Union rates. Ontario at the moment pays on average $50/h in ICI and GTA is probably closer to $60/h in ICI. Residential pays much less than ICI but rezi sucks anyway lol. Union benefits are top notch and the vacation pay adds about $10-$12 thousand per year if you worked that whole year. And camp work can get you $6k - $7k/week if you're doing 12 hour days 7 days a week (yeah it's rough but the money is great). Unions aren't for everyone, but the money and benefits are much better than non-union. I just think she doesn't know much about unions.

Hey, lady, you are a great inspiration to everyone

Awesome post Karly 👏👏

Nailed it!

Thanks for advice. Very helpful ⚡️⚡️⚡️

Excellent info! Sounds like a chilly first couple years. Brrrrrrrrr

You aren't just a sparky, you're a Sparkeler! Great presentation.

As a A apprenticeship Plumber your pretty spot on with everything u said

Karly, you're outlining the keys for a successful professional career. Doesn't matter if you're wearing business attire or jeans and flannel shirts. You are a wise and observant person . wishing you the best

You go, girl you got the right attitude I am electrician to been doing this since 1972 when I was in eighth grade trade school still working and I have my own business and the trade treating me very well over the years Good luck.

Good clean advice!

Absolutely 💯!

Thanks for the info ❤

Thanks for the information 👍🏽👍🏽

Very great video, I agree as a 1st year apprentice

We're going well sister ❤❤❤❤🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

Thank you Karly, you are Awesome Could you please make a video on " advice on how you keep healthy with a physical job"

Sooo TRUE. 70 years old , mostly retired (Have a few customers that just won't let me go), so lots of experience. Owned my own business, The industry is so wide there is something for you, you have to keep looking and don't give up. I enjoy your videos, Keep going.

These vids are awesome! TY

Todo de ti es maravilloso!!! 🥰🥰🥰

Good luck in your career, I know I very much enjoyed my job in the trades for 40yrs, never a dull day.

Boas entradas e muita alegria em 2024🎉

👊🏽👊🏽smart and professional nothing but best wishes in your success

You smart, beautiful, polite and hard working woman! Lots respect! Keep up !

Thanks for sharing ❤

Your 100% right and a very smart young lady

I can honestly tell you that its very true, it greatly depends who are work with at the start. I was lucky enough to start with a really great journeyman(qualified senior electrician) made me really like my job. Few years later I'm doing robotics on my own with some really great people and trying to start our little company.

You are an inspiration.

Proud Union Wireman here. Excellent advice! You definitely know what you are talking about. Some of the best tradespeople I’ve been around have been union and also non union. DEFINATELY have good and bad on both sides. Keep up the good content!

Yesss show me what u wear ! I’m just starting and want to be comfortable

i start my apprenticeship in a week and a half!! I"m so excited!! I've been watching as many videos to prepare myself.

But dang you’re work is so professional better than what I have ever seen

You are amazing! I agree with you wholeheartedly. Your advice translates to all skilled trades, I was a forklift mechanic for thirty years then went into management. Two things really hit home; dressing for success, I saw so many techs who just didn't care. My job put me in front of the customer, cleanliness and being put together made a difference. Second I was the highest paid mechanic in the state that I worked in. Non- Union. My Dad was a union man, his biggest complaint was that the Union created a lazy workforce that did not take pride in their work and was always fighting the hand that was feeding them. He also didn't like the fact that his co-workers that didn't put any effort into their career made the same money as those that did. No incentive to be better. Keep making videos wherever your career takes you. This Grandpa enjoys watching young people who have ambition and pursue their own greatness!

I would like to see a video on staying warm. I am volunteering with Habitat for Humanity in Wisconsin and its gonna get colder in the next few months.

Great video.

People have so much bad things to say about the union its unbelievable. I personally have been working for 8 years in the union. I will say every company is different. I have been in charge of medium sized projects and operated a service van in the data center space or just worked for a foreman (no harm in that) less thinking and more just doing. I"ve helped estimate jobs as well in the office. I choose to work union because of the pension thats It. nice knowing the break down of my body came with a price paid by the industry. If I'm breaking my body down for someone else there going to pay me with respect especially with some of the profits off projects. What people don't realize is you CAN take the masters course, estimating course, inspector course or become an engineer and work union or non union as long as its not on tools. I met alot of people and made alot of connections. Its cool to be on the same jobs with the same people years in the future and share youre experience. I'll add as well all my experience has been in the city no oil field work for me all union. Also its nice to know as well if I die on site the union has my back.

👍🏻good for you getting into the trades. I’m sure it’s not easy for a pretty looking lady like yourself, but you have the right attitude. Keep up the good work and don’t let anyone get you down!

Canada and the US need MORE young people like this - a lot more. Talented, upbeat, tradespeople who grow, strive, learn and prosper. What we don’t need is more college grads with degrees in sociology-relational eco-puppetry who graduate with $50k in debt and work slinging hash. This young woman deserves a TON of kudos. I had the pleasure of engaging with an apprentice electrician a couple of months ago at my house. Another amazing young man. Odds are that He will prosper too.

Hey Karly, good video. Im in Canada as well (Ontario actually) its proven quite challenging to actually get a company to take me on as an apprentice. Most people I've spoken to only want 3rd - 5th years.

Great video, I think a clothing video would be good.I'm in northern Montana and it gets cold.

Best advice for weather in Canada is layers and keep the back warm

Ive been non union and union. 27 years a union guy now and Im never looking back. I do know some non union people that make good money and do good quality. But not many.

As a residential service hvac tech, early in my apprenticeship/ helper phase I had one of the best teachers (helped that he wasn’t much older then me) who taught me about the exactly what u mentioned “u control how ppl treat you” so true. I am sure our experience was different, I can imagine a lot of older guys scoffing at a probably the only girl at the job site.

I knew several so called supervisors in my 38 year career as a distribution lineman/troubleshooter, that liked the phrase, "I taught you everything YOU know, not everything I know!!! That is not fair to anyone! Good way to get someone hurt or worse. I also live by the rule, the only dumb question is one not asked.

Love your work. I hope you inspire young ladies to the profession. There is a huge market for women who want female trades people only to come into their home as they feel safe and money to be made. 1. don't stop. 2. keep going.

+1 vote for yup! Please made a video for women's work wear and where you find it, thanks!

❤❤ congratulation

Hey Karly! I’ve been really inspired lately to take the leap into starting a new career and I know this is a long shot but I would so appreciate some one on one advice from a local female sparky ❤ I’m in Vancouver

Thank you for sharing Karly! This is SUPER helpful. I've already applied to my local IBEW and WECA and haven't heard anything back yet. Do you have any suggestion on what to do next? Because I'm not really the type of person to wait around for a response. It's been about 1-2 months now. I prefer to do anything I can to help expedite the process. Also, after watching this video, I've consider that perhaps a non union route might fit my lifestyle better than traveling/relocating to another state.

Everything you just said is true 100%

Good tips..

Def following you thinking of transitioning into thisb

I'd like to see a video of what gear you wear in the winter. Seems like my hands and feet are always cold no matter what. Glad to hear you put your journey in the trades on here. I have a similar story, first guy that trained me in HVAC was awful made me redo work all the time and talked down to me constantly. No other leads I worked with treated me like this. Really affected my confidence early on in the trade. Jumped around a few companies learning more and more. Two of my former buddies jumped into commercial HVAC. I was always hesitant because heights bothered me. Eventually I took the leap that's where I have been the last 2 years and I love it. Currently looking at a union position right now since most non-union companies in my area cannot match the hourly rate of union.

Good advice! Applies to more than just electricians.

Hi Karly! I do have a question. That cargo van you work out of, is it a company truck, or personal? I currently work out of a pickup. Not always the best. Maybe you could do a van walk thru, of how you're set up. At our last safety meeting, management had to get on to people for not showering. So yes, looking professional (and smelling) professional, is important. Have a Happy New Year 🥳🪛🛠💡

Finally someone who shares their honest opinion about how apprenticeship looks like

I would warn you against starting a business. My dad did it as an electrician and between payroll, taxes, supply bills, advertising to get his name out their, people not paying invoices and him having to get lawyers and put liens on properties etc, he was constantly stressed and miserable to be around. Despite me not having a good relationship with him, I learned a little from him and went into electrical. I'm a journeyman now but I have no desire to own a business, I'd much rather just be a well payed journeyman and work for a company I like that treats me well. In the end, it pays better anyways unless you can get big enough, but that tends to take most of a lifetime

Ive never been in the union, im 11 years in the trade so far, a licensed journeyman and i live in west texas where we have no union, so most of my experience is industrial working with privately owned oil field companies and i have a little bit of residential and commercial experience as well but here where i live the money is definitely in the oilfield, learning automation is important though because everything is getting automated

Good for you. I’m so impressed with your thoughts about your job /career. I’d hire you .

Lots of good tips regardless of what trade you work in.

Facts!

Thanku karly I have been in the hvac field for a while and I left 2 companies becuase they basically told me I coukdent do nothing and they didn't wanna teach

8 things that make Weman better Electricians. Great vedio