Are You Too Old To Become An Apprentice Electrician? 

I start at 45 years old as an apprentice Electrician and I was a Journeyman by age 49. I will be a Master Electrician by age 51. Good luck to all Sparky’s, it is a great Journey.

I’m 50 and pursuing electrical apprenticeship

I am a 50 year old black woman originally from Ghana. I took my aptitude test in October 2022 passed and on my way to the interview on the February 2023,my goal is to dedicate the next 20 years of my life to working as an electrician. I wanted to be an electrician since I was 8 years old, I will never forget the day my village got electricity for the first time. I thought the electricians who came to my village had performed a miracle,to me they were magicians who had turned night to day. I wanted to be like them BUT,I was a “Girl” my family told me only Boys can be electricians. In America Girls can be electricians too so at age 50 I am going to be one so help me God. I am soo fascinate by the trade.

Suddenly I dont feel so awkward about doing this at 38.

I’m 29 and wish I listened to my uncle when I was a teenager, but glad to hear it’s not too late. We’re all trying to figure life out no matter what age.

I turned 18 fresh out of highschool and here I am today 23, journeymen

I am 61 years old and I am a first year apprentice

Ha! I got accepted after 4 tries at age 49.

I'm 41 and was just offered an electrician job. I spent the last decade owning a gym and sold everything because of covid. I was a plumber for 4 years and a maintenance man for 5 years before that. I think I'm going to take the job. Thanks for the insight!

I’m 54 and I’m taking my apprentice course to prepare myself to get in to the job. And I feel young enough to work at least till I’m 70 or even 75 if a still have physical capability.Stoping is dying.

Thanks so much for making this video. I feel like it spoke directly to me. I’m 38, hate having a desk job that I’ve had for 15+ years, and have always enjoyed doing electrical work on my own home. I’m beginning the research process of my union options in my area and hope to start an apprenticeship within the next 6-12 months.

I started doing electrical work at the age of 55 I’m 58 today

I am 27 years old and right now I am in the interview stage of my application. Got my interview next month. Guys these videos really do help.

I'm 43 now, one year from journeyman test...i decided at 40 to start electrical career after lifetime of dead end sales, retail, a d hospitality jobs. I'm in better shape now the I was at 25, and feel great!! I stretch, exercise, and meditate before work everyday. This all started with my career change, which was best move EVER!

48 and a second year IBEW apprentice.

23 going on 24 and I personally feel like I’m doing this at just the right time. When I was younger than I am now, I wouldn’t have been mature enough to take it seriously. I would’ve given up during this long application process. Good video, Stephen! Love your content

I started my Apprenticeship at 51. I will start 2nd semester next week.

1st year. 44 years young. Learning that at this age, I have just as much to teach, than to learn.

I’m 42 and have been an accountant for 14 years. I have great benefits and pay but I’m bored out of my mind. I’m hoping to get into the 4 yr sound and telecommunications apprenticeship before I turn 43. In addition to this video, the video with your brother was also helpful because I too will be taking a big pay cut and a huge risk by switching careers especially this late in life. I just found your channel today, subscribed and will continue watching for more tips and tricks and encouragement. Thanks!

This was really good to hear, since I'm 37 and was considering a job switch. Although it's really tricky since the trades are SO male-dominated, so I'm not sure that it would be a good fit as a woman. But it's awesome to hear that I could finish my current career and then do an apprenticeship

I’m 41, college educated and just got offered a position at my local IBEW in the California Bay Area. Took me 2 years and 2 interviews to get in and I’m so glad I didn’t give up!! Really looking forward to this excellent career!

Applying at 25. Like others have commented, I actually think I'm going to appreciate the apprenticeship more and apply myself more diligently than if I had applied right out of highschool. I'm looking forward to getting started.

This makes me feel so much better. Took the aptitude test today, ill be 31 this summer and was worried that I am too old.

44-year-old woman preparing for an apprenticeship. Encouraging to see others in midlife instigating changes.

I’m 23 looking at trade jobs and narrowed it down to become an electrician because of your videos. Hopefully I’ll nail everything and be a journeymen by 27-28 LETS GOOOOO!! PS: nice to know you’re a fellow Christian I don’t think it’s coincidence I found your page today.

58 looking to retire early from a desk job. Handy with tools, do lots of diy including basic electrical work. Thanks for the insight. Need to find a way in now that I know it's possible.

21 and mainly interested in the field for being able to have a decent honest job while I figure out if I want to go to college later on, travel later, etc. So long as I'm not stuck in fast food, I'll take it. 5 years to me would give plenty of time to try practicing to use the job to build up just being independent and not needing my parents for everything.

I really appreciate your content & time!! I’m 34 & in trade school now for electrical/electrician. 12/9/20 was my 3rd of school!

Aye man, this was really encouraging! I've been in the restaurant biz for most of my life and it's feeling like a dead end, especially with this pandemic going on! I've just been browsing around and doing some research, trying to explore my options, and your channel has been super helpful to me. Thanks for taking the time to make these videos!!

I am 46 years old, and your advice in these videos has encouraged me to start getting the preparatory work done, as far as materials handler work and volunteering and extracurricular projects that reflect mechanical aptitude and an ability to work with tools, etc. your channel has proven an invaluable resource. Greatly appreciated. Every doubt that ran through my mind in the course of considering this career path, you have effectively dispelled.

When I started my apprenticeship with IBEW Local 80s JATC (Norfolk, Virginia) back in 2002, the oldest first year apprentice in our class was 49 I believe. he retired from the air Force after 20 plus years and did several other things both before the military and after. He made it through the full 5 years and did very well. At that time at least, we did have to sign a SLA (student loan agreement) that was just what you said, you had to work out of the local for 5 years after you topped out. For those who left within that 5-year time period had to pay back the cost of a year of apprenticeship times how many years they did not give back of the five. I believe that worked out to be something along the lines of $1,800 for every year that was not "paid back". I believe they've done away with that now because of how many instances that had occurred and the legality of it in Virginia as it is a "right to work state" so because of that, the apprentices now have to pay the tuition and book cost for every year of their apprenticeship now. So if you're working out of one of the locals that still have student loan agreements, please keep in mind that for every person that does not fulfill that deal, it potentially can affect everybody that follows in those same footsteps down the road.

I’m 26 and just about to make the jump from a banker to electrician. Couldn’t be more excited

Im 41 and starting my electrician apprentice on wednesday may 5th👍👍 you never too old to do what you like..😀

I'm 27 and I'm just getting started as a "shop helper" (i.e. laborer). I submitted my application for a non-union apprenticeship last week and keeping my fingers crossed that I'll get into the program

46 year old man who spent 15 years in research and getting ready to start apprenticeship July 25 , was kinda nervous thought I was to old thanks so much for encouragement

Man this felt good to hear... I’m now starting at 32... pandemic shut down my dj business 😔 I won’t fully quite djing but I’m excited to start a new career path

@Mad Electrician. Thanks for posting this. Very motivational. I tested and passed for inside wireman this year at the age of 48...waiting for my interview date. It's never too late to learn a new skill!

Mid twenties. Planning a career change, pretty nervous about applying for apprenticeships and following down such a long route but hopefully will all work out. Just applied for marine electrician apprentice role which I'd be really excited to get.

I was a dirtbag electrician all my life. My house was paid for and my business was paid for and I retired at 47 years old....Who's the dirtbag now?

I’m 26, floating in life right now searching for direction. And I’ve been looking into this pathway for a career. Currently assistant manager at a lube shop, but I want to experience the feeling of accomplishment after hard work and effort on a job done by my bare hands.

Starting my first year at 36!

I am 55 and just got accepted into the program and I start class on October 15, 2021. Got accepted the first time I applied

i’m 27 pursuing an apprenticeship

I'm 31 and looking into electrician trade. I'm pretty much sold.

I am 55 years old and I just finished a two-year program in Electrical Maintenance and Automation. I have been thinking of applying to Local 48 Inside apprenticeship. Should I do this? I am very teachable, graduated with honors from college. I am physically capable of doing the job and I am planning on retiring in 10-13 years.

I wanted to become an Electrician out of High school then decided not to. now I'm a second term apprentice and started when I was 25 and Happy I got back into the trade. I don't regret not going straight into the trade too much because of the different life experiences I have had.

45 and pursuing an apprenticeship

I’m 28 and I want to start my journey

I feel like I wasted my 20s sometimes. I'll be 30 in August and I sometimes worry that I don't really have anything to show for it. I'm trying to put my best foot forward and build something I can be proud of while being an important part of my community. I passed my aptitude test now im just waiting for my interview sometime early next year. I really need a win here lol.

im 39 looking for electrician apprenticeship good luck to me. regret auto machanic job because low pay

I am 26 i will become a Journeyman Electrician next November

I'll be 29 this year and would not have guessed that it's an average age! Thanks for sharing

I’m 21 thinking about becoming an apprentice. I have no job experience and I’ve done nothing interesting like projects over the years ive been completely concentrated on my college work but I just don’t think I’m headed the right way. I’m scared about looking like a complete blank slate if I were to actually pursue this career. Any advice?

I’m currently 17 and turning 18 in March, I’m in my senior year of high school and my parents want me to become an engineer or an architect but I’ve been thinking it a lot because I have found out that most engineering careers are really high stress and some you might be working overtime, they want me to become an architect bc they think that architects make really good money but I have made some research and found out that they don’t really make a lot of money and they require expensive long education. I’m really thinking of becoming an electrician because you don’t have to pay for education and I can start saving and investing at a young age. I also want to be a part time dog breeder and invest my money in top bloodlines, I already own a “quality” dog and I’m about to breed her, to what I have researched breeders also make good money. I already discussed this with my parents but they still want me to go to college and be someone “big“ in life. I have been thinking of becoming an architect because I have always been a A’s and B’s student but I am tired of going to school and think that I might drop out if I decide to go to college to become an architect. What do you suggest me to do? My parents think that I have to go to college to succeed in life.

I tried it out when I was 26 but unfortunately I dropped it due to mental health issues but now that I’m much better I want to give it a second try now that I’m about to turn 30

I am a 56 years old journeywoman ; IBEW Local 3 New York City. I started my apprenticeship when l was 47. Here, the apprenticeship is five and a half years to finish. I got in the Local through the program NEW ( nontraditional employment for women). Being a woman in construction is not easy but the reward is great. In my Local, we have Mentoring Program and we placed journeywomen with female apprentices to guide them through the apprenticeship. Union Proud!

I’m 35 and I’ve finally started studying math

I became an apprentice lineman at 32 years old. Best decision I’ve ever made.

Just got accepted to my Local’s apprenticeship program. I’ll be 45 soon. I figure that if they accepted me, then it’s not too late.

I have a civil engineering technology diploma 2 years into it i want to change my career to electrical apprentice I have a few friends in the union right now Im considering going to back to college to take the electrical program

There is no old. Only how free are you to pursue an apprenticeship.

I'm starting an apprenticeship at 22 years old

I’m a female high schooler seriously looking into going into being an electrician. I’ve been told that being a girl is advantageous and disadvantageous because of my gender. Does it matter and should I be worried and prepare for it? (Edit: 10th grade)

42, 43 in April and started my apprenticeship

I’m 35 about to go to school good luck everyone

I'm 41 and I'm really thinking about becoming an electrician

27-28yrs first 6months on the felid

27 years old trying to get into a apprenticeship.

I'm 33 and I started an electrician trade school program last month. Thanks for the confidence boost.

I'm 36 and interested in starting an apprenticeship

Thanks for the insight. I am 47. I have been a trucking owner operator for 25 years. With decreasing rates, increasing fuel prices and strangling regulations I am considering the next stage in life.

37 years old, taking my IBEW Aptitude Test on July 23, 2022

I star the school at 26 got done at 27 just about to star working now -I be done at 31 it’s never to late to change your life

Thank you for this! I'm 36 and just going into a foundations program this summer....was getting a little nervous to be with a bunch of teenagers.

3rd year union apprentice electrician, started in 2019 at age 30

34 years young 🌱 I always tell my younger classmates to invest now! I wish I did. But so glad I found my career now.

35 here and about to apply to my local electrical union. I'm watching your videos like doritos; can't just eat one chip.

Is it possible to do an apprenticeship while working full-time?

Just turned 43 and started my 1st material handler job yesterday. Im going to apply for an apprenticeship when they take applications. Thanks for the encouragement!

I’m 18 turning 19 in April should be starting my apprenticeship soon hopefully this is the right path.

I’ll be 35 next year when I start my apprenticeship. Really looking forward to the career change after 23 years in Retail/Customer Service.

My husband is 49 and has been a firefighter for 10 years and working in a plant for another 10....he is golden!!! He has his interview in a couple of weeks...

I’m 30 and pursuing an electrical apprenticeship

I'm 23 with an Associates Degree in Political Science and I'm currently a Manager at a Target in Vermont. I don't want to be in retail much longer and am thinking of pursuing a career as a union electrician like my uncle. Having a strong foundation for the rest of my life for when I start a family is something that's hard to find in the US these days.

Age 42, applied in January 2022, passed aptitude test, interview in March. Wish me Luck !

34, starting mine next month 😃

I'm 34, I have my interview in a couple weeks.

Hey y’all! I’m a 24 year old rod buster apprentice! I’ve applied to the ibew 11 (eti) here in the Los Angeles area!!

I'm planning to apply and turn 29 next month.

Ery Gaton. I am 50 and I can not wait to start.

42 and starting this month.

should do a video about working at heights (above 10-12 feet)

46, applied and just scheduled my math comprehension test.

I'm applying at 30 years old... getting tired of being a Network Engineer for computers and ungrateful companies and people. If I'm going to do something in life, at least I'm going to do something that teaches me good life lessons and is honest work.

I'm currently in the application process, I'm 32 and hope to join the program by 32 or 33

So, I worked at a union shop as a payroll guy. You actually have a thing in your total package that actually pays directly into the JATC. This fund is, most of the time, paid by the contractor as part of your fringes. THAT is your paying it forward. As a Journeyman, your hours worked equals money towards apprenticeship costs for the new guys.

31, foreman of a landscaping company. No benefits, no 401k, no paid holidays. Taking a pay cut to pursue electrician field, I start Monday. Is a $4 pay cut but I believe it will be a better life choice in the end. Iv reached the top of my current field and wrestling wheel barrels at the age of 50 with no retirement in sight sounds horrible otc.

I will say this though, correct me if I’m wrong, but IBEW has the best electric workers in the nation. Top tier education bar-none. Exquisite OJT, as well as hand on in the field. And benefits you won’t find anywhere else.

I’m 33 years old and I’m interested in becoming a semi truck driver. I’ve been a machinist for 12 years and I’m just tired of working in that field. I’ve already got a CDL class A permit. I’m well aware of the isolation of being a truck driver and I have nothing tying me isolated to speak. I don’t have anything tying me down no wife, kids nothing to stop me from perusing this type of work. Any thoughts of me switching careers?

When I was 16 I started an apprenticeship but I dropped out. At 21 I was diagnosed with mental illness and life has been a roller coaster. I’m 33 now going to an information session tomorrow for a low voltage apprenticeship. Funny thing is I’ve been accepted into the ibew twice but didn’t follow through because I didn’t study for the aptitude test.