The truth about the electrical apprenticeship 

Check out the updated version of this video here: How Much Do Electricians REALLY Make? ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-z_-XCINoalU.html

I enjoy working hard to the point that when you get home you get the best sleep!! And get to do it again. PASSION dawg!

Becoming an electrician was the best decision I made in my life. It made me responsible and I absolutely love it. It’s been 8 years and I’ve learned soo much. I must say running conduit is my fav. It is also great for guys who’ve messed up in the beginning of life and trying to make good money with a felony. It will change your life trust me I’m talking from experience.

Ive been lost, im 21 working at starbucks and it’s miserable and I don’t feel like I can take pride in my work. Been interested in trades since i dropped out of college, thank you for this video :)

Damm I hate that I didn’t do this fresh out of high school, I’m a 26 year old warehouse worker, literally going to give it all I got to join 🙏

As someone who goofed off and never knew what they wanted to do in life, I hated school forever, never did college but I love learning with my hands and being productive. now at 25 I’ve been looking into electrician apprentice. A career you can grow in and make a decent living. Something I never had. I am female so I am worried looking down upon or treated differently. I heard Union apprenticeships are better. Should I go for it? Better late than never!

I love the new construction side. I believe it’s the best way to learn. I started with service and it was very hard to understand with closed walls. But when you’re the one running the wires and nailing boxes you begin to get it. At least for me. After doing 1 house with my boss, I understand 3 way, 4 way switches, switch loops, everything. Now my boss lets me do my own thing just going off the print. But service is also important to know. Troubleshooting is what makes an electrician different than others. Learn how to use a meter effectively and you can put in work. I’m 18 with zero schooling and 10 months experience and I’m making good money moves through this job. Best decision I’ve made without a doubt

Started my apprentice right out of high school, so far I love it

Solid advice. Thanks, man.

Thats very encouraging. Im a mature age person and I have been doing my own solar install and the whole field interests me greatly.

Thank you for posting this video. This is good to know the two different sides of being an electrician

Love your energy man! I’m heavily considering switching careers and this video gave me some hope

Great video. Keep it the good work sir!

Hell yea couldn’t have said it any better I’m passionate bout being a sparky. Very good trade and a good start for anyone ⚡️💯👍🏼

I worked as a a Union electrician for over 32 years and I have done service, industrial, low voltage. The electrical industry is always changing , something new to do. The apprenticeship teaches you everything you need to know about the code and how to pass you journeyman's test, your field work gives you the experience to solve problems, like where to run you conduit to get from points A to B in the best manner. The last job I was on was in a light industrial plant with no prints, they were building a new plant with old equipment. We figured out how we wanted our pipe runs, how to control all of the equipment in sequence by the code. I still drive by building and say I worked on that building. Lol.

Thank you for this! Helped alot.

Thanks for sharing your experience! Looking to break through and this helped alleviate my concerns. Sending love from Canada!

One of the better videos I’ve watched talking about becoming an electrician apprentice. Thanks for making this 💪🏼 Definitely have some meditating to do.

Been in the electrical trade for 2 years and I love it I'm commercial, conduit runs are satisfying when you finish themm

Thank you so much for this video! Very helpful :)

I wanted to go in to the construction trade but unfortunately my local Laborer School is down and out. I did some more digging and thankfully there’s 2 more trade schools that offer a variety of work (plumbing,sheet metal,etc.) I just might go in to electrical apprenticeship work because from all the research I’ve done, it looks like such a rewarding job with a lot of demand. I’ve been in the F&B industry for 7 years now and I’m just now realizing I should have quit a long time ago and gotten in to a trade. Thanks for the insight man, this is really helpful in my decision💯

i became a spark in 1967, served a 5 year apprenticeship. completed all my city and guilds, then went out into the wide world. having done my apprenticeship in maintence, i found contracting a hard thing to do. so in 1977, i went back in maintenance electrics, i remained with it it ,at the same company until i retired in 2015. being a spark was the best move i ever made,it gave me a great life style and was a pleasure to go to work every day.

I really appreciate this video. Been aspiring to work in the trade. Electrician has always been on my mind since I was 10 these really help me say let's do this !!

How are we able to tell if the union and or the city we live in will have steady work? Or how do you recommend that we find if a city has stable work if we're willing to relocate? How can we assess if it's a good union or not before becoming a member?

Thanks bro.. Giving me hope for my impending mid life crisis.

Being an electrician can give your career a jolt!

I’m about to start probably this Monday coming up, I’m excited

Great video, I appreciate all the info you gave and you waving to your mom was funny lol

Its awesome that youre spreading the word about what a good career choice it is to be an electrician. The pay starts out okay and can grow super high after a few years, its well respected and generally isnt boring work as you have so much opportunity to learn and grow (and solve challenges). Keep up the great content.

I'm in my first year of my Electricians Apprenticeship. I do a little bit of both service, and installation/construction. Great Vid!

Thank you bro, this was a great video

I really enjoy being a electrical apprentice, been doing it for a looking time. I have done industrial, commercial, residential and service work, my favorite is residential because it feels like shop class with the guys but the one downside I have experienced that I must put out there: Some bosses or owners will procrastinate to sign you up, tell you they are to busy for you to go to school, try their hardest to prevent you from moving up the ladder because they don't wanna pay journeyman rates. My advice, those are not career companies you will be happy at and don't stick around to not be appreciated. It goes both ways like respect. I have felt cheated from wasting my valuable time and went thru alot of disorganized and crappy companies. If you second guess yours it's probably one to move on from. ⚡🤟

Thanks for the video. Really appreciate it :)

I've listened to this video like 6 times already! I'll probably listen to it a few more times. Great video.

Union apprenticeship programs vary by local. When I started 25 years ago we went to class 2 evenings a week for 3 hours after work like a normal school year. Summer off, 2 weeks off for Christmas, 1 week off in spring for 5 years. So we worked full time year round.

I'm excited for you and your future. I've been part of the electrical trade, not licensed though..,.. always loved electrical, did 10 years of hardware retail as an electrical department manager.... do all my own wiring and build and repair lighting and light fixtures. retired now, just tinkering now... but you have a great future... learn as much as you can and expand your knowledge to the computer industry and other "Electrical/Electronics" fields... just don't get electrocuted!

It’s shocking how well you do this job! Keep up the good work!

Been a electrician in London and surrounding areas for over 20 years it’s nice to see someone finding so much enjoyment from there job . I used to be like this a long long time ago keep that enjoyment going ........

Right now I am in college but I'm not sure it's right for me. Learning as an apprentice and having a job that's in need sounds great. Thanks for the video and good luck to everyone 👍

Great video brother thanks

I’m a non union 5th year apprentice and our schooling is structured similar to union where I have to take 4 weeks off out of the year for classroom education. But my favorite thing is building something up and getting to see it work how it was designed to (on the first try haha)!

Got kicked out at 17 was in college about to finish my 2 year transfer degree to UW but had to drop out to try and find a place to live and survive. 21 now and am looking to become an apprentice electrician, my step dad is a journeyman I think and has been telling me to do it for years and now finally going to apply. Wish me luck yall I’m tryna change my life around 🙏🏽. I’m a very fast learner and good with my hands as well, my iq is in the 140s. He told me just to do it and if I don’t like it I can stop, I’ll be making way better money so if anything I could save up a certain amount and go back to school and finish my software developer degree while also having a skill I can use for the future 🤷🏾‍♂️

Man im coming soon for that apperticeship im 2 months off from high school man im a great worker and I just cant wait to get in this field !

i finished school here in Iceland as electrician and i can tell you it's a fact most companies don't want to hire apprentices and if you can't finish your apprenticeship you can't become electrician. for every 10 electrician jobs their is only 1 apprentice job and the apprentices don't want to quit even though they have worked in the hour leaving many un-employed including me.

Hey thanks for the information man.

Hey bro, I'm in the middle of an 18 month Instrumentation & Electrical Technician course. I'm LOVING it. Learning how to troubleshoot industrial machinery, electrical transformers, installing VFD's, & writing PLC's, has been some of the coolest things that I've been able to do/learn about.

So I was in local 26 here in Maryland. Unfortunately I didn't finish and have been away from it for a while. I'm very eager to get back into it, but I'm weary about the placement test because I've been away from the math. But I LOVE IT, so I'm torn

I'm in the Low voltage end of things as a first year apprentice and I enjoy going to work and learning something new everyday, multiple times a day. Even just being on a jobsite and watching someone do something you can learn a ton. Its a great balance of using your body and brain at the same time, office work just isn't for me. Being in low voltage is great because a lot of systems are switching over but I would still like to learn some residential work as well. If any of you have any tips on how to get out there and learn something new it would be much appreciated!!!

Thank you. After years working unhappily I'm deciding to go back to learning at 36. My brother in law and father in law are electricians so I need to get on the team anyway.

Union apprenticeships must vary from place to place. I'm at the end of my 3rd year. We have one class for 8 hours every other week and the rest of the time we are working. They don't pay for our apprenticeship but you can opt to have them take a little out of your check to cover tuition if you don't want to pay it up front. 3rd years are around 22 bucks an hour and Journeymen make about 38 an hour where I am. Free (good) health insurance for you and your entire immediate family. You get a flex spend account that can be used to pay for medical bills (I have about 3 grand saved up not even trying) and they contribute 22 percent of your gross income to your pension. (100% employer contributed) meaning nothing comes out of your check. I was a paramedic for 10 years and just got into the trade a few years ago to do something different and make more money. The training is great, work is plentiful and you meet some really cool people. If you're on the fence about whether or not to become an electrician. Just do it. Having a skill like that is invaluable. Just doing some side work can make you more in a day than a lot of people make in a week.

I’m in my apprenticeship currently and I think this is the career for me . I just like to see other peoples view of this job .. I have no experience, super green but I love a challenge😎

I am Union second year apprentice we go to school two days a week and go to school 6pm-9pm usually the same time frame as public school. When it starts and ends in regards to the seasons.

This was such a positive video ! I was feeling really overwhelmed and not sure of I would be able to learn electrical but this just gave me such a better outlook on my future . I'm a single mom and have an opportunity to enroll into an apprenticeship progr and I'm going to go for it !

Bro thanks, currently I work in storage as a property manager. I want something that pays more and something I can make a career out of, so I'm gonna give this a try

Wow very helpful info thank you

I wanted to go to Linemen school but the college I'm going to doesn't have that course so I might aswell study for residential electrician since fasfa will cover it for me.

Just started my apprenticeship a week ago. Building a new hospital. Can’t wait to learn enough to do the service side as far as diagnosing. I’m a puzzle guy myself. Nothing more satisfying than to diagnose a problem or system and fix it using the knowledge you’ve got. Great video man

I just got a job as a construction electrician apprentice! Idk if that means commercial or industrial yet, show up and work is one of my specialties 😎

You just helped me out, thanks

This was helpful, just dropped out of school trying to figure what to do and one of our family friends is an electrician he’s like 40 something now but he makes good money and said he’d help me out with I decided to try out an apprenticeship so ima give it a try !

Even though this video is two years old. This gave me some hope. My current career is a Butcher/Meat cutter been doing it for alittle over a decade and I see signs of it dying. Or, should say, changing in away i cant be proud of my work. I have looked at local butcher shops, but either they arent hireing or on the verge of closing down. I have been thinking of changing trades, and have been leaning into the electrion feild. I have been exposed to some of it since my dad is very D.I.Y. I may had looked over his shoulder when he was getting his electrical technician degree years ago. Thank you again, and I'm looking forward to making this change in my life in a couple of months.

the electrical apprentice starter pack: - optimism for learning something that even if you dont like, will be useful some time later in your life - "don't do that, you're not ready" - outside people asking why you dont do as much as your coworkers - "can't believe you don't know how to do this one basic thing" - Constant disapproval of your opinion because you are young - "get me that one plier that I forgot I left in my pocket" - Depression

I am a member of local union #269 out of Trenton New Jersey (25yrs) our apprentice work 40hrs a wk and go to school 2 nites a wk 3hrs a nite.

Great video brother

Nonunion ABC associated builders and contractors school is usually one night a week plus OJT training…usually paid for by the contractor although the student/employee must maintain attendance to all classes and make up missed classes and maintain a passing grade ,, and if that employee drops out than usually he will hav to payback the costs the contractor paid…good content here on your channel!

I have a friend who is a licensed electrician, has been doing it for 30+ years. Out of the blue this week he calls and offers me a job with the electrical service company he manages. They do both service and new construction, residential and commercial. Really considering it. I'm currently driving a truck so it'll be a total change.

I just passed my test for the ibew, looking forward for my interview and I hope everything goes well 🙏🏽 God knows I really want this and I’m ready to put in the work !

No bs...I think this video is gonna be the change of my life... Thanks Bro for this video💯💯

Dude your video is awesome! I’ve been working corporate office sales jobs for the past 7 years since I got out of the military and have been miserable. Been feeling stuck and lost. I’m 33 and have been thinking changing careers about becoming an electrician. I may have to find an apprenticeship and pull the trigger.

Great video⚡️👏🏽

I'm finding it hard to find work as a green apprentice. It's definitely something that I would like to get into since I enjoy hands-on and learning to solve problems

I'm looking to get into the field myself getting back to school not rly too much of a option right now and my dad's a journeyman electrician who should really be a master with the knowledge he has and I've had the privilege of doing some side house calls with him... It's good to know no real knowledge is necessary to start but I have... And recommendations or tips? I live in Houston TX btw

I've worked retail for 14 years. I like moving around and working with my hands and hopping around doing different tasks throughout my day. What I don't like is the unpredictable scheduling that has me working early mornings, late nights, holidays and weekends. What are the hours like for an electrician? Is service more predictable than construction?

I need to apply to my local IBEW ! 🙌🏽

I know I’m late but maybe another fellow electrician can give me a suggestion, been doing electrical for 5 years, I did start in the service side but I quickly went to the commercial construction side and have excelled at my work, have gotten great opportunities since and spent 3 years exactly in the apprenticeship, however I had to take time off of work, school and life.. literally. I was hit by a car and I literally had to stay bed ridden until case was up. My thing is I’m back at work and I’m the exact same if not better because all that off time I spent studying and watching videos and what not, but I really don’t wanna go back to school anymore, I get tired faster every day, don’t have the energy to even take my dog out at the end of the day. Now mornings are my thing so it’s not like I’m crippled I’m just having a hard time seeing the schooling being a valuable addition to my life anymore so should I and can I skip the rest of it and get credit and just take the test? I feel like I’ve been ready for the last year but I have no idea if that’s even possible, google and RU-vid doesn’t give a definitive answer. I’m just asking if I can get like a sign off and just take the test, if not I was planning on paying for my remaining schooling I have left next semester.

. thanks

I’m a 1st year at a union apprenticeship I love it because I get to meet new people everyday and learn everyday it’s a grind that’s worth it !!

Thank you I’m joining the union under a five year apprenticeship no experience going for it thank you

At 44, after leaving my first career in Accounting/Finance, recently working side contracting job and being exposed to working on Electrical, I have decided to seek an apprenticeship. Got a call today for interview, many states away so will continue to search before interview. I really enjoy the challenge

I’m a 2nd year apprentice with a controls company working out of DC, nice video 👍

We have an apprentice school here but you have to pay a lot, if I can get into a program where I didn’t have to pay so much I would definitely try it out

I left the trade 2 years ago and boy do I wish I hadn’t it’s hard to get back in at the wage I’m currently making in a factory however as a sparky you can top out way higher .

I love the hat design. Also this stuff is pretty interesting

i’m in college and i hate it. i just can’t sit in a classroom all day doing homework on top of class time. when i graduated from highschool in 2019 i did under the table hvac work with a guy who had his own company for about 6 months before deciding to go to school. i now believe i made the worst decision ever and i should’ve stuck with hvac. but my brother is a union electrician as well as a lot of guys i know so i’ve been really thinking about leaving college and going the union route

love the content

Left the military after 8 years and starting my electrical apprenticeship next week, thanks for the tips mate!

Very True!! All of it. I started as a shop BOY...(I was 20, they still called me BOY) ...Now I am 47 and work for myself as a Service Electrician. I have never been happier to go to work and do something that even the smartest of person is amazed by. If you are a MAN and you work HARD and ABSORB the trade; From what ALL the parts and fittings are specifically known as....To STAYING POSITIVE...you can do it! If you are BRAND NEW ... Ask questions, be prompt, be Aware. It just gets better and better.

Im from Germany and an electrican. You told the truth about that. Keep going bro !

It's very difficult to find a company or someone who's willing to take you on when you have no experience.

As a kid i was always wanting to be paid to cram unwanted information into my mind. Trade school is where it’s at.

I am 16 years old and I dropped out of highschool I was in a bad group of friends and they where taking me down the wrong patch but I am glad god had a plan for me bc my dads friend hired me as a apprentice thank you for theses videos god bless you

Day 1 of my apprenticeship starts monday. I have absolutely no idea what Im doing, but I get the feeling that problem will solve itself.

I’ve been told to become an electrician etc coz all the adults around me refer not going into a trade and this vid has convinced me ima look for an apprenticeship thnx a lot!

Ive been in finish carpentry for about 4 years with my older brother. He doesnt want to work anymore since he's licensed. My friend told be about becoming union electrician. Im still undecided mostly cause im nervous about not having any experience on that field.

I’m almost 40, recently divorced and trying to start a new career. Applied for IBEW chapter and got a phone call. They said it will be hard for me to get in with no experience-I’d be competing with 2000 people (only the best 300 are selected) so that is a discouragement. Either that or I can go the “R program” and do OTJ training making $14/hr. I’m feeling discouraged.

Hey bud, I am about to start my apprenticeship next week and am a little nervous. This video took a little of the fear away! Thanks Bud!!!

I start my first day as a Electrical Apprentice on Monday very anxious but excited!

Where would you go to start an apprenticeship? I'm very interested but unsure about where to start. Thanks for any information you can throw my way. I'm gonna start looking into it now.

What about the third side? Industrial electrical like plants and Mills

I’m going into trade school for electrical in 3 months and have never been more excited about something.