Electricians Stuck in Repetitive Work

“I just finished my pretty short in all honesty electrical program. Does anyone have just any general advice for someone trying to become an apprentice electrician and also how to be a useful apprentice electrician. [Edit] forgot to mention I'm in the U.S great lakes region submitted by /u/kigjag [link] [comments]”

“Hi, I’ve recently applied successfully for the IBEW electrician apprenticeship program, took me a few tries of applying and not finishing my application in time then waiting months to be able to apply again. Finally got a confirmation email this time that my application was accepted and I’ll get an test date in the next month or two. Which is GREAT NEWS. I’ve been studying for that test for quite a while now. The only dilemma, is I also recently applied to the Department of Water resources, for”

“Hey guys! I’ve worked as a labourer for a while now, tried to always work my hardest and be inquisitive. However, no matter what I do I’ve never got past the labourer stage. I’m finding no companies willing to take me on for anything other than labouring and I’ve found myself spending my days hauling things around, digging and cleaning on low wages as I’m unskilled. I’ve bought my own tools including power tools, I have always been reliable and on time, in the end last week I emailed every carpe”

“I never heard anything about having to be an apprentice so im not sure but regardless I’ll be getting my foot in the door”

“Ask questions, learn why you're doing something instead of just how, and don't pretend you know something when you don't. Nobody started out knowing it all. The good ones just kept paying attention and applying their knowledge!”

“hey just wondering, im currently applying to local 11 and local 440 for an apprenticeship but i was wondering to see if they let you transfer locals? i want to transfer to the one in san diego if possible as that one is much closer to me. or if i get into local 11 i’d see if i can transfer to local 440. submitted by /u/NotMoolah [link] [comments]”

“Im a youngish electrician (38m) in Canada with 15 years of various industrial backgrounds; oil and gas (former rig worker and pipe fitter), renewable energy (currently a wind turbine technician), and other jobs in construction and waste management. Ive recently gotten my 309a construction anf maintenance redseal and I want to find the best paying job on the planet. I want to work as much as possible for 1-2 years to eliminate my debt and get a down payment on a house. Essentially do a hard reset”

“Hi I'm a 19M, currently doing a degree apprenticeship in engineering on 26k salary and degree paid for. I've always like and found interest in maths, science and engineering but I've found myself getting tired of study. Did my a levels last year 2025 started the apprenticeship thats September. And now find myself wishing id taken a break/gap year, taken a simple job and tried out different things. I'm passionate about a lot of other stuff I have creative projects that I want to p”

“Currently I’m a probationary apprentice at an International Union of Elevator constructors(IUEC) local in upstate New York and in my very early twenties . I come from a working class background(single mom) and lived all over the eastern seaboard. I did poorly in high school dropping out in the 11th grade mainly due to thinking I was smarter than I really was and didn’t need to pursue an education. I grabbed a GED and worked for a little while before doing a short stint in the military (10 months”

“I just recently graduated as an honors student from my mature student program ( I dropped out because I was in an awful place in life ) and I was wondering how some of you guys got into the trade. I've always been relatively good with technical math and science and just wanna know how you guys found your footing. submitted by /u/YozuuKai [link] [comments]”

“hello all, new to reddit, thought I'd give this a go pertaining to my career. Im currently in aviation, and not the trade-skill side of it. I am desperately trying to make the switch into the trades---i've come to learn that it's not easy getting in as an entry level candidate. you've gotta know someone and network or get an apprenticeship and even that's difficult to do. Any advice? I'd like to make the switch immediately. I haven't given up, I am determined to get i”

“I'll be getting a construction studies bachelors degree but have always wanted to do a trade. I've been given the opportunity to start an apprenticeship alongside my degree. I should've done it when I was younger tbh im 22 (f) now. I have 9 months experience in site management but none as a tradesmen. Should I look into shadowing before doing an apprenticeship? Did you have practical experience before starting? My school didn't have practical subjects i honestly don't know if”

“So I’m a first year commercial electrical apprentice in Orlando FL working for a non union Shop. I make 17/hr and enrolled into the FEAT electrical school and my wage will follow that pay scale ($2/hr raise every 6k hours or about 6 months). I just got the email to test for the aptitude test for Local 606 Orlando Union for the inside wireman apprenticeship. So far I have not been digging trenches or pulling wire. I mainly do new tenant buildouts/Service calls I’m learning how to bend conduit, pu”

“I completed my Electrical and Electronics Engineering degree four months ago. I have a strong interest in control systems and power electronics, but I’m still unsure about which field I should choose for my career. I honestly feel a bit lost and don’t have a clear idea of which career path would be the right fit for me. I’m looking for some guidance to understand the different career options in these fields, their future scope, required skills, job opportunities, and good reasons to choose one p”

“I’ve just started my apprenticeship, 1st day on the tools (yesterday was all paperwork etc). I was judged best weld of the day out of our group, is it actually any good? Still buzzing though, thoroughly enjoying it! submitted by /u/camglynn2000 [link] [comments]”

“I want to join a union to reap the benefits but I would much rather do residential, I have previous experience and I'm cool staying on this route but when given a contractors list from my local (322), there wasn't a single residential option. Anyone have an idea of how I should go about this? submitted by /u/TheseMarionberry385 [link] [comments]”

“Hey all hope you’re keeping well! I’m 28 with a degree in mech eng, I’m in year 3 of 4, of a mechanical fitter apprenticeship. And I’m getting to a stage where I don’t really see myself being in this field. I did the apprenticeship so that I could become more competent and confident as an engineer, however with how this apprenticeship has gone it’s kinda left me feeling less confident and kinda lazy. My question is, do I start looking at other jobs now and see what skills I could be working on?”

“I was a GM with Caliber first as I had GM experience with another shop. I really didn’t fit the Caliber GM roll so I stepped down and move to another location. I’m still in my first year as an estimator, but I have 8 yrs in the industry. If you move into estimating, be prepared for a long road to proficiency. I wasn’t good at this for several years. No that I am very good, I can write a 150 line $15k - $20k estimate within an hour and a half and the insurance companies don’t push back because al”

“Hey everyone, I’m looking for some advice from people who actually work in the electrical industry. I recently finished the academic requirements for the 2-year Electrical Engineering Technician program at Georgian College in Barrie, Ontario. Since starting my job search, I’ve submitted around 160+ confirmed applications through Indeed, LinkedIn, company career websites and direct applications. I’ve applied for Electrical Technician, Controls/Automation Technician, Field Service Technician, Test”

“I’m going on my 4th year. :) I’m not saying it’s good for you or your body, but I like it square. You go to work and know exactly what you are going to do for the day. I’m only 22 and still got alot to learn, but so far I like it! :)”

“Hey, I’m an assistant super for a GC that does commercial and critical infrastructure. I started my career as a carpenter for a few years, was promoted to field engineer. I left and became an electrician for 3 years to gain more knowledge for management. I’ve been an asst. super now for 2 years and I’m tired. A new company I’ve been working for, for about 6 months, is good and bad. I got back from my honeymoon and immediately I was told I’m covering nights. 14+ hour nights with a hour and half d”

“I’m 22 and trying to figure out what I want to do with my life. I recently worked in HVAC and was doing commercial maintenance for a while before getting let go because I wasn’t progressing as quickly as my company wanted. I’m planning on going back into HVAC training because I don’t feel like I gave the trade a fair shot, and I know it can provide a solid career. The thing I’m struggling with is that I’m not particularly passionate or obsessed with HVAC. I don’t go home wanting to learn more ab”

“Please post any and all apprenticeship questions here. We have compiled FAQs into an [apprenticeship introduction] ( https://www.reddit.com//r/electricians/wiki/apprenticeship ) page. If this is your first time here, it is encouraged to browse this page first. Previous Apprenticeship threads can be found [here]( https://www.reddit.com/r/electricians/search?q=apprenticeship&restrict_sr=on&sort=relevance&t=all ) and [here]( https://www.reddit.com/r/electricia”

“I’m starting out as an electrical helper/apprentice and I’m coming in with basically zero experience. And when I say zero, I mean zero. I don’t know much about basic hand tools, electrical work, construction, or really any trade. I was given an opportunity to learn, and I don’t want to waste it. I’m not afraid of hard work, getting dirty, asking questions, or starting at the absolute bottom. I know I’m probably going to feel lost for a while. For the electricians here: what advice would you give”

“Forgive me cause I know something similar was asked earlier, just seeing if i get any different answers. For background, if it matters, im a 24 year old, 2nd year commercial electrician in Nova Scotia, though i just hit my hours to go for 3rd, I previously spent 2 years as a maintenance troubleshooter for an industrial factory, and have a pre-employment course in instrumentation and controls, im currently heading the building automation for a school, non-union if it matters. My father spent 20 y”

“Helloooooo all I’m here to inquire about some curiosities I have as a technician assistant who would like to be a DVM one day hopefully. I’ve always struggled with math. When I went to go get my bachelors degree (I have 2) I was able to get through fundamentals of math, zoology, other courses with some extra help and tutoring. I never took statistics, any chemistry, any physics, etc. I’m aware that I will need to knock these prerequisites out at a community college before I move on to applicatio”

“Hey all, I’m about to graduate trade school, and was wondering what tools you guys would recommend for me to get, as a first timer with no tools whatsoever? submitted by /u/ArtiCHOKE05 [link] [comments]”

“Im a 2nd year electrician apprentice and currently working in residential and little commercial in edmonton . Mostly i do solar electrical . Looking for any references i can get or advice i can get that how i can step into industrial setting as i need more hrs and money . Looking for job in alberta, canada submitted by /u/Traditional_Music325 [link] [comments]”

“I started out in nursing school, quit, then several years later found myself in IATSE doing work on film sets with lighting and electrical. I like it but now the industry is drying out to basically death. I feel the need to change careers for stability but Idk how or to what. I know you're going to suggest going back to nursing but i'm not sure I was good at it back then and getting through school is going to be tough, i never felt like I was a good student. I only have a gen ed associat”

“I currently work in construction (IBEW) after having left my SaaS sales role after 3-4 years. I loved my first company but joined another company that left a bad taste in my mouth. Now that it’s been a while, I’m potentially looking to get back in. I know that SaaS/Tech are the big thing on this sub, but I’m curious if there are any reps here, specifically in the electrical supply sector. How are things treating you, how’s the future of the industry looking and what would career compensation loo”

“I’m a first yr electrical apprentice and including per diem and overtime I’m making $2,000 a week after tax, job is an hr from my house so I pocket most of the per diem.”

“Don't waste time and resources on college. Focus on in demand trade, and go to vocational school to study and learn said trade. HVAC, plumbing, especially electrician are in very high demand and are lucrative career options.”

“I currently am on track to being a truck driver, I have forklift certs, and on my way to getting haz mat. So im ok moving forward for the next few years. It's what comes afterwards that I'm unsure about. With truck driving, you would either be working 45 hours a week if your lucky, or 60-70 hours worst case. Thats alot of time away from family. Alot of time just working and not holding a life. I know that going to college or getting education for more certs will keep me busy, but I'm”

“Good Afternoon, I’ve been doing protective relay and controls work for the last 7 years. Commissioning, maintenance, troubleshooting. I have been doing relay maintenance for a large industrial campus and have the opportunity to take on the switchgear maintenance. I am wondering what some of you all think about labor units to do trip unit testing (secondary injection), arc chute cleaning/inspection, arcing contact cleaning/inspection, slow close for contact pressure and simultaneous contact make,”

“Really didn't know how to word the title for this but basically I just wanna hear from more experienced guys to see if I'm on the right track. I feel almost like insecure about my skills sometimes but at the same time I think I'm so young that it's okay to not be the best so I just want like someone elses perspective you know. Like I said I'm currently working as an install helper/maintenance tech with the occasional solo service call. Not gonna explain everything but basical”

“One of my first jobs in the industry, I worked with a man who was in his 50s or 60s, he went to the tech school i had graduated from and started his second career just to do something he found interesting Do it! Work on classics, fuck the collision side, and have a great time tinkering”

“Mornin’ Anyways, I’m 17, going to graduate this year. I suddenly got the desire to become an electrician, and I’m going to make that my career since I like working with my hands and find working in an office the most boring thing on the planet. Did some light research, and supposedly joining the IBEW is a good choice but I currently have a slight pressure from my parents to go to college…but don’t they teach you in the IBEW, so that would mean there’s no point in going to college and its a waste”

“For context I have spent most of my 20’s working in a kitchen as a chef. I loved most of my time in the kitchen but I have reached my limit as far as advancement goes. My salary and hours means I am making less than the cooks I employ. I have learned a ton of invaluable skills that will translate to any field. In my early career I was perusing a degree in audio engineering specifically within a church/ house of worship setting. I did a lot of patch bay wiring and learned a lot about signal flow,”

“You won’t get proficient in trade school, and unless you work full time for a few years that’s not going to get you enough experience either. I only started doing side work about 5 years in, and didn’t do anything crazy until past 8.”

“Hey everyone I just interviewed for a second time with my local IBEW and they scored me lower then last time so I am looking for other options to find electrical work since my local has barely any CW calls with 400 people in the books. I’ve been trying to get into an electrical apprenticeship for almost 2 years straight out of high school and have had no luck so far. I’ve left my resume down below for you guys for any criticism or anything that will help improve my chances in landing either a he”

“Hey everyone I’ve been trying to find electrical work for some months now with no luck and unfortunately my local IBEW scored me worse my second time interviewing than my 1st (Originally 92.5 and my second time they scored me 91). I’ve tried applying to non union apprenticeships in my area with no luck and I’m just wondering what else should I do or add to my resume? I have about 2 years experience in commercial and industrial work with union contractors. I’ve taken multiple classes through my I”

“Hi, I'm 23 years old currently a 4th term electrical apprentice in Toronto. Im really interested in moving into the office to become a project manager. I don't really know what I should do to achieve this goal though. I work hard and absorb as much information as I can, I've voiced this interest to my superintendent. I would appreciate any advice, thank you submitted by /u/Opening-Whereas-1406 [link] [comments]”

“First off I have nearly 8 years as an 02 in Washington state, almost 5 years as a journeyman. I started as an apprentice late 2018 and trained during the bulk of covid. I'm about to be 35 years old, and my current job for a non union residential/commercial shop has grown pretty stale. I've had only 1 raise in the last 3 years, I've asked for more opportunities, asked to learn new things and I've been for the most part ignored. Tired of doing the same old rewires and kitchen remod”

“I've always loved driving. There's something about being behind the wheel that I've genuinely enjoyed, which is why I got my CDL A back in 2023 as a backup plan. My primary career, is electrical work. I honestly didn't enjoy being an electrical apprentice, but I stuck with it long enough to get my license. Over time I became completely burned out with the industry. I was traveling around chasing the highest paying contracts, working 70–80 hour weeks while living off per diem. Eve”

“I’m a 24M that left the trade about a year ago. I worked for a company that I loathed and hated the work. I used to work for my dad before I worked for that company for a year and didn’t know what I had until it was gone. He wanted me to eventually take the business over but I could never pass my journeyman test ( I never applied myself and studied ) I am now a bank teller because I didn’t know what else to do with my life. Since quitting the trade, I’ve gotten married and bought a house. I’ve r”

“I’ve been in the apprenticeship for almost 4 months now. I started out in the shop just doing pre-fab work, which was a great intro for me. When I was there, I was the best apprentice they had (not trying to be cocky, there were very few apprentices and I was very focused on learning as much as I could). I’ve been in the field on a job for about 2 months now and I can say I am the worst one out here. Obviously that is a given since I am a very green apprentice, but I feel so discouraged. I am so”

“am an electrician based in Nashville, TN, with over 8 years of experience. I have worked independently many times, but a company wants me to sub-contract for them wiring houses. However, they want to pay me $0.50 per square foot. Is that a good rate, or is it too low? submitted by /u/Repulsive-Algae-714 [link] [comments]”

“How do I move up, currently I'm working in an electrical . I've been doing commercial work but I dont have any certifications and or Any school hours. l've been at this job for almost two years. I need advice on how to move up or my next step should be. submitted by /u/Turbulent-Airline665 [link] [comments]”

“I've made some posts recently... This is not related to those so this is just it's own separate question. But there are a couple of contractors I spoke to about getting hired on as an apprentice with in Louisiana. One of them flat out said "We don't sign off on hours" sternly, and then the person next to them said "Oh yeah but I mean. You know we could if you want to". And when I asked if I would be working under a journeyman all the time he said "Oh yeah def”

“I’m 20 years old and I’ve been working blue collar ever since I graduated. I make pretty good money but hate working with my hands and want to step away from the blue collar realm (at-least the working with hands part). So i’ve been extensively researching college and different majors I think I would like. After heavy research I saw that Computer Science and electrical engineering have both very high salaries for new grads (80k-100k) but I did notice Computer Science majors have 3 times the unem”

“I think I've secured an apprenticeship with a company making distro boards and switch boards for industry. The company seems great to work for with a good culture etc. just wondering if it's going to give me a good general understanding of elec work or will it be too narrow a scope. They do seem to make quite custom and complex units. And I'd be working with lots of different voltages etc. I don't intend to work in residential as well, coming from cabinet making I'm done with”

“Hey everyone, im interested in getting into being a electrican and looking for a commercial apprenticeship opportunity. I turn 18 in December which I know I cant start until then, but im trying to have something setup and worked out with a company. I graduated from Largo High School with honors early, so I can work the day I turn 18 fulltime or even before if we could work that out with all the labor laws and stuff. I have a amazing work ethic and am really excited to get into this sort of thing”

“Hello, I am seeking opinions on which route I should take. I currently have a year of electrical experience and have been working for a small family business. I am conflicted on if I should stay with them or move on to a larger contractor. Here are the differences: Small, family oriented business: - mostly residential troubleshooting including trailers - rarely new construction - rarely commercial - 20 minute drive to the shop and then get in company van everyday - pays for my school Large comme”

“Joined the union a year and it’s been great experience so far. Have met amazing brothers and sisters. I’m a journey man but recently became a foreman. I got told by one of my journeyman that I work too fast. I thought I was just keeping on a constant pace but somehow I got frowned upon. Should I slow down? I just stay on top of things and keep things simple to not make harder on myself or my crew. submitted by /u/Mother_Professor_200 [link] [comments]”

“I’m a first year apprentice in the state of Florida doing resi service. This week my employer sold a job and asked me to do a couple overnight shifts to get this job done smoother as it’s mostly roof work and my boss thinks we’d move quicker without the sun out. Things went well but we were a little behind and my boss told me I had to come in and work a half day today at 7:30am. I got home at 5am last night bro like there’s no way this is normal… Is it???? Turned into a full day too!! 🫩🫩 Y’all”

“Hi all as the statement reads i recently just got my EPA 608 certification from a trade school in northern louisiana that serves a 12-week hands on course but the thing is i can not find a job that only wants 3-5 year experience as a tech is there any advice i should take to finding a place of employment? submitted by /u/Adventurous_Can_6176 [link] [comments]”

“I was going back and forth with Google and it said that usually an extended period without work happens more often right when you join. Especially before you've even gotten your first job assigned to you and are just waiting to work and maybe attending classes right after joining. This makes sense to me since contractors would much rather have an apprentice to work for lower wages BUT it is hard to train someone who is BRAND NEW and hasn't had ANY experience at all. So it may take a whil”

“Start a new job at a manufacturing facility. Never worked on equipment this large. How do I handle the transition as there are not many other electricians on for training. I am licensed so I feel as though I am expected to know this. submitted by /u/bctrain08 [link] [comments]”

“How do I gain technical/diagnostic experience when my company won’t let me cross-train? I’ve been in HVAC for a while, but my experience has been almost entirely **new construction and changeouts**. I feel solid in those areas, but my technical knowledge and diagnostic experience don’t reflect my time in the trade. The problem is that my company provides very little opportunity to learn beyond changeouts: * It’s a small company, and management doesn’t seem interested in cross-training. * Install”