Electricians Stuck in Repetitive Work

“I just have questions about the ce program. I have 3 years experience in commercial and decided to go union bc the pay was way better and I have a family to provide for. Went to my local and took a test and got a ce-3 classification. I guessing every local is different bc I was told I would be able to attend classes meant for CE workers and get help to test. I’m just wondering if it’s a case by case thing. submitted by /u/Right_Mission5000 [link] [comments]”

“I currently live in Southern Alberta and I have been a little interested in the electrical trade. I worked for an environmental construction company from 2024-2025. I would wake up at 5AM and bike to the shop and leave at 6:30AM. I am just wondering if it is appropriate to walk into an electrical shop/business and hand in my resume. I have good work ethic and a willingness to learn. I am more than willing to be a helper/laborer such as moving tools, getting dirty or doing the "greenhorn&quo”

“Howdy all I'm about to take my pre-apprenticeship final, and I'm a little nervous with my time management. In 2 ½ hours, we are supposed to rough in 3 switches, a receptacle, a fire alarm, and connect the switches and receptacle to a high voltage and low voltage overhead 2100, respectively. How would yall advise breaking that down? My biggest struggle is measuring, mostly bc the 2100s are older than sin and wobble, making accuracy a hope more than a fact. I'm also all thumbs, and ten”

“I am a repairman for a major electric company that is going through an apprenticeship to teach me stick, MiG, and TIG. I also went to trade school for welding so have a pretty decent understanding of the craft. I’m looking to get a machine for my house and I’m wondering what suggestions you guys have. Here are my immediate questions/ concerns. - stick vs. MiG- how much are consumables for MiG and how difficult is it to get bottles refilled - I would ideally like a 110 machine but am willing to i”

submitted by /u/Last_Meaning_9786 [link] [comments]

“Im a journeyman, but I’ve been doing mostly residential for the last 5 years. I got called up by my local IBEW and they asked if I was interested in joining and that they had a lot of work. I definitely would like to, but I’m worried that my lack of experience in commercial is going to fuck me over. Give it to me straight, is everyone going to hate working with a journeyman that is learning commercial? submitted by /u/Proof-Inspection-292 [link] [comments]”

“"JoIn tHe UnIoN" they say, "get out of residential", "go commercial" as if it's SOOO easy.. well it isn't BUT I DID IT ! I'm in the union, who'd have thought ? I was just making $12/hr now I'm gonna be working for what is undoubtedly one of the largest mechanical contractors in the country. I've overcome so much in this trade in such a short time but I've also gained a wealth of experience and am expecting and hoping to primarily be on th”

“Get an internship. Suck up and work your ass off and attend all the intern social functions but never be the drunkest one. This will get you a job offer. Work your ass off until you make senior. When switch jobs to another firm as an experienced senior and a noticeable pay raise. Stay there until you make manager and then switch jobs again as an experienced manager. Make senior manager, then director, then leave public accounting to have a really high position in industry.”

“I am currently a construction electrician in the IBEW and I love the work and pay etc. but there is not a lot of work in the area so me along with a lot of other members are laid off a lot. I will travel when I have to but it’s not ideal living on the road when I have young kids. I have experience in residential, commercial and industrial with commercial being my favourite. So I was thinking of trying to get a full time job as a maintenance electrician at a hospital. I would keep my membership w”

“Oil fields, the military, job corps (depending on age,) or property management or property maintenance typically include a unit on site or cheap rent”

“I live in the UK and just stated my electrical apprenticeship I already have some basic tools but was wondering if there are any non tool tools that I should pick up submitted by /u/Mean_Variation9089 [link] [comments]”

“That's frustrating as heck. Maybe move to a different state that has more apprenticeships? That's a tricky one, though. Job markets can be volatile.”

“I'm starting my career in construction and I plan to angle myself more towards coordination and more general roles rather than a specific trade. Eventually though I'd like to be in the room talking about how to gameplan constructability, logistical systems, and urban planning? I figure if I've got the wherewithal of what can be built and in what time frame, I figure next step is to be able to plan building them in advance and what the logistical system of a city can support/become &#”

“Being completely transparent because I want and need honest advice. I just recently got promoted to a operations manager, and literally got accepted to the IBEW communications program a few days later. I wasn’t expecting the acceptance because I applied in March. I was already making moves with my house as far as renovating a few things and starting to look for another house to purchase. Now where I struggle is do I stay where I’m at or do I move onto something else. As an operations manager I’m”

“I’m starting my prep to take the electrical contractors exams and just wondering what yall used to study? I’m not paying Mike Holt 3k and the books are hard to just dive in front to back. Im fairly proficient with my code books but the contractors manual feels like a maze. Any ideas for a studying rubric or good sites that have random generated questions? submitted by /u/Think_Pin1006 [link] [comments]”

“Hello, i am currently attending a trade school at 18 years old, Lincoln tech, I am only on my second class so far. But anyhow, I have been looking to get an apprenticeship, or really any job position in the field, cause i haven't worked before yet. Really, gonna speak with my career services at school, haven't had an opportunity to go there yet, but recently, have just been thinking about my future. I was wondering if any of yall, went to get a degree in engineering? I was thinking about”

“6 month residential apprentice.. Thoughts? submitted by /u/maniizy [link] [comments]”

“Did my apprenticeship not long ago in nz as a sparky and I'm in the trade now in australia. So many apprentices drop out early and I want to understand why — partly to help the ones coming through. Keen for honest answers: Current apprentices — what are you struggling with most right now? Money, your boss, TAFE, motivation, feeling like a spare part on site… whatever it is. Anyone who left the trade early — what actually pushed you out? Would you go back? Qualified tradies — what do you wish”

“So i recently got my journeyman card and have been applying to places trying to find more of a long term career. Most of my background is in custom homes, comercial buildings and battery back up system. I recently applied for a position as seinor electrical at my city's waste water plant. I didn't exactly have all the experience but I figured why not, it would be a great carreer. Well i just got an email today stating that im invited to a pannel interview. Im extremly nervous as I dont h”

“Got accepted into IBEW apprenticeship for industrial and just trying to figure out which tool brand to go with. Been considering Klein/knipex but also wondering if that’s too much when just starting out in the trade. Some people are telling me just start out with a cheap set from Home Depot or Lowe’s. But I also thought why buy cheap when it can break quickly and then I’m back to shopping. But I do know lots of people seem to think Klein is terrible now Tool List: 6ft. Ruler or 25ft. long steel”

“I’ve been working in mostly residential new construction for my entire 6 year career in the industry. Located in southeast US where IBEW only does the bigger commercial jobs, it didn’t make sense to go union. I’m currently looking to change into residential service or commercial. I’ve had great troubleshooting and customer service experience, so going resi service would be an easier pivot given my prior knowledge. I’ve had less than a year’s worth of light commercial, mostly lighting. I would li”

“Why electrician pre-apprenticeship programs are no guarantee of work, or even an apprenticeship Company owner said competition can be fierce for limited apprenticeship slots (Finan) said pre-apprenticeship programs aren't required to secure an apprenticeship and shouldn't be considered an automatic ticket to getting one. submitted by /u/Jim-Jones [link] [comments]”

“I finished all my school and never tested out, didn’t even have the hours for it before I quit. (Had like 3 and a half years of hours). My wife got a really nice job and we didn’t even really need me to work. I was in commercial construction and hated it so I quit. Worked odd job where and there for 3 years and now we could use more money and my only real skill is electrical even if I am very rusty. Been applying to local independent shops but it’s been crickets. I feel lost here and like my onl”

“Like as we all know we get paid to install our wire and equipment and making it neat, what about at home? Like are you doing bear minumum code? Like how it worked in past codes and/or is installed ugly or does the neatness follow you home? Im a mix of both personally for example The outside spaces and open basement are wired/installed neatly and up to code but then places like a shed ,pole barn,crawlspace, where work installed isnt likely to be inspected its wired to work properly but isnt prett”

“Hello everyone! I'm a 24-year-old male and have been working in construction for about 14 months. I have received my OSHA 30, I’m very well-versed in excel, and I also intermediate level Spanish speaker. I started as a Project Coordinator and recently transitioned into an Assistant Project Manager role with a general contractor in Wake Forest, North Carolina. We specialize in luxury home renovations, remodels, and additions. I'm currently pursuing a Construction Management degree at Wake”

Thanks, I'll ask them too!

“Hey all, I recently just started working in office for an electrification company and my boss has me taking the EVITP course under his name to get him certification. I was just wondering how the exam is because I saw that it was a live proctored exam. Would they ask me for verification to prove my name matches the application for the EVITP course? submitted by /u/rafuuhh [link] [comments]”

“1st year apprentice have about 4 months experience doing some commercial work among the 4 months none of my hours counted tho, i have a few hand tools if that's any help any help is appreciated submitted by /u/8823yh [link] [comments]”

“Hey all, I have been working in the field under a family friend (licensed electrician) for the past 3 years now just gaining experience and getting my feet wet. I've taken an intro level class to residential electrical through an electrical supply company near me but nothing after that. Over the past 3 years I've had experience working in residential, commercial, and also a decent bit of industrial including control systems for industrial environments as well. With my boss slowing down o”

“I am a 26yr old hvac tech and I’ve been doing it for a few years and honestly I don’t really care for it and have been thinking about becoming an electrician instead. My only hang up is to take that big of a financial hit right at the time where my wife and I are trying to start a family. Has anyone else been in a similar situation and what would your advice be? Would the short term (as in the 5 freaking year apprenticeship) financial strain outweigh the long term gain of a career I’m more passi”

“Looking for electricians who have done well for themselves. Whether that’s opening their own business or gone into upper management. What was path to success? Can you talk about your salary and the most you’ve made in a year? I am currently in IBEW and will be getting my license next year. I just don’t think I want to work in the field day in and day out like this. I find that I get discouraged often. Not because I don’t have work ethic, but mostly because I don’t see this career sustainable whe”

“over probably 40 ish years the factory has seen a major shift to small individual spaces taking up what was once one large factory. Anyways I had some questions for the electrical community here. I know residential electrical really well but this bigger stuff I only know a little about from working in a manufacturing company. Why does this transformer have SO MANY lines coming off it. Is it because there’s multiple businesses with 3 phase? Might be a stupid one. I feel like there’s 1000 rolls of”

“Looking for any suggestions for good schools in this area to learn the trade and earn certs. Thank you in advance submitted by /u/Ordinary-Solution951 [link] [comments]”

“Hey all, currently in Australia working as a commercial service HVAC apprentice (mature aged over 21). I am about 4 months into my apprenticeship and I am struggling. I feel like I keep fucking up/stress too much and people are seeing it. I also struggle to fit in with the guys, and I think I am already being ostracised and put into the “shit tech” category. For example I’m pretty sure one of the dudes in the office hates my guts and idek what I’ve done. We just have nothing in common and he pro”

“I've been working in telecommunications for about five years now, and its been an adventure, but terrible stress wise, and financially wise. If anyone here has been a tower climber, they understand how volatile the industry can be. Ive been laid off once, and now the company im with is sizing down its telecommunications department sizeably, with rumors that our contract ends later in the year. This shows me that its time to walk out the door, before im shown it. While traveling has been grea”

“Journeyman Inside Wireman (IBEW Local 11) here. I have an upcoming Substation Electrician Apprentice assessment with Southern California Edison (2100/5108). I’m looking to hear from anyone who has gone through the apprenticeship or currently works as a substation electrician. I’d appreciate any advice on the hiring process, day-to-day work, schooling, interview, and what helped you succeed. Thanks in advance. submitted by /u/Unlikely-Bell7480 [link] [comments]”

“I’ve wanted to start an apprenticeship for some time now since renovating my first home. I’ve also spent some time building a she shack (still unfinished lol) and furniture like some simple tables and chairs. Most of my guidance comes from you tube or my father - I currently work in a completely different field and this has all been hobby work so far .. but ready to make the jump now. The only problem is , I can’t get hired on to start as an apprentice or labourer anywhere. Not sure if it’s beca”

“Hi everyone, I'm 25 and about 7 months into a 2-year ITS (Higher Technical Institute) program in Italy focused on digital construction, surveying and BIM. I'm also currently doing a 3-month internship at a surveying firm, with another internship scheduled for next year. I don't have a technical high school diploma or a degree in surveying, engineering or architecture. My previous education was in a completely different field, so compared to most people entering this profession my bac”

“(Indiana) I graduated in may, took welding all of highschool. I wanna join the union but I know you have to start from the bottom and get a shitty ass non union welding job first. i just don’t know where to even begin to start though. like do I need to get certs to even apply to places ?? Will they even take me 💀?? Will most places teach me things and not just throw me to the wolves ?? I don’t know it’s just overwhelming tbh and I feel like I have a lot of weight on my shoulders 💀 💀 sub”

“28m Just finished a pre apprenticeship program after deciding Electricial is what I want to do. Looking to get into the trade the right way. Any and all experience is worth its weight in gold. Thanks! (KW, GTA Ontario!) submitted by /u/MassiveDriver199 [link] [comments]”

“Today I interviewed after being 9 months non union and scored an 89.71 for local 716 is this a bad or good score? submitted by /u/pokekicks [link] [comments]”

“Hey everyone, I could use some honest advice. I just got accepted into the telecom/low voltage program with the IBEW which I’m grateful for but the thing is, I really wanted Inside Wireman. They told me I didn’t make it into IW this round, and that I’d basically have to wait a year just to try again. So now I’m stuck deciding: Do I accept telecom and get my foot in the door? Or do I turn it down and wait a year to try for IW again? For those of you who’ve been in or seen both sides: Is it worth”

“I just got my first job in the field at the end of May and just got the news that they do not have enough people to accommodate an apprentice shoulder to shoulder. However, I was offered a position at their low voltage partner company and wondered if the transition would be dramatic and how much the learning curve would be? submitted by /u/sherlckholmeboi [link] [comments]”

“Hey y’all, I just wanted to come on here and ask about other career paths available to electricians. Just for context, I’ve been an electrician for a year but I’ve been stuck at a prefab shop due to the way my apprenticeship works. I badly want to get into construction and service but I do worry that I’ll get bored of that work. I’ve been trying to do research into other paths that I might want to go into in the future such as maintenance, traffic lights, substations, power plants, ect. Controls”

“Hey Reddit fam! I’m a 29 male living in Sacramento California and graduating HVAC in a month or so then starting electrician school (maybe). Anyone here decided to go the non union route? How is it? I feel like I don’t want to take a pay cut for 3-5 years and wait another year to even be considered in the union! What are you seeing would be the benefit of being an electrician vs going the diesel route? submitted by /u/Erikf21 [link] [comments]”

“Your options will be limited as most firms, large companies, and governments require a degree. Look at job listings you are interested in and their education requirements, that will give you an idea what you need to do to get where you want to go.”

“Hello hope everyone had a good work day I’m 19 years old and just finished a year in commercial refrigeration, started when I was 18. However, a part of me wants to go to college for construction management because I want to move into the office side of the industry in the future, I just can’t imagine me being 40 busting my ass in a grocery store. My question is how useful would that degree be if I wanted to use it combined with the experience I would have by the time I graduate ? Of course I wo”

“Hey all! I just signed up for my apprenticeship today. And I have a few questions. I smoke weed, and on the application I noticed it said that they drug test upon hiring, do they test for THC? How difficult is it? It looks very intimidating. I’m a little nervous What does the test include? I know math is in it, but how much math? If i have any other questions I’ll put them here. But as of now that’s all I got. All answers are appreciated. Thanks yall! submitted by /u/ShoddyAd6865 [li”

“I’m 18 years old and my goal is to get an electrical apprenticeship in the Chicagoland area, without cold-approaching non-union contractors. I don’t have direct electrical experience or connections but I work in building maintenance and am willing to pay to get myself into the trade as long as it’s reasonable and actually worth it. I’m also already going through the process with the ibew but I don’t have a lot of hope. Any advice is appreciated. submitted by /u/yooitsam [link]”

“Long story short, I got laid off from a sales job in Austin back in May and decided it was time to stop selling stuff for other companies and start building an actual trade skill I can take with me anywhere. Electrical work has been on my radar for a while, steady demand, real career ladder, work with your hands. So I finally pulled the trigger. Only problem: I found out about all this right after the IBEW/AustinETA application window for this year already closed. Kicking myself a little, but no”

“I recently got hired as a repair tech 1 as a contractor in a company that manufactures servers for AI data centers in the graveyard shift. My last job was being an IT help desk support for less than a year and I really wanted to get more experience in order to progress my career. I basically will be troubleshooting server hardware and repairing them in a noisy manufacturing plant. I wanted to know if this experience is viable towards to my intended career path of higher level IT roles (sysadmin,”

“So ive been wanting to do welding and i currently do hvac i have all my certs and stuff for hvac but i just have no luck with the 2 companies ive been with my first was good learned alot of stuff out of school but it was a small company and work got extremely slow talked to a buddy of mine whos still there and it is and my current company i currently do residential installs which is okay but i enjoy service more which is what i did at my first company i enjoy figuring things out and ive asked to”

“Hi everyone, This is UK BASED BTW. I'm considering retraining into engineering after working in manufacturing for the last few years on minimum wage. My current role mainly involves assembly and a little soldering. I've asked about progression into machining/CNC, but there haven't been any opportunities. I have GCSE Maths and English (both Grade 5), an A* in ICT and a full driving licence. I also have some savings and the ability to support myself while retraining. My current plan is”

“all they have told me so far is that it’ll be a flatbed with Moffett account. Is it good drive time? obviously I get paid a lot more while driving, I only get paid 18 bucks an hour if I’m just on duty not driving. If you’ve done a Home Depot account what are the pros and cons? thank you. submitted by /u/PinklySmoothCriminal [link] [comments]”

“What’s the best job opportunity you’ve had as an electrician? Non union or union, was it maintenance? Custom builds? Industrial, long term or short term? Did you own a business? I’m about to card out and i want to leave my company for better opportunities and pay. I’ve got a 2 year old and wife i love hanging with and just want to be present with them but also have a comfortable life and lifestyle submitted by /u/justaBranFlake [link] [comments]”

“Someone please tell me I’m not wasting my time, I had high hopes for travel welding, but now I have a child on the way and everything else just seems like I will be a shop mule, I’ve honestly made more money driving forklift than what some of these places are offering an hour and most of those places want 50 to 60 hours from you a week, I’m probably just gonna end up getting a CDL and so make money to contract idk man someone just tell me I’m tripping…. submitted by /u/Master-Living9”

“You’ll be fine wherever you go. Your work is high quality and any good shop will recognize that and keep you fed.”

“i'm approaching my 4th year of doing industrial work with the same company i was initially trained & hired from fresh out of high school. i was promoted to a lead electritan months ago and have completed apprenticeship (4 year program). i am also scheduled to take my journeyman's next week. i know no one has a crystal ball or anything but what does this look like to PM's & electrical contractors all while accomplishing this at a young age? what do i need to expect after i get”

“Lot of bad faith takes on this issue from people who have no investment in seeing apprentices get a fair shake. The fact is, if you're coming up on your 3rd year, and they still aren't letting you do much with the actual trade (and instead just moving material, grunt work, fire caulking etc)... You're in trouble. It's not normal, and your career is now seriously in jeopody. When you get to your 4th year and your pay rate goes up, no contractor is going to want to keep you around”