As a master electrician and working in the trade for 47 years I think apprentices should be concerned about trying to associate themselves with positive thinkers and stay away from anyone more concerned about alcohol or drugs . Also anytime any company that offers training jump at the chance, and offer to work any overtime you can . Always think of advancement like where are you going to be a year from now because time slips very quickly even when you’re young
I want more training, but I need some work now. I can't wait 5 years to work. I have a place to get training for journeyman, but they want me to wait 5 years.
@@theodoreroberts3407 I've never heard of anywhere that'll make you wait 5 years to put you to work. If you're talking about union training, they're not trying to keep you from work. Nobody starts out as a journeyman with 5 years of school under their belt and no relevant work. It's an apprenticeship not an electrical engineering program.
@@notsure7874 I know very well no one starts out a journeyman! I also know I need more training! But if I can't get any work at all in the field and make some money, how is that supposed to change? They keep saying they need people who want to get into the field. I'm a people! Who has spent three years trying to get in, with my own tools and recent college level refreshers course under a licensed journeyman and hands on work. I finished with an A+. I even helped the teacher teach the class. I also have training in electrical, electronic and mechanical inspection. Proficient in four programming languages. I worked as an engineer at a tv station and holder of two FCC licenses. So now what?? Do you really think I'm afraid of challenge?
@@theodoreroberts3407 Im giving ya shit man. Idk - maybe theres not a lot of work in your area? It can be tough. If the union isn't finding you anything, go straight to union shops and apply. If they tell you they only hire out of the hall, tell them - great, sign me up! Or try the best non union places you can find. Be up at that hall every opportunity you can get, and beat down as many doors as you can. I'd think your teacher might be able to help, he might know a lot of people. I didn't get the benefit of the union, but there's a lot to be said for their training if they'll get you in there. If there's really just no opportunity to speak of, consider relocating maybe? Or depending where you are, road crews need electricians pretty frequently - oil field, pipeliners - a lot of times they have sparkys on hand, but theres not a ton of that going around right now that I know of.
im a journeyman electrician, 26 yrs exp. i still remember what the very first journeyman i worked with told me and i today try to pass those words and knowledge to my helpers/apprentices. he said "a good helper can anticipate his journeyman's next move and have the tools/material ready for him" and "i want you to learn attention to detail. doesnt matter if its going to be covered up in the wall or with dirt. I will see it, others will see it. take pride in your work" still regard him as one of the finest electricians ive ever worked with
As someone who has spent a year as a carpenter's apprentice, this is true of all trades. My boss tried daily to tell me that I should already know what he needs next without him telling me. It's something that even a year later I can end up struggling with and it frustrates the hell out of him. I'm hoping that I can anticipate need better as an electrician's apprentice than as a carpenter's apprentice.
I did start as a helper 12 years ago, after 2 years I was almost to the point to look for something else because all the “ you wrong, you didn’t what I told you, this looks like shit, doit again, etc” you just remind me those days, but after all I did what you said, I did put more effort to doit better and get that ego off my head, one thing help me was being little more humble, listen and learn, and ask questions at the right time, hey man thanks, you know what you are talking about, thank you.
That’s the trouble with your generation. You think appreciation needs to be shown to you . Makes me howl. Bahahahahaaaaaaa. Remember this. There are literally millions of people on earth that can work circles around you at your own job. And they do it for less than half of what you make and are actually happy every single day. There’s this place called China.
Very important in the trade but I’m finding that it’s rare that a foreman so appreciation or even say great job or good work. A cold water thrown down to you in a ditch would be great
Did you study anything before going into your apprenticeship or did you go in not knowing anything And just learned on the way cuz ima be a senior in high school next year and I would like to do this but I know nothing And I don’t know where to start
@@wassaabiwassaabi4819 I was bartending when I started. I knew nothing about electrical work, and just kinda picked it up as I went along. It's hard but worth it. I was as green as green can be, and now I'm about to start my third year. Find a company that will put you through school. I live in Arkansas so I'm required to go to trade school to get my license. And the company I work for "sponsored" me into the program. So I work during the week and go to school one night a week. 4 years to get your journeyman. I knew how to make a damn good margarita and that was about it when I started. You can do it for sure.
@@joshhuffman1528 thank you bro iam in the same boat rn but i have a year and a halfe of electrical expirence from a tradeschool and iam about to go into a apprenticeship any tips before i start.
@@kingdj426 it's not as hard you think it'll be. If you've already got experience you'll be that much farther ahead. As an apprentice my main goal was to be mentally a step ahead of my journeyman so I was prepared to help with whatever they were working on. I made that first comment two years ago as a first year and I'm still in the trade about to finish my third year. Wouldn't change it for anything. I still watch Dustin's videos all the time and believe it or not I've learned more from him then what I did in school. I didn't know anything about construction or electricity, I was as green as green could be when I started so if I can do it anyone can. You've got good days ahead of you my friend. And I'm here to help as much as I can. Dustin is the man and if I can help anyone like he's helped me that would be cool.
I love electrical I’m on my 2 month as an apprentice I gotta say it’s hard to keep up at times it’s very challenging constantly being told you’re wrong sometimes gets a hold of you but always pushing forward things always change nothing is always the same,there’s a lot of learning
@@SunglassPapi it’s great I love it more a bit challenging because I’m not in the best company n now under paid but they push me to work alone .I remodeled an apartment unit on my own recently it was definitely satisfying specially since I look back when I started and I had no fucking clue and sucked at taking measurements. I’m not the best but I’m invested in it ,it’s my happy place forsure.
Everyone : you won’t do much your first year yet alone your first day as an apprentice Me : literally given a mobile blueprint and sent away to wire half a kitchen with tools I have never used in my life 🤦🏽♂️😂
That sounds like a great opportunity. All I've been given to do is pull wire (MV, DC feeders), shovel, and use of a wacker and clean. I like hard work and do quite well, but sometimes I wish I actually did more electrical work. I feel like a laborer apprentice more than an inside wireman apprentice.
I think it’s crazy the shortage of content out there about the trades. (Especially electrical) Wish more people made videos like you man. Its nice to have someone who’s so passionate about the trade, and so knowledgeable, bestow that upon others.
As someone who supervises a couple of things that really matter to me (some were mentioned) Really work to anticipate my needs. Be 2-3 steps ahead of me/us with laying out materials or moving our equipment to the next room while I finish up. Have your own tools so your not needing to constantly ask to borrow mine. Show up on time ready to go to work and stay off the phone. Be safe and take time to clean as you go to keep others safe and make site owners impressed with our work. What I will do for you... Make sure you have opportunities to learn as many different things as possible as time and circumstances allow. (On a larger job) I strive to take time at the end of each day while my helper is loading the truck or our jobbox to walk the job and make a list for my helper of what they can start on tomorrow after we get set up so they have a plan to work from and can be as self sufficient as possible. I need self reliant people and I let the rope out as quickly as they show me they can handle it. I’m still there to ask questions and inspect their work but I need them producing. I try really hard to work on getting them good at reading plans and knowing how to use that to help stay ahead of me.
Also wanna note, 100% of this video applies just as much to absolutely every single trade in the industry, and probably to just about any job. Not just electrical. If you’re working for a carpenter or a plumber or a tile setter or anything, all of this still applies
Man this is true. I got so pissed when a next helper called me go for lol. But now I know the equipment and I anticipate and think ahead of what is needed to get job done before even the guy leading realizes he needs it.
This video would be awesome for noobs entering any profession, trade or job. From cooks to engineers, from janitorial to doctors. When your job is critical -- and most decent paying jobs are -- then think about your surroundings, think about how to help intelligently, and suck it up for the emotive criticism directed at your screw ups. Love it.
I'm a journeyman plumber and I just started my electrical apprenticeship. I can honestly say that this video can be for any trade honestly. Thanks for the good content.
Here's the thing. You come in Green, those around you know that you're green. Being completely new, you may not know "your place" yet. Everyone thinks just standing there is a bad idea. Then help guide the newb in what to do for the first week or so until they get into the rhythm. With that bit of guidance will instill a bit of confidence into the newcomer and they will more likely take greater initiative down the line. In all honesty if he or she hasn't been directed from the get go on what's expected of them then don't automatically get upset at them. There are good workers who start out that need a little guidance because they weren't born asking a billion questions and getting in everybody's way. They need to build up to that. Some you ask to help and they simply decline. You're in the process of learning you might mess up it's part of it. It's when someone gives you a just of what needs to be done without showing you and then takes off immediately. Someone should look over your shoulder while completing it for about 2 or three times and stop you before messing up and explain. Ya it might cost time and money but less than if you completely fup and they have to redo it.
Yep..agree 100%. You shouldnt just throw a new person to the wolves and expect really good results. I have several guys thst really take the time to show me whats up and others who forget that they were once green and didnt know shit either.
Not speaking as an electrician, but a Boilermaker of 25 years your message in this episode is spot on. Too many times I also see many apprentices, or even “junior journeymen” that fail to look at some of the most basic things, like tools, to do a job. As you said, the lead guy, or in my trades case, the foreman, will line the crew out on tasks and all too often, not ENOUGH questions are asked about, what material do we need, what rigging do we need, do we need a torch, impact gun, what dimensions do we have on the prints, etc? Also, there are times that I hear from apprentices, “you don’t look like you’re working very hard” as a foreman, but they fail to see the big picture of the fact that you’re ensuring people are being as efficient as they can be and helping to remove roadblocks for them to help them do their work.
I just started about a month ago. Ive learned quite a lot. Invested in a lot of my own tools minus the drills. Im having to save for those but anyway. Ive learned to lay conduit, the 90's, the stubbs, gluing, cleaning up, gathering things so the other experienced guys dont have to. when im done with something i probably get annoying asking the guys what else should i be doing..the other day my boss was like get on the lift and learm how to operate it..ive never driven a lift before but we were in a big ass empty warehouse. So im zoomin around going up and down amd steering etc..its fun learning that kind of sfuff. And after about an hour of figuring it out i was on my own lift doing actual $hit that contributed to the job getting done. I work with a good group of guys. Some of them take the time to really explain things and answer questions some look and talk to me like im a fn dog. I shrug it off bc i know im pretty confident in my abilities, i just have to recognize the complexities with this profession are going to take time to learn bc like you said quality work and making sure stuff is accurate is everything..
Hey man I know this like 3 years old video but really thank you!!! I just started working for a company about month back as a apprentice helper and your tips are really helpful so again thank you so much! Honestly even with working at a restaurant and training people how do the job and then turning around training your manager I always is the same concept and yeah that’s really tough. Even I have stepped over there shoes just because they wouldn’t listen at all. I had to go over them just because they just didn’t understand what I was saying to them.
Im a female going into this field, and i have never been so nervous but excited at the same time. I start next week and this video really helped me. Thank you!!
Omg ty even though I start at a ship yard tomorrow for the first time and I'm sitting here looking at good helper videos like a dork Lol...you helped me I'm ready ty
Great episode ! I am a first year apprentice going thru the IEC thanks for these awesome advice !! Keep them coming I’m a big fan and love watching your videos !!
Man that’s some solid life advice, in ANY line of work. Every kid in high school should have a mantra: show up early, look and listen, work hard, don’t be a twat. We could fix a lot of problems with the right work ethic.
It's funny...my friend, kyle, who is an apprentice electrician in the field asked me if I watch your videos when we hit the gym together. He gave me your speel of "anticipating need' has stuck with him. I just graduated a pre-apprenticeship a week ago and landed a job for this Monday. Looking for all the tips I can get...I appreciate it!
I’m not even an apprentice or someone who has trade school experience with electrical. But this channel inspires me to get my ass in gear to get into this line of work. Thanks man blessings
Saul Lopez do it man! I don’t know how your local union works out there but out here in Boston Ma, “Tough” is an understatement out here to get into any apprenticeship, I promised myself I’d go to trade school for electrical, work non union which I don’t mind and go from there. Respect!
Yep, they are the best and rarest apprentices, where you rock up to a job and can just start working, no words are spoken yet you know what your doing and also they know what they are doing
Thank you for this one because, as a first year apprentice,I do tend to get a bit emotive, to say the least, when critics convey their opinions of my work
Thank you for this video man, I really appreciate it. Just got hired as a helper, 2 years electrical experience. Love the ego portion of the pro tips. Subscribed :)
@TylerGimblin Hey bud quick question. Did you do an electrician helper exam? If yes, can you give me a quick run down on what it was like . Thank you & I like forward to your reply.
I'm a first year apprentice and I really appreciate your vids and they've really helped elevate my knowledge and understanding of the theory as well as the general idea of ways to go about things on the job which has led me to be given opportunities others aren't being awarded. Please keep videos like these coming and if possible any more theory vids you can think of!!
Ask questions.. but also, ask yourself.. challenge yourself to find the answer. Read books. What is anoying is simple questions, where it's obvious that someone didn't want to try, and just took the easy way and asked a question. Learn alot from being quite and observing.
this is a great video not just for sparky's but for lots of trades scaffold, carpenters, roofers and so on. I'm showing this video for a group of my guys tomorrow. great advice.
I'm a second year and I've been the scape goat for a while now but they've also been giving me new opportunities. And they like me enough to joke around with me.
Nice info. Yes, recognize that mountain that's on the shoulders of your lead and don't add to it, think of how you can help chip away at that mountain and offer help. Be a good coworker. It will be appreciated.
Thanks. These tips are life skills. Get into the habit in using them the rest of your life it will become a part of your life. At the end of the day or at your quiet time ponder and meditate on your given task, line of work.Learn something new every day and use it in every way.
In finland eletrician school lasts 3years(students are 16yo when they start), in that time you have 3-4 internships that is 2-3 months long in electric companies where you learn actual work. I have about 2 students every year and FIRST thing i tell them kids is there is no stupid question and if you do something that you dont know what you are doing you walk home from jobsite.
I have learned everything I know by looking over my shoulder while staying busy, I can't say I've ever had anyone take the time to train me personally. I can build a house from the ground up,. now I'm focusing more on the plumbing and electric already having knowledge from paying attention to the other trades. I'm not sure what the end game is but I love knowledge and learning the different trades.
@@JM-fo1te I don't have any experience but I am a veteran so maybe that helped me get the job. I saw the position on indeed.com for a commercial construction company. 2 days after applying I got a call.
My cousin came home from the marines thinking he would become a cop. But now hes starting his 4 year journeyman. One of the best careers to get into for vets
You are doing awsome work. All your videos are well structured and include all the details from all the prespectives on a very complicated trade. The range is huge and you cover its and every subject throughly. Thank you for sharing.
when you bring the morale down of one person in the team no matter the position, the entire team will drag down and need to pick up the slack! but if you bring up every1 especially those below you, the entire team can benefit and even help them learn faster and be more confident which will make the work go faster in turn making the team more efficient!
This video is more then helpful even for knew apprentices or almost journey man no matter you're title .... keep moving forget about last night's conversation with you're girlfriend that shit can wait lol be focus keep pushing leave personal feelings and attitudes at home ... we are working not delivering flowers ..... how more simple can it be... stay of you're phone ...
i knew nothing about electricity until i became a apprentice 4months back now i knw why my boss choose me over the rest because iv been doing all the things you mention from day one yeah it helps
Breaking into the trade as a helper. Background check is taking about 14 business days. Anyways, I'm trying to get licensed and become a master electrician. I believe there is good money in this trade. I'm 26, 2 year previous banking experience, so I'm really new. But I know basic knowledge about power tools and so forth. Can't wait!!
I loved this video. I think this is good information for any one to hear, no matter the trade. High school shop teachers could play this video in class!! Thanks!
Was quite a bit different for me. I have 8 years cable/telephone contractor experience, 4 years lead tech/primary trainer. My master electrician was still doing the survey and I was already running line and wall fishing it. Can't believe he took 45mins to do the damn survey... I was running off 10mins of just listening to them. In cable thats where you lose the most time. Get a plan and execute it already. Then he learned 2 tricks off me first day. Used the center stinger of a coax cable, 15-inches long, cut to sharp one end, shove thru ceiling directly over cavity you want your wire in, in attic you'll see it sticking out, then drill on the stud for your cavity(if nothing on that wall), pull stinger out, hole so small you cant ever notice it. Next was the drop ceiling... I used my glow rods(guess electricians dont like glow rods?!?!) to open one end of drop ceiling and other end when I wanted wire, threw glow rod up and attached line, BOOM done! thing is he told me code about the line needing to be attached, but never the less appreciated the tip for other things :P Also nice thing for trailers. But yea I had to tack it every 6ft, think he said 10 was code, but every other beam was 6 ft or something. So ended up removing a lot more the ceiling anyway. I love glow rods, I hate fish tape. To me most electrical wire is basically that already, fish tape.
I am a master electrician with 28 years of experience, I worked for one contractor for 23.5 years. As a Forman for about 18 of those years. Finally in 2019 I had enough of the stress and moved on. Now I work for a testing company working in substations and on large industrial breakers and transformers. I make on straight time now what I made in overtime at the other company, with a whole lot less stress. When you said it’s like having a mountain on your shoulders that’s a great way to describe it. I miss doing the construction but definitely not the stress.
these are more like collection of life advices that will help you live a proper life, and be reflected in your work in a way that will help you achieve, grow, learn, have healthy work relationships and lead...
This is a yes and a no. For a larger company it's absolutely up to a new apprentice to look for ways to set the journeyman up. In smaller companies it's mostly just figuring out what to go work on that you're technically not supposed to when the journeyman calls to say he's gonna be late...when you've been there for an hour.
Being a good helper, or support is being considerate and keeping your eyes open, it's the details of organization, good house keeping, prep work, staying stocked, and having a good handle on where everything is. Be teachable and willing to learn. You're going to encounter poor leadership and foreman who only got in because uncle sparky owns the company but when you do get a great leader turn into a sponge and absorb! Just because somebody is a great electrician does not mean they'll be a great leader! Most just want the pay and the perks. Huge difference between a boss that just barks orders and an actual leader.
In my situation, we're in taking care of a campus. Got my 20 year guy that 9 to5,been there 13 years now, .and got an older than me guy that joined the the team 8 Years ago..we aĺl have our specialty..know your boys, and it all works out.
I wish you were closer to me so that I could pick your brain all day. IMO I think it would be awesome if you got Matt Carriker (Demolition/Vet/OffThe Ranch) as a contract and do his Bunker Branding 2.0 and his latest property. If he shouts you out you're golden. If I were you I'd try to bring guest builders from your area on and talk about codes and how syncrinising work is vital to an efficient worksite. There's a RUclipsr whose name escapes me but you'd get half his subs of you had him on and go over a project talking about how building contractors interact with other trades and how sometimes you have to wait for one to make a decision before the project moves forward (etc.) Again, IMHO, I find realities are a better lesson than anything that can be taught in the classroom. I think a special jobsite reality would be a good idea. Matt Carriker could give you commercial vs residential because he just started both properties, and (the gentleman whose name escapes me) can guest star and you walk through projects and the realities of working with other trades. Love your channel, it's the cherry on top while I go through an apprenticeship in Ontario, Canada!
On my first job ever?, hooking up AC disconnects on roof of an appointment complex, we had a new guy with "15" years experience said he knew what he was doing. Goes on to make up 20 disconnects with like maybe 3 of 4 inches of wire hook them up with line on load and load on line. Of course I had to fix it
Both have their pros and cons. I’m trying to get into the union but the ones near me only accept applications once a year and even then there are still a lot of applicants. People tell me both can be good, you just gotta find the right place.
being a good team player is generally summarized as "be aware of your surroundings and your fellow players". I'm just hoping I can work from the ground up without issue x'D
I was racking up a 2-300 pound of 12-6 tech and a equally weighted spools of cat 6 tech. Dropped the bar trying to rack it up myself and crushed my finger. This happened yesterday and ill tell yah I wish I would have just waited for someone. I might loose the end of my finger since the bone is in a hundred pieces. Stay safe and know whats safe to do and not.
So if you’re a journeyman working in an electric utility company, would you have to start the process all over again if you want to become a Master Electrician (commercial/residential and all that jazz) or does your apprenticeship hrs etc. carry over?
Depends on the program. Depends on the state. Sadly I'd require more information to give you any further advice. You can DM us on any of our social media platforms or try asking in our discord.
Hey, I like your content, and appreciate you sharing your knowledge of the electrical trade. I have a suggestion regarding your presentation though. You may want to use a slightly more formal approach to diseminating the material. I was taught many years ago to not use curse words when presenting in front of students. It actually makes you sound less professinal when it is done. It is vastly different when we are among our peers on a job, or with our buds after hours. The thought is if you want to taken seriously then be serious. Clearly you know your trade, and I am learning as I watch your videos. Keep up the good work.
All of that is good as long as the pay goes along with the extra effort and initiative , if i start giving more to the job but the job doesn’t give value back i’ll stop .
As a master electrician and working in the trade for 47 years I think apprentices should be concerned about trying to associate themselves with positive thinkers and stay away from anyone more concerned about alcohol or drugs . Also anytime any company that offers training jump at the chance, and offer to work any overtime you can . Always think of advancement like where are you going to be a year from now because time slips very quickly even when you’re young
amen
I want more training, but I need some work now. I can't wait 5 years to work. I have a place to get training for journeyman, but they want me to wait 5 years.
@@theodoreroberts3407 I've never heard of anywhere that'll make you wait 5 years to put you to work. If you're talking about union training, they're not trying to keep you from work. Nobody starts out as a journeyman with 5 years of school under their belt and no relevant work. It's an apprenticeship not an electrical engineering program.
@@notsure7874 I know very well no one starts out a journeyman! I also know I need more training! But if I can't get any work at all in the field and make some money, how is that supposed to change?
They keep saying they need people who want to get into the field. I'm a people! Who has spent three years trying to get in, with my own tools and recent college level refreshers course under a licensed journeyman and hands on work. I finished with an A+. I even helped the teacher teach the class.
I also have training in electrical, electronic and mechanical inspection. Proficient in four programming languages. I worked as an engineer at a tv station and holder of two FCC licenses.
So now what?? Do you really think I'm afraid of challenge?
@@theodoreroberts3407 Im giving ya shit man. Idk - maybe theres not a lot of work in your area? It can be tough. If the union isn't finding you anything, go straight to union shops and apply. If they tell you they only hire out of the hall, tell them - great, sign me up! Or try the best non union places you can find. Be up at that hall every opportunity you can get, and beat down as many doors as you can. I'd think your teacher might be able to help, he might know a lot of people.
I didn't get the benefit of the union, but there's a lot to be said for their training if they'll get you in there. If there's really just no opportunity to speak of, consider relocating maybe? Or depending where you are, road crews need electricians pretty frequently - oil field, pipeliners - a lot of times they have sparkys on hand, but theres not a ton of that going around right now that I know of.
im a journeyman electrician, 26 yrs exp. i still remember what the very first journeyman i worked with told me and i today try to pass those words and knowledge to my helpers/apprentices. he said "a good helper can anticipate his journeyman's next move and have the tools/material ready for him" and "i want you to learn attention to detail. doesnt matter if its going to be covered up in the wall or with dirt. I will see it, others will see it. take pride in your work"
still regard him as one of the finest electricians ive ever worked with
As someone who has spent a year as a carpenter's apprentice, this is true of all trades. My boss tried daily to tell me that I should already know what he needs next without him telling me. It's something that even a year later I can end up struggling with and it frustrates the hell out of him. I'm hoping that I can anticipate need better as an electrician's apprentice than as a carpenter's apprentice.
I did start as a helper 12 years ago, after 2 years I was almost to the point to look for something else because all the “ you wrong, you didn’t what I told you, this looks like shit, doit again, etc” you just remind me those days, but after all I did what you said, I did put more effort to doit better and get that ego off my head, one thing help me was being little more humble, listen and learn, and ask questions at the right time, hey man thanks, you know what you are talking about, thank you.
We are humans. A little gratification once in awhile (from management) is great.
@g quin realest statement on this video
@Styx The Shaman dude no reason to be an ass.! I do agree about doing your job, but it is human to appreciated. Seriously no need for that!
That’s the trouble with your generation. You think appreciation needs to be shown to you . Makes me howl.
Bahahahahaaaaaaa.
Remember this. There are literally millions of people on earth that can work circles around you at your own job. And they do it for less than half of what you make and are actually happy every single day.
There’s this place called China.
@@woodywoodlstein9519 What does china have to do with being appreciated?
Very important in the trade but I’m finding that it’s rare that a foreman so appreciation or even say great job or good work. A cold water thrown down to you in a ditch would be great
Im a first year apprentice and Ive been watching your videos religiously. Thank you for this!
Did you study anything before going into your apprenticeship or did you go in not knowing anything And just learned on the way cuz ima be a senior in high school next year and I would like to do this but I know nothing And I don’t know where to start
@@wassaabiwassaabi4819 I was bartending when I started. I knew nothing about electrical work, and just kinda picked it up as I went along. It's hard but worth it. I was as green as green can be, and now I'm about to start my third year. Find a company that will put you through school. I live in Arkansas so I'm required to go to trade school to get my license. And the company I work for "sponsored" me into the program. So I work during the week and go to school one night a week. 4 years to get your journeyman. I knew how to make a damn good margarita and that was about it when I started. You can do it for sure.
@@joshhuffman1528 Thanks
@@joshhuffman1528 thank you bro iam in the same boat rn but i have a year and a halfe of electrical expirence from a tradeschool and iam about to go into a apprenticeship any tips before i start.
@@kingdj426 it's not as hard you think it'll be. If you've already got experience you'll be that much farther ahead. As an apprentice my main goal was to be mentally a step ahead of my journeyman so I was prepared to help with whatever they were working on. I made that first comment two years ago as a first year and I'm still in the trade about to finish my third year. Wouldn't change it for anything. I still watch Dustin's videos all the time and believe it or not I've learned more from him then what I did in school. I didn't know anything about construction or electricity, I was as green as green could be when I started so if I can do it anyone can. You've got good days ahead of you my friend. And I'm here to help as much as I can. Dustin is the man and if I can help anyone like he's helped me that would be cool.
I love electrical I’m on my 2 month as an apprentice I gotta say it’s hard to keep up at times it’s very challenging constantly being told you’re wrong sometimes gets a hold of you but always pushing forward things always change nothing is always the same,there’s a lot of learning
Bro I feel you on this one I’m in my apprenticeship out at Washington
How’s your journey almost a year in bro? @denvier91
@@SunglassPapi it’s great I love it more a bit challenging because I’m not in the best company n now under paid but they push me to work alone .I remodeled an apartment unit on my own recently it was definitely satisfying specially since I look back when I started and I had no fucking clue and sucked at taking measurements. I’m not the best but I’m invested in it ,it’s my happy place forsure.
@@aaronshipp8766 meant to reply to you on the prior message
Everyone : you won’t do much your first year yet alone your first day as an apprentice
Me : literally given a mobile blueprint and sent away to wire half a kitchen with tools I have never used in my life 🤦🏽♂️😂
Were you successful?
Yep, different companies treat apprentices very differently
Haha same!! first week I wired everything in a handful of four story condos. Love being thrown headfirst into it
That sounds like a great opportunity. All I've been given to do is pull wire (MV, DC feeders), shovel, and use of a wacker and clean. I like hard work and do quite well, but sometimes I wish I actually did more electrical work. I feel like a laborer apprentice more than an inside wireman apprentice.
@@lobos342 how much does it pay
I think it’s crazy the shortage of content out there about the trades. (Especially electrical) Wish more people made videos like you man. Its nice to have someone who’s so passionate about the trade, and so knowledgeable, bestow that upon others.
facts evertime i look up something i wanna know about a trade there is like no info
Not a lot of people want to learn. Even fewer want to teach
As someone who supervises a couple of things that really matter to me (some were mentioned)
Really work to anticipate my needs.
Be 2-3 steps ahead of me/us with laying out materials or moving our equipment to the next room while I finish up.
Have your own tools so your not needing to constantly ask to borrow mine.
Show up on time ready to go to work and stay off the phone.
Be safe and take time to clean as you go to keep others safe and make site owners impressed with our work.
What I will do for you...
Make sure you have opportunities to learn as many different things as possible as time and circumstances allow.
(On a larger job) I strive to take time at the end of each day while my helper is loading the truck or our jobbox to walk the job and make a list for my helper of what they can start on tomorrow after we get set up so they have a plan to work from and can be as self sufficient as possible. I need self reliant people and I let the rope out as quickly as they show me they can handle it. I’m still there to ask questions and inspect their work but I need them producing.
I try really hard to work on getting them good at reading plans and knowing how to use that to help stay ahead of me.
Also wanna note, 100% of this video applies just as much to absolutely every single trade in the industry, and probably to just about any job. Not just electrical. If you’re working for a carpenter or a plumber or a tile setter or anything, all of this still applies
Man this is true. I got so pissed when a next helper called me go for lol. But now I know the equipment and I anticipate and think ahead of what is needed to get job done before even the guy leading realizes he needs it.
This video would be awesome for noobs entering any profession, trade or job. From cooks to engineers, from janitorial to doctors. When your job is critical -- and most decent paying jobs are -- then think about your surroundings, think about how to help intelligently, and suck it up for the emotive criticism directed at your screw ups. Love it.
Agreed
Hit the nail on the head. Fundamentals of leadership and learning to lead.
Communication is key. Always be learning about how to more accurately communicate with different personalities and "set ways".
I'm a journeyman plumber and I just started my electrical apprenticeship. I can honestly say that this video can be for any trade honestly. Thanks for the good content.
Here's the thing. You come in Green, those around you know that you're green. Being completely new, you may not know "your place" yet. Everyone thinks just standing there is a bad idea. Then help guide the newb in what to do for the first week or so until they get into the rhythm. With that bit of guidance will instill a bit of confidence into the newcomer and they will more likely take greater initiative down the line. In all honesty if he or she hasn't been directed from the get go on what's expected of them then don't automatically get upset at them. There are good workers who start out that need a little guidance because they weren't born asking a billion questions and getting in everybody's way. They need to build up to that. Some you ask to help and they simply decline.
You're in the process of learning you might mess up it's part of it. It's when someone gives you a just of what needs to be done without showing you and then takes off immediately. Someone should look over your shoulder while completing it for about 2 or three times and stop you before messing up and explain. Ya it might cost time and money but less than if you completely fup and they have to redo it.
Yep..agree 100%. You shouldnt just throw a new person to the wolves and expect really good results. I have several guys thst really take the time to show me whats up and others who forget that they were once green and didnt know shit either.
Not speaking as an electrician, but a Boilermaker of 25 years your message in this episode is spot on. Too many times I also see many apprentices, or even “junior journeymen” that fail to look at some of the most basic things, like tools, to do a job. As you said, the lead guy, or in my trades case, the foreman, will line the crew out on tasks and all too often, not ENOUGH questions are asked about, what material do we need, what rigging do we need, do we need a torch, impact gun, what dimensions do we have on the prints, etc?
Also, there are times that I hear from apprentices, “you don’t look like you’re working very hard” as a foreman, but they fail to see the big picture of the fact that you’re ensuring people are being as efficient as they can be and helping to remove roadblocks for them to help them do their work.
I just started about a month ago. Ive learned quite a lot. Invested in a lot of my own tools minus the drills. Im having to save for those but anyway. Ive learned to lay conduit, the 90's, the stubbs, gluing, cleaning up, gathering things so the other experienced guys dont have to. when im done with something i probably get annoying asking the guys what else should i be doing..the other day my boss was like get on the lift and learm how to operate it..ive never driven a lift before but we were in a big ass empty warehouse. So im zoomin around going up and down amd steering etc..its fun learning that kind of sfuff. And after about an hour of figuring it out i was on my own lift doing actual $hit that contributed to the job getting done. I work with a good group of guys. Some of them take the time to really explain things and answer questions some look and talk to me like im a fn dog. I shrug it off bc i know im pretty confident in my abilities, i just have to recognize the complexities with this profession are going to take time to learn bc like you said quality work and making sure stuff is accurate is everything..
First year apprentice and I subscribed and have watched a lesson each day at minimum I’m slowly gaining confidence
Hey man I know this like 3 years old video but really thank you!!! I just started working for a company about month back as a apprentice helper and your tips are really helpful so again thank you so much! Honestly even with working at a restaurant and training people how do the job and then turning around training your manager I always is the same concept and yeah that’s really tough. Even I have stepped over there shoes just because they wouldn’t listen at all. I had to go over them just because they just didn’t understand what I was saying to them.
Im a female going into this field, and i have never been so nervous but excited at the same time. I start next week and this video really helped me. Thank you!!
Get it girl!
Me too! Im hoping to get accepted this summer. Good luck!
Get ready to be harassed lotta horndogs
Me also. I start next week. Super nervous
How have things gone the last 5 months?
Omg ty even though I start at a ship yard tomorrow for the first time and I'm sitting here looking at good helper videos like a dork Lol...you helped me I'm ready ty
Great episode ! I am a first year apprentice going thru the IEC thanks for these awesome advice !! Keep them coming I’m a big fan and love watching your videos !!
thanks for watching my dude! Good luck on your journey
Same! I start school Monday. Been looking for ways to really stand out as a great apprentice at my job
Man that’s some solid life advice, in ANY line of work. Every kid in high school should have a mantra: show up early, look and listen, work hard, don’t be a twat. We could fix a lot of problems with the right work ethic.
It's funny...my friend, kyle, who is an apprentice electrician in the field asked me if I watch your videos when we hit the gym together. He gave me your speel of "anticipating need' has stuck with him. I just graduated a pre-apprenticeship a week ago and landed a job for this Monday. Looking for all the tips I can get...I appreciate it!
On my way to the first day on the job it’s already been a long journey to get here (CA), but these videos have made me feel a lot more confident
Efficiency is key. Putting together a good team is so important to a job.
I’m not even an apprentice or someone who has trade school experience with electrical. But this channel inspires me to get my ass in gear to get into this line of work. Thanks man blessings
Thanks for watching my friend!
Electrician U same man I’m in college right now at 18 but idk if this is for me. Might do the electrical apprenticeship here in Chicago
Saul Lopez do it man! I don’t know how your local union works out there but out here in Boston Ma, “Tough” is an understatement out here to get into any apprenticeship, I promised myself I’d go to trade school for electrical, work non union which I don’t mind and go from there. Respect!
Being a good apprentice is being part mind reader
Yep, they are the best and rarest apprentices, where you rock up to a job and can just start working, no words are spoken yet you know what your doing and also they know what they are doing
Thank you for this one because, as a first year apprentice,I do tend to get a bit emotive, to say the least, when critics convey their opinions of my work
Thank you for this video man, I really appreciate it. Just got hired as a helper, 2 years electrical experience. Love the ego portion of the pro tips. Subscribed :)
Thanks for the sub, and good luck with the new job!
@TylerGimblin Hey bud quick question. Did you do an electrician helper exam? If yes, can you give me a quick run down on what it was like . Thank you & I like forward to your reply.
I'm a first year apprentice and I really appreciate your vids and they've really helped elevate my knowledge and understanding of the theory as well as the general idea of ways to go about things on the job which has led me to be given opportunities others aren't being awarded. Please keep videos like these coming and if possible any more theory vids you can think of!!
This is a great video for a beginner or a person who works in a group, assist and be assisted. Like you said numerous times, think ahead. Thank you
Watching the video and readin the comments is definetly going to help me once I get into this trade
Ask questions.. but also, ask yourself.. challenge yourself to find the answer. Read books.
What is anoying is simple questions, where it's obvious that someone didn't want to try, and just took the easy way and asked a question.
Learn alot from being quite and observing.
Spot On!!!!!! If everyone worked like this the job would go smoother and faster... Thanks Bro
this is a great video not just for sparky's but for lots of trades scaffold, carpenters, roofers and so on. I'm showing this video for a group of my guys tomorrow.
great advice.
I'm a second year and I've been the scape goat for a while now but they've also been giving me new opportunities. And they like me enough to joke around with me.
I just wanna say I Love you. I’m going into this trade and I just don’t know when I’m gonna start but your videos do help and motivate me a lot
Nice info. Yes, recognize that mountain that's on the shoulders of your lead and don't add to it, think of how you can help chip away at that mountain and offer help. Be a good coworker. It will be appreciated.
Thank you This is the simple and truly important 3xpanation
Dude. Thank you so much. This is such a great refresher for myself
I am watching you to be really a good effective helper to my leader
Thanks. These tips are life skills. Get into the habit in using them the rest of your life it will become a part of your life. At the end of the day or at your quiet time ponder and meditate on your given task, line of work.Learn something new every day and use it in every way.
no problem my dude, thanks for watching!
Great job teaching all the things we never thought we'd have to teach! How about one on "please don't bite the dog"? Love your show, keep em coming
Man I wish I could have the opportunity to work and learn from your level of experience and insightfulness! Huge fan!
In finland eletrician school lasts 3years(students are 16yo when they start), in that time you have 3-4 internships that is 2-3 months long in electric companies where you learn actual work. I have about 2 students every year and FIRST thing i tell them kids is there is no stupid question and if you do something that you dont know what you are doing you walk home from jobsite.
Great video. Everything of what your saying can apply to almost every job. I can totally see how it applies to mine.
I didn't think about that, but ya I suppose that's true
I have learned everything I know by looking over my shoulder while staying busy, I can't say I've ever had anyone take the time to train me personally. I can build a house from the ground up,. now I'm focusing more on the plumbing and electric already having knowledge from paying attention to the other trades. I'm not sure what the end game is but I love knowledge and learning the different trades.
Starting as a helper next week. Thanks for the advice man!
Any experience in the trade? How did you seek out the position?
@@JM-fo1te I don't have any experience but I am a veteran so maybe that helped me get the job. I saw the position on indeed.com for a commercial construction company. 2 days after applying I got a call.
@@WarBoy87 appreciate the info. Good luck!
WarBoy did they interview you?
My cousin came home from the marines thinking he would become a cop. But now hes starting his 4 year journeyman. One of the best careers to get into for vets
You are doing awsome work. All your videos are well structured and include all the details from all the prespectives on a very complicated trade. The range is huge and you cover its and every subject throughly. Thank you for sharing.
when you bring the morale down of one person in the team no matter the position, the entire team will drag down and need to pick up the slack! but if you bring up every1 especially those below you, the entire team can benefit and even help them learn faster and be more confident which will make the work go faster in turn making the team more efficient!
This video is more then helpful even for knew apprentices or almost journey man no matter you're title .... keep moving forget about last night's conversation with you're girlfriend that shit can wait lol be focus keep pushing leave personal feelings and attitudes at home ... we are working not delivering flowers ..... how more simple can it be... stay of you're phone ...
Loving your channel so far keep it up and thanks for sharing the knowledge !
i knew nothing about electricity until i became a apprentice 4months back now i knw why my boss choose me over
the rest because iv been doing all the things you mention from day one yeah it helps
hows it going??
“We’re not delivering flowers to the elderly.” Toughen up and don’t be easily put off or offended - good advice for lots of employment situations.
Destructive criticism is still destructive. I bet the "good" electricians aren't like that.
@Tom Garbo
I hope it exacts a high cost in employee turnover.
Breaking into the trade as a helper. Background check is taking about 14 business days. Anyways, I'm trying to get licensed and become a master electrician. I believe there is good money in this trade. I'm 26, 2 year previous banking experience, so I'm really new. But I know basic knowledge about power tools and so forth. Can't wait!!
Great video, man! I enjoy listening to these when I'm meal prepping or busy doing some other shit.
thanks! I recently became an RTP and am trying to figure out to be a good helper
I loved this video. I think this is good information for any one to hear, no matter the trade.
High school shop teachers could play this video in class!!
Thanks!
Was quite a bit different for me. I have 8 years cable/telephone contractor experience, 4 years lead tech/primary trainer. My master electrician was still doing the survey and I was already running line and wall fishing it. Can't believe he took 45mins to do the damn survey... I was running off 10mins of just listening to them. In cable thats where you lose the most time. Get a plan and execute it already. Then he learned 2 tricks off me first day. Used the center stinger of a coax cable, 15-inches long, cut to sharp one end, shove thru ceiling directly over cavity you want your wire in, in attic you'll see it sticking out, then drill on the stud for your cavity(if nothing on that wall), pull stinger out, hole so small you cant ever notice it. Next was the drop ceiling... I used my glow rods(guess electricians dont like glow rods?!?!) to open one end of drop ceiling and other end when I wanted wire, threw glow rod up and attached line, BOOM done! thing is he told me code about the line needing to be attached, but never the less appreciated the tip for other things :P Also nice thing for trailers. But yea I had to tack it every 6ft, think he said 10 was code, but every other beam was 6 ft or something. So ended up removing a lot more the ceiling anyway.
I love glow rods, I hate fish tape. To me most electrical wire is basically that already, fish tape.
Well spoken. Universal to alot of occupations.
Outstanding leadership advise, well said.
Thank you for making these helpful videos and the support
Anticipate. Never stop working.
I am a master electrician with 28 years of experience, I worked for one contractor for 23.5 years. As a Forman for about 18 of those years.
Finally in 2019 I had enough of the stress and moved on. Now I work for a testing company working in substations and on large industrial breakers and transformers. I make on straight time now what I made in overtime at the other company, with a whole lot less stress. When you said it’s like having a mountain on your shoulders that’s a great way to describe it. I miss doing the construction but definitely not the stress.
No matter what your skill level,everyone should help each other we all in the same boat...Getter Done.
Sad that the world needs videos like this. Great video and this applies to all trades!
these are more like collection of life advices that will help you live a proper life, and be reflected in your work in a way that will help you achieve, grow, learn, have healthy work relationships and lead...
This is a yes and a no. For a larger company it's absolutely up to a new apprentice to look for ways to set the journeyman up.
In smaller companies it's mostly just figuring out what to go work on that you're technically not supposed to when the journeyman calls to say he's gonna be late...when you've been there for an hour.
Thanks for your advices
Being a good helper, or support is being considerate and keeping your eyes open, it's the details of organization, good house keeping, prep work, staying stocked, and having a good handle on where everything is. Be teachable and willing to learn. You're going to encounter poor leadership and foreman who only got in because uncle sparky owns the company but when you do get a great leader turn into a sponge and absorb! Just because somebody is a great electrician does not mean they'll be a great leader! Most just want the pay and the perks. Huge difference between a boss that just barks orders and an actual leader.
This one was really good Dustin. Although this concept is exactly correct for electrical work, it also applies to just about every other job as well.
Thanks dude!
Thank you for the info bro ✌🏼✌🏼✌🏼✌🏼✌🏼✌🏼✌🏼✌🏼✌🏼✌🏼✌🏼✌🏼✌🏼✌🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼✊✊✊✊✊✊✊✊✊
That was worth every bit Thank you
In my situation, we're in taking care of a campus. Got my 20 year guy that 9 to5,been there 13 years now, .and got an older than me guy that joined the the team 8 Years ago..we aĺl have our specialty..know your boys, and it all works out.
I wish you were closer to me so that I could pick your brain all day. IMO I think it would be awesome if you got Matt Carriker (Demolition/Vet/OffThe Ranch) as a contract and do his Bunker Branding 2.0 and his latest property. If he shouts you out you're golden. If I were you I'd try to bring guest builders from your area on and talk about codes and how syncrinising work is vital to an efficient worksite. There's a RUclipsr whose name escapes me but you'd get half his subs of you had him on and go over a project talking about how building contractors interact with other trades and how sometimes you have to wait for one to make a decision before the project moves forward (etc.) Again, IMHO, I find realities are a better lesson than anything that can be taught in the classroom. I think a special jobsite reality would be a good idea. Matt Carriker could give you commercial vs residential because he just started both properties, and (the gentleman whose name escapes me) can guest star and you walk through projects and the realities of working with other trades. Love your channel, it's the cherry on top while I go through an apprenticeship in Ontario, Canada!
I keep hearing apprentice and thinking about the rule of two.
“Dont be afraid to ask questions” if only
On my first job ever?, hooking up AC disconnects on roof of an appointment complex, we had a new guy with "15" years experience said he knew what he was doing. Goes on to make up 20 disconnects with like maybe 3 of 4 inches of wire hook them up with line on load and load on line. Of course I had to fix it
This video helped me so much thank you
How about union vs non union.?? That might be a good conversation...would like yo hear your opinion.
Both have their pros and cons. I’m trying to get into the union but the ones near me only accept applications once a year and even then there are still a lot of applicants. People tell me both can be good, you just gotta find the right place.
Great vid. Thanks
4:35 cracked me up so much, you're right tho!
Great video. Thanks for all the useful information. Thumbs up!
being a good team player is generally summarized as "be aware of your surroundings and your fellow players". I'm just hoping I can work from the ground up without issue x'D
Your first job as apprentice is to keep the journeyman going!
truth
@g quin Good, you get paid by the hour, just do the inefficient task proudly and get some good practice in.
@g quin why? You need to rack up the hours anyway.
Sweet. This helps alot. New to the trade😬
I’d like to be your apprentice
Me too
Gay
Very Well Said 👍🏽Dustin ⚡️Keep Up The Good Work
Be on time is the biggest one for me. I have had to help masters before and some times they wouldn't even show up or even text me why
Thanks man help a lot
I was racking up a 2-300 pound of 12-6 tech and a equally weighted spools of cat 6 tech. Dropped the bar trying to rack it up myself and crushed my finger. This happened yesterday and ill tell yah I wish I would have just waited for someone. I might loose the end of my finger since the bone is in a hundred pieces. Stay safe and know whats safe to do and not.
Thanks good advice.
So if you’re a journeyman working in an electric utility company, would you have to start the process all over again if you want to become a Master Electrician (commercial/residential and all that jazz) or does your apprenticeship hrs etc. carry over?
Depends on the program. Depends on the state. Sadly I'd require more information to give you any further advice. You can DM us on any of our social media platforms or try asking in our discord.
Great video
Very good advice
Hey, I like your content, and appreciate you sharing your knowledge of the electrical trade. I have a suggestion regarding your presentation though. You may want to use a slightly more formal approach to diseminating the material. I was taught many years ago to not use curse words when presenting in front of students. It actually makes you sound less professinal when it is done. It is vastly different when we are among our peers on a job, or with our buds after hours. The thought is if you want to taken seriously then be serious. Clearly you know your trade, and I am learning as I watch your videos. Keep up the good work.
safty!
All of that is good as long as the pay goes along with the extra effort and initiative , if i start giving more to the job but the job doesn’t give value back i’ll stop .
I am a good leader. I know ill be good for this trade. I am good support.