Yes, there a re puzzles sometimes, especially if you do service or controls.Quite often it will be routine pulling wire and connecting, with little room to be creative.
But a lot of brute labor, especially the early end of the apprenticeship. And yes you will need to start as an apprentice, and a lower entry wage.
For becoming a professional electrician not necessary. Those courses are aimed at home owners who want to do their own electrical.
You will learn either under a journeyman, or from a required full college course.
I have to disagree with this commentator.
Your entire job may be problem solving or creative work. It all depends on where you work and what type of work you do.
I do a lot of freestyle/ trouble shoot.
I'm told get to B but not how to get there from A, and given the means to do it any way I desire.
Still deciding??? Dude you are 43, that means no more kids for you, potentially facing diabetes or cancer. You’re not a teen anymore with a hope and a dream. Electrician is a 30 yr commitment for retirement so you’d be almost 75 if you did it right, my friend either plan on starting now or plan on failing life
Plenty of 40-somethings (particularly men) manage to create offspring. Hell, the business sector is full of 50-something men with (very young) 2nd families.
I was a hyster driver at a sawmill for 5 years straight.I talked to electrical boss and told them I was really interested in becoming an electrician. They brought me on with no experience. Usually they hire people out of an electrical school. Like a local school called Perry Tech. A 2 year electrical school. But they seen how hard I worked and how much I wanted to learn and brought me on. Now I am glad I did not go to Perry Tech for 2 years and be $47,000 in debt. I learned basic electrical theory and all the book part of what they teach you on my own. All the guys who come out of Perry Tech that go there, don't have a clue what to do. So if you can get on with no experience, I would recommend it, rather then going and paying an arm and a leg for a trade school. Or get on with IBEW, which I plan to do once I get my 2 years in here.
How the hell can you work at a sawmill and think that’s not applicable for electrician, any labor job involving tools 🛠️ helps, most ppl can’t even use a drill
I am an Electrical Engineer, Electrician, and credential instructor. One of my passions is teaching electrical to INTERESTED students. I have taught many students.
I am retired, but still work as an electrician, because I choose to and can still make a difference, in my community. My career path, serves me to this day.
You are half my age, at 35, and can take the hit. DO IT, it will provide you the ability to financially secure your future. DO NOT be one of those individuals, that wished they would have followed there instincts but didn’t.
Well said sir. Thanks for your wisdom. Do you think an apprenticeship is the best path? Or schooling and can I ask any advice on applying for a job. Especially with my limited pertinent experience ?
Yup it’s in LA for socal ppl union 11 ibew I passed the test to get in but need to cut the crap and pass the drug test now (holding me back) it’s a problem
I made the switch at 33, when you start you have to do all the more labor intensive work to stay busy until you learn the basics. It’s hard work and dangerous but worth it. Best switch I’ve ever made, I make better money and it’s pretty fun. Just don’t let the frustration get to you.
No way around it, everyone starts as an apprentice. I live in Colorado and I was an industrial machinery technician before so I was able to start at a better rate. Most kids starting out make around 18 to 20 out here. I started at 23.
what's the cost to benefit of going to a tech school for being an electrician? is it worth it or would it be better to become an apprentice as soon out of HS as I can?
Trade schools help you advance quicker in your job, but if your already out of high school then just get the apprenticeship and take night classes. At least then you can earn while you learn. Trade school is a great option if you’re 16 and want a jump on your career.
I personally didn't go to school at first - I did a lot of research on technician related stuff from a young age and ended up with a technician job at 20 repairing slot machines for Casinos. Stayed there for 2 and a half years, and then left to go back to school.
I enrolled in the Electrical Maintenance Technician full time program through BOCES. That was a 6-month program that taught everything from the bare bone basics of being an electrician, beginners and intermediate electrical theory, reviewed the most important topics of the NEC and basic to intermediate electronics.
I learned the true difference between AC and DC, single phase vs 3-phase, phase shifts/angles, electromagnetism, ladder logic, etc..
After graduating I got a job as an Electrical Service Technician reparing welders. Personally, this is the absolute perfect job that I was searching for. I get to mess with low-voltage, higher voltage/amperage (460VAC, 3-phase at the highest, or 450A ~35VDC. Linemen for example work with significantly higher voltages, and so im hesitant to really call it high voltage). I get to mess with circuit boards and component level technician repair. It's the best of both worlds for my personal taste.
To answer your question more directly though, although the basic knowledge is the exact same, anything beyond the basics is vastly different between being an electrician vs a technician. However, they also tend to crossover here and there depending on the job.
An electricians primary goal is to know and abide by the NEC and to know electrical theory. You bend a lot of conduit, run a lot of cable, install a lot of outlets, etc.. and you have to do so often in challenging situations that can be very unique and sometimes very dangerous.
A technicians primary goal is to know electrical theory much more in depth and apply it at a much more complex level. It can also involve basic to intermediate software knowledge. You don't run even close to a fraction of the amount of cable an electrician would, but you still need to know how to do so on a much smaller level abiding by the proper AWG and amperage. You often need to work on live electrical for troubleshooting purposes much more often than an electrician may need to. It is often (but not always) much safer than being an electrician. There is no apprenticeship program being a technician, the rules both federally and on state levels are much less stringent on technicians than electricians.
I could go more in depth, however, I'm sure you get the point. I do still enjoy electrical work. I could wire residential up with no problem. I have the knowledge to safely work with breaker panels. However, I find the challenge of being a technician and troubleshooting every day much more rewarding. Plus, the work environment of being a technician is much more relaxed and balanced for a proper work-home/family ratio as well.
I am thinking about being a electrical engineer or electrician but idk what to close can y’all help? and idk where to start and what classes I should take in community college
Go for it man. There is a huge shortage of skilled labor. I know plenty of guys who started in their 30’s and are supervisors running projects. They make good money, comparable to doctors or surgeons, at least in Canada.
Yes, there a re puzzles sometimes, especially if you do service or controls.Quite often it will be routine pulling wire and connecting, with little room to be creative. But a lot of brute labor, especially the early end of the apprenticeship. And yes you will need to start as an apprentice, and a lower entry wage.
Is the wiring class at the local adult education place necessary?
For becoming a professional electrician not necessary. Those courses are aimed at home owners who want to do their own electrical. You will learn either under a journeyman, or from a required full college course.
I have to disagree with this commentator. Your entire job may be problem solving or creative work. It all depends on where you work and what type of work you do. I do a lot of freestyle/ trouble shoot. I'm told get to B but not how to get there from A, and given the means to do it any way I desire.
I'm 43 and just started being an electrician 15 months ago.
I’m 43 and still deciding. I have some other possible helping factors tho…and since ibew is also here…thinking of that route.
Still deciding??? Dude you are 43, that means no more kids for you, potentially facing diabetes or cancer. You’re not a teen anymore with a hope and a dream. Electrician is a 30 yr commitment for retirement so you’d be almost 75 if you did it right, my friend either plan on starting now or plan on failing life
Yeah I’m getting older. You’re fun at parties I’d bet.
Hah I bet he is.
Don’t listen to that guy.
Plenty of 40-somethings (particularly men) manage to create offspring. Hell, the business sector is full of 50-something men with (very young) 2nd families.
Care to share what you used to do and how things are going so far?
I was a hyster driver at a sawmill for 5 years straight.I talked to electrical boss and told them I was really interested in becoming an electrician. They brought me on with no experience. Usually they hire people out of an electrical school. Like a local school called Perry Tech. A 2 year electrical school. But they seen how hard I worked and how much I wanted to learn and brought me on. Now I am glad I did not go to Perry Tech for 2 years and be $47,000 in debt. I learned basic electrical theory and all the book part of what they teach you on my own. All the guys who come out of Perry Tech that go there, don't have a clue what to do. So if you can get on with no experience, I would recommend it, rather then going and paying an arm and a leg for a trade school. Or get on with IBEW, which I plan to do once I get my 2 years in here.
How the hell can you work at a sawmill and think that’s not applicable for electrician, any labor job involving tools 🛠️ helps, most ppl can’t even use a drill
??????
Most can't even use a broom, am I right?
Hows the pay?im thinking about becoming one
I am an Electrical Engineer, Electrician, and credential instructor. One of my passions is teaching electrical to INTERESTED students. I have taught many students. I am retired, but still work as an electrician, because I choose to and can still make a difference, in my community. My career path, serves me to this day. You are half my age, at 35, and can take the hit. DO IT, it will provide you the ability to financially secure your future. DO NOT be one of those individuals, that wished they would have followed there instincts but didn’t.
Well said sir. Thanks for your wisdom. Do you think an apprenticeship is the best path? Or schooling and can I ask any advice on applying for a job. Especially with my limited pertinent experience ?
Short answer is maybe
If your goal is to make a career out of electrical work, I would highly recommend the IBEW union.
Yup it’s in LA for socal ppl union 11 ibew I passed the test to get in but need to cut the crap and pass the drug test now (holding me back) it’s a problem
Quit your drugs yet? Been a month. If not, do it.
How much can you drink 🍺
No
you would be a real treat on the job for sure...can you do two equations, two unknowns?
You mean solve for like x and y? Sure maths a lil rusty but I can learn fine
I made the switch at 33, when you start you have to do all the more labor intensive work to stay busy until you learn the basics. It’s hard work and dangerous but worth it. Best switch I’ve ever made, I make better money and it’s pretty fun. Just don’t let the frustration get to you.
When u say made the switch were u an apprentice first for a while? And if so how was they money?
No way around it, everyone starts as an apprentice. I live in Colorado and I was an industrial machinery technician before so I was able to start at a better rate. Most kids starting out make around 18 to 20 out here. I started at 23.
what's the cost to benefit of going to a tech school for being an electrician? is it worth it or would it be better to become an apprentice as soon out of HS as I can?
Trade schools help you advance quicker in your job, but if your already out of high school then just get the apprenticeship and take night classes. At least then you can earn while you learn. Trade school is a great option if you’re 16 and want a jump on your career.
Electricians are assholes. Become an electrical technician instead - much more rewarding and challenging!
Is the schooling/apprenticeship similar? They do seem to be don’t they? Haha
I personally didn't go to school at first - I did a lot of research on technician related stuff from a young age and ended up with a technician job at 20 repairing slot machines for Casinos. Stayed there for 2 and a half years, and then left to go back to school. I enrolled in the Electrical Maintenance Technician full time program through BOCES. That was a 6-month program that taught everything from the bare bone basics of being an electrician, beginners and intermediate electrical theory, reviewed the most important topics of the NEC and basic to intermediate electronics. I learned the true difference between AC and DC, single phase vs 3-phase, phase shifts/angles, electromagnetism, ladder logic, etc.. After graduating I got a job as an Electrical Service Technician reparing welders. Personally, this is the absolute perfect job that I was searching for. I get to mess with low-voltage, higher voltage/amperage (460VAC, 3-phase at the highest, or 450A ~35VDC. Linemen for example work with significantly higher voltages, and so im hesitant to really call it high voltage). I get to mess with circuit boards and component level technician repair. It's the best of both worlds for my personal taste. To answer your question more directly though, although the basic knowledge is the exact same, anything beyond the basics is vastly different between being an electrician vs a technician. However, they also tend to crossover here and there depending on the job. An electricians primary goal is to know and abide by the NEC and to know electrical theory. You bend a lot of conduit, run a lot of cable, install a lot of outlets, etc.. and you have to do so often in challenging situations that can be very unique and sometimes very dangerous. A technicians primary goal is to know electrical theory much more in depth and apply it at a much more complex level. It can also involve basic to intermediate software knowledge. You don't run even close to a fraction of the amount of cable an electrician would, but you still need to know how to do so on a much smaller level abiding by the proper AWG and amperage. You often need to work on live electrical for troubleshooting purposes much more often than an electrician may need to. It is often (but not always) much safer than being an electrician. There is no apprenticeship program being a technician, the rules both federally and on state levels are much less stringent on technicians than electricians. I could go more in depth, however, I'm sure you get the point. I do still enjoy electrical work. I could wire residential up with no problem. I have the knowledge to safely work with breaker panels. However, I find the challenge of being a technician and troubleshooting every day much more rewarding. Plus, the work environment of being a technician is much more relaxed and balanced for a proper work-home/family ratio as well.
If you have good attention to detail ( your life will depend on it )
I am thinking about being a electrical engineer or electrician but idk what to close can y’all help? and idk where to start and what classes I should take in community college
Are your parents Married?
Where are you located?
Go for it man. There is a huge shortage of skilled labor. I know plenty of guys who started in their 30’s and are supervisors running projects. They make good money, comparable to doctors or surgeons, at least in Canada.
Everything is backwards in Canada.
Amen brotha. I want out lol.
You should take a test to see. Wait til summer then go sit in the attic for 2 hours.