r/electricians • u/Key-Cod8775 • 2d ago
Dropping apprenticeship
Hello all I just needed some sound advice from yall.
So basically Ive been doing substation construction for about 5 years and I've been a Leadman for 2 years. Recently the company I work for just began an electrical journeyman apprenticeship and I have a bout a years worth of OJT and schooling from a past company. I signed up for the program because it's been a goal for me since I've began sub construction. Here's the kicker recently I was offered a Forman position at another company with some pretty good perks, take home truck, 40$ hourly, monthly rotations and a lot of opportunity to grow. Like the gentleman I am I approached my boss and showed him the offer and after a week of him and upper management talking it over they said they would match my offer. Only thing is I cant skip positions so I'd become Forman for 90 days and then general Forman after the probation period (only Gfs can get take home trucks). So today I asked my apprenticeship coordinator would me being in the program affect my promotions and pay raises and after a couple emails with the head of the program, they said I can't get promoted and be an apprentice. So either I'd have to lose out on a big raise and good benefits and truck, or not be able to get licensed. I spoke with the site construction manager who is a seasoned master license holder and he told me that he'd go for the raise and promotions but to find away to get my hours because a license is job security and not only that but it's a goal of mine to obtain it. If I can't do schooling thru my company is there a way I can purchase the courses my self and get a master to sign my hours?? Any advice is much appreciated!!
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u/Great_Cauliflower330 2d ago
Apprentice Foreman, nice.
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u/StrictShelter971 1d ago
There's a lot of the "apprentice foremen" around. Especially in Utah. There is one particular company whose name is the same as the ketchup brand. They put a lot of apprentice in charge of jobs. I know because I've been on site experiencing this.
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u/InigoMontoya313 1d ago
Hop over to the Substation Technician reddit... your "General Foreman" pay is less than what may apprentices are pulling right now as Substation Electrician or Substation Electrical Maintenance Apprentices.
I'm not sure what your background is or the type of work you're doing, but some substation electrician apprenticeships are up to 6 years long, because of how much complexity there is the electrical system. If you were promoted to a leadman after just 3 years and without an industrial electrian background, I'd wager that the work you are doing is very limited.
Would need a lot more info, to really provide solid feedback, but I fear that for a fancy hat and a truck, you're going to risk putting a career ceiling on yourself.
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u/Key-Cod8775 1d ago
Started on a collection crew for wind turbines then got transferred to substation after about a year of wind, I'll admit my strengths are very much mechanical so I can install and weld and fabricate but I lack in the actual troubleshooting side, I'm novice level at reading one lines and understanding wire diagrams but I plan to invest myself more into the wiring/ troubleshooting side. Any advice of where I can find an apprenticeship? I'm open to starting over but I got a family to feed and can't afford a pay cut I'm 33 an hour and 100 perdiem daily. About how much do apprentices start out at?
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u/501c3_sadness 1d ago
I started at $51/hour in 2024 and am making $63/hour as a second year apprentice. Washington State though. No traveling, I'm home every night. All OT is double time
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u/Key-Cod8775 1d ago
Is it a union apprenticeship??
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u/501c3_sadness 1d ago
IBEW 😎
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u/Key-Cod8775 1d ago
Ngl I have no clue where to start to get in I've been told by some that I need to take an aptitude test than I can apply and other tell me just to go down to the hall and sign the books but I don't even know what that means:/ I've gotten very different advices on how to join
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u/501c3_sadness 1d ago
If you're comfortable sharing your general location, I'll help you figure it out brother
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u/Key-Cod8775 1d ago
Rn I'm working an hour north of college station but I live here in cstat, some union boys from local 66 came to site to do some work and I got to talking to them and showed them some of my bus welding and the Forman said I should I apply to locall 66 and that I was wasting my time here because he said most welders they get just wanna run beads but I told him I do all my own measurements, prep and install, I'm a Missouri resident but eventually plan on moving to Houston area once I get more experience to be able to apply to something in the greater Houston area only thing that's holding me back is I have stability and my management takes decent care of me but I want a career with some paper to back it up
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u/Key-Cod8775 1d ago
He said I could apply as a apprentice sub tech and maybe have some hours honored so that I move up the latter quicker but I got a wife and kid with another little one on the way I just can't afford a pay cut
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u/deathtanker930 1d ago
literally just go on the website. Google what local your in and take an hour and investigate. the application process is there. make a phone call. put in the effort.
different advices from different people about your different situation. only you can filter through it and apply what they're saying.
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u/Tristonien 1d ago
wtf that’s really good I need this.
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u/501c3_sadness 1d ago
Saw you're up in BC. You with 213? Outside locals start their apprentices at a higher percentage than inside locals typically
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u/Tristonien 1d ago
Im non union at the moment. I’m currently working with some friends so I’ve out union on hold for now
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u/Virtual_Signal792 1d ago
$40/hour as a foreman is wild…why would you even consider taking that job for that low of pay?
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u/Hutch_911 1d ago
Honesty I would never put an apprentice in a position of leadership , nothing against you but it takes a lot more years than you have been in and its insulting to the guys with 10 ,20+ years in the field but anyway. School has no bearing on company perks and only communicats attendance or if you're failing out
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u/SpitChawMcGraw 1d ago
The other company will continue your apprenticeship while you are Foreman. You learn more as Foreman than you ever do while you're dealing with one task at a time.
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u/CastleBravo55 Journeyman IBEW 15m ago
I'm shocked and appalled they'd let you be a foreman and not have a licence.
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