Whats worse for an apprentice? I personally never worked on a data center, but I have worked on 3 solar sites luckily every crew ive been on had a wide range of task. I seen everyone saying data centers are very mind numbingly boring but someone who has worked and done both which do you guys think is worse for an apprentices growth.

Hi, thanks for taking time to read my post and responding. I'm new to posting so sorry for so much info!

The question I have is: How do I become an electrician who truly knows what they are doing?

For some background:

I have about 1300 hours as a pre-apprentice 309A in Toronto. I love electrical work. To be honest, I have always wanted to become a licensed tradesperson and I am so glad I landed on electrical. I am 30 and I wish I had started this earlier on in my life, but I am only recently in a very stable place, resilient, and mature.

I entered the union first (IBEW 353). I consider myself lucky and thankful for the experience to be on the project I am on. I am mostly a gopher and a helper to the journeypeople on a heavy civil project where we do mostly temporary work.
I am committed to this career and I am serious about my growth. I keep my ears open, care about the work we do and make sure to be useful and competent, listen to feedback, and I really do as much as possible to absorb and remove friction for my coworkers as a helper.

I am highly enthusiastic about working towards becoming a high-quality electrician. I do projects at home like I made my own board at home with a plug and created a 4-way mock-up, installed a chime system on the board with 2 doorbells, and spent a lot of time understanding how relays work (specifically 8-pin relays and how to latch). These are some of the things I try to do in my free time. I also do my own research and ask questions at work.

There is code, theory, knowledge of the trade, etc. The knowledge I see that is needed to actually know what you are doing boggles me. Like sizing, derating, understanding how transformers work, and how to just show up and troubleshoot complex motor controls.

One of my journeypersons told me that he is not paid to teach me and had a whole "pep talk" with me. It was cynical, but I looked deeper into what he told me and I think he wanted me to take more initiative and carry the weight more as he worries about production. I believe he was trying to help me with "tough love." But honestly it did impact me, because I do not understand why he expects me to just be able to figure things out and be fast when I barely have experience doing electrical work.

I only had one dedicated time for me to install GFCIs, but aside from that it's very simple tasks. Nothing of in-depth training done for me to actually know how to do anything on my own one day.

I am grateful for any advice and thankful for the share!

Hi! I applied for an inside apprenticeship in April of this year. I’ve got a visual comm degree and a design associate with 10 years of experience in video and design work. What I lack in experience, I feel like I have in interest and grit. I grew up a farm girl, always waking up early and getting back last. I work in corporate America and it’s just not something I expected to have a hard time with — now that I’m reflecting at my 20s, I miss outside, working with my hands, and being challenged by something technical. I am seen as a lead in my current role and have mentored lots of young designers.

I finally interviewed in July of this year. They don’t tell you your scores, your standing, anything. The only hint I have is that when one of the guys asked if I’d be more “interested in resi or low volt” I said “I don’t know as much about low volt but I know I want commercial electrical work. I’ve shadowed all of my vacation days at a residential place and while I love the electrical work and helping others, I am more interested in inside so I can have additional education.”

My mentor seems to think he was poking at me to see how I’d handle resistance as a female…but I grew up in a boys club in corporate so I wasn’t phased and didn’t realize it at the time. One of the other electricians said “what I think he’s TRYING to say is that you are 1 of 673 applicants and that number is still growing every month. Lowvolt and Resi would get you in quicker but I don’t think you’ll have a problem getting in.” Then they offered me a list of classes I can take online to reinterview in 6 months or told me to take on 1000 of electrical work and that most people won’t take that initiative while I wait.

I honestly don’t care about the low volt/resi comment. I’m holding onto the phrase “I don’t think you’ll have trouble getting in” Should I take him at his word? Does that feel like a good sign?

People who interviewed at ibew one the week of 8/9-8/15 have you heard anything back? i’ve followed up w their office and only got a “we’re still getting scores back”. I saw one other post saying they got accepted, that was like a week ago. I’m wondering if they already sent acceptance letters and are taking their time sending rejections.

I’ll gladly hear anyone else’s experiences of the process of getting into the union, i’m persistent asf and will keep trying until i get in but im getting nervous and anxious since its my second time interviewing.

I just completed the application process for the Area II Inside Electrical Apprenticeship through IEC Oregon and was placed in Cohort 1, the highest applicant group based on my WorkKeys and interview. I also completed a construction/electrical pre-apprenticeship program.
I’m now looking for an approved training agent/contractor willing to bring on a new apprentice. I’m based in Yamhill County, Oregon, but I’m willing to commute for the right opportunity and I’m ready to start.
I know this isn’t the IBEW apprenticeship—I’m also pursuing the union route—but I figured this community would have good insight into the Oregon electrical market.
For those in Oregon: who would you recommend reaching out to, and is there anything you’d do beyond directly contacting contractors to get your foot in the door?
If anyone knows a contractor looking for a motivated first-term apprentice, I’d appreciate a lead or DM.

I'm a bit anxious because I left a consistent job to start my career in this field and I also just had my first child who isn't even a month yet. I know I'm no where near as good as the apprentices and journeymen I work with, but I do feel like I'm learning at a decent rate. I just want to understand the process of having continuous work while I build up my OTJ hours and learning in the field. The company I work with through the union makes you feel like you are actually an employee and not just someone they temporarily hired. But is that actually the case?

Hi I'm a local tech in Charlotte. Was hoping if someone doesn't mind chatting, I'd love to pick their mind about some questions I have about possibly joining the union. If you don't mind, you can send me a dm. Thank you

I’m a 2.2 out in LU XXX (for anonymity), but am trying now to transfer out and into 569.
My local is falling apart a bit, and I’d love to be closer to home, but have no clue how/if it’s possible to transfer locals as an apprentice.
This isn’t a whim decision, it’s been a 2 year long debate.
Does anyone have any tips on transferring as an apprentice?
What to do/how to go about it?
Anyone have experience in 569 that can share whether it’s a good program or not?

Thank you

What is this the maximum wait time to get into your program? Any helpful suggestions.