r/u_ElectrHoss • u/ElectrHoss • 2d ago
IBEW Apprentices, Let's All Learn
I am an IBEW Apprentice and have been for 3yrs now. So im almost finished. And I have to say that I am very disappointed in how our system is structured. There is so much we could learn, so much we could advance on, yet our system and the curriculum, and our instructors are purposefully holding us back. Withholding information. Shutting us down from expanding our knowledge. We aren't just here to "pull cable" or "run pipe". It's not all just "letric work". Being an "electrician" is not the same as being a "journeyman wireman". And electrician is well rounded and continues to expand his or her knowledge on all things. NEC Code, Formulas, Diagrams, Coding/Programming, Conduit, Rigging, Terminating, Leadership, Teaching, etc. We are all in this together, it's not every man for himself. I refuse to believe in that mentality. So for anyone that has a thirst for knowledge, you are not alone. I want to create a community for all of this. For people to learn and ask questions. You always have room for improvement. You always can learn something from someone else, even if it's how "not to do something ". That is still learning. You can't help it if ya don't know. What ya can do is try to be better than you were the day before. So whoever wants to expand their knowledge on these matters/topics, gather here. Knowledge is what separates us from continuous failure.
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u/Boring_Cobbler_2987 1d ago
Also an aspiring apprentice who seeks to be as prepared as i can and my odds of getting accepted. What is the most common type of job you are asked to do as an early apprentice.
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u/ElectrHoss 1d ago
GREAT QUESTION! So more often than not at first you will generally be used as as sort of work horse/maid. You'll be doing the things others dont want to do. You'll be low man on the job. But, with this You'll have a better chance than others on learning new things compared to those who are above you. Pay attention when people speak, ask questions, watch and see what tools are used for certain tasks. You should be able to basically read the mind of whoever you are working with, by this i mean you already have the tool in your hand ready for them, or the material ready. Take notes of material, or different methods. Show commitment. Never ever say "i can't ". Dont get discouraged. Life is hard, so do what ya can to be positive and optimistic, even when you are digging a ditch. People will notice these things. And then you will be trusted with more and more tasks, have more opportunities that others wont have. But above all else, remember to always try and be better than you were the day before. All of this probably sounds cheesey or basic, but I promise you that it is true. I can attest to it. We are all in this together!
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u/grizlena 7h ago
I’m a second year. I spent the first 18 months in a pre fab shop then was rotated to a data center where it’s just cable tray and pulling wire.
I’m fuckin dyin to learn something
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u/ElectrHoss 4h ago
I know exactly what ya mean. The hardest thing to learn is the ability to teach yourself. You have to be willing to go above and beyond and do extra work in order to learn. Whether it be on the job, at school, or at home. Watch videos, fact check, draw things out, try to get some scrap wire and controls parts (switches, relays, coils, lights, motors, terminal blocks, power supply, etc.) And start testing things yourself. Learn how to use a meter properly, whether it be ohms, amps, or volts. Doing this will set you for success and put you light-years ahead of many Apprentices and journeyman. I can't tell you home many journeyman ive worked with that dont know how to use a meter, or troubleshoot, or EVEN MAKE A 3-WAY SWITCH FUNCTION PROPERLY!!! You have to count on yourself to further yourself. And hopefully others will see your efforts and try to teach and help you as well. We are all here to learn. Even journeyman. No one can know everything. Thats why it is called "continual learning ". We never stop improving ourselves. This is why I created this community. I and a few others have sadly had some horrible experiences in the field and TERRIBLE experiences within the school. My 1st and 2nd year, I myself and 2 others had to teach our class the material. Yes. Apprentices teaching Apprentices within the school. Why? Because the instructors didn't know the material, and they didn't care. So we would study in advance, arrive a few hours early, stay late, work on weekends, all so we could help out our fellow classmates and anyone else who wanted help. It's not easy. But it will pay off. Slowly. I for one can attest to this. I am still low man. But because I put in an effort, I am more knowledgeable than some others (not by much), but this gives me an edge and allows me to do and accomplish tasks that Foreman typically wont trust Apprentices to do. Patience is key. Determination is key. If you need any help with school or wanting to understand something, I will do what I can to help. We are all a team, no matter what local, or contractor, or job.
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u/ScaryScore6903 1d ago edited 1d ago
As an aspiring apprentice, I hope to learn as much as I can!