Any electricians in the house?

[Eagle]

Alright, I'm looking for some info on becoming an electrician. I understand that there are 4 basic kinds of electricians-those that work on power lines, those that wire factories and commercial facilities, those that wire homes, and then telecomm electricians. I'm primarily interested in the home and telecomm areas. I also understand that there is an apprenticeship program that usually lasts around 4 years, and that sometimes you can find work in the field while training, sometimes you can't, all depending on demand and level of training.

Now here's my background: I have a little college (general study courses mostly) under my belt, right around 2 years worth of credits. I spent 5 years in the Navy (just got out this spring) as an STS (SONAR Tech Submarines) where I had a little exposure to the field-mostly in the form of troubleshooting gear, and isolating power supplies for that purpose. Now when I say a little, I mean I now the terminology and not a whole lot else. So I'd be starting at the bottom for the most part, just a very slight head start from others at the very beginning. I've looked at Helmets to Hardhats, but they don't give much info that I've been able to find on how to get started, they seem to be mostly a place to find a job once you're certified.

So basically I guess I'm looking for any general info and info on how to get started on the apprenticeship road.

[Rocp15126]

Well, you can first try to contact the local electricians hall to begin an apprenticeship. Try looking for an IBEW hall (International brotherhood of electrical workers. IBEW.org) I believe it's a 4-5 year apprenticeship to get a journeyman's card. In most locals you can also get a associates degree in applied technology. Some of the locals also train the telecom/computer workers, if that is what you're after.

I work at a nuclear power plant. We have electricans of two sorts. Neither of them require a journeyman's card but it helps. Instrument and Control technicians handle mostly electronics, while Nuclear Electricans handle plant equipment. Your Navy background should come in handy. Most power plants prefer a Navy background. I know most coal fire plants are the same. Most work is procedure driven and regardless of how much experience you do or do not have, you will be trained and qualified on it first.

Line workers are also in demand. Most utilities have programs to train people. Pole climbing, Safety, etc. Duquesne light here in PA, has a program through the local community college which leads to employment. Try researching the local utility company.

[Resurection]

Well, telecom/cable techs are not really electricians. For that matter, at most we do low voltage wiring. I work with a cable installation/networking company. I can tell you that pulling wire is pulling wire, whether it is coax, cat-5, phone, alarm, power, or anything. The only difference is in the terminating.

Now when you get up into the power world, there is more to know and do, and I don't have experience there. but if you have any questions about low voltage or cable/network wiring I would be happy to help you out.

[M98Punk]

local community colleges are a treasure trove of information about such things...they usually offer certifitcation classes durring the winter and summer or atleast the one I went to did..

[Aggressive Rooster]

the first thing to remember is u have to be a d-bag.i work for a small business that burys phone cable and we are non union and we get the most crap from the electricians about not being union.i also believe that u have to be a registered democrat but im not sure.make sure u drink the kool aide

[KayleAGD]

the first thing to remember is u have to be a d-bag.i work for a small business that burys phone cable and we are non union and we get the most crap from the electricians about not being union.i also believe that u have to be a registered democrat but im not sure.make sure u drink the kool aide

an upgrade from digging ditches...


I am a master electrician in the state of Kentucky. The work I do in an aluminum smelter varies from low voltage to 161kv and telecom work. I have a 2 year technical degreee in industrial electricity and numerous hours after that in all area's of the trade.
The best thing to do is to look into some type of two year degree or certification. It is all about the paper !! PLC programming and troubleshooting is a must these days in most any kind of industry. The IBEW local can teach you anything you need to know but is sometimes hard to get into..
Let me know if you need any more help.

Kayle Malcom
USWA local 142a

[Aggressive Rooster]

[QUOTE=KayleAGD]an upgrade from digging ditches...

i think u just made my point.let me remind u that somewhere along the line this beautiful thing u call the internet is provided to u by someone who dug a ditch.both jobs are important.i know theres a common misconception that getting that card in hand somehow makes u a better american and if u dont have one u must do crappy work.

[Resurection]

an upgrade from digging ditches...

i think u just made my point.let me remind u that somewhere along the line this beautiful thing u call the internet is provided to u by someone who dug a ditch.both jobs are important.i know theres a common misconception that getting that card in hand somehow makes u a better american and if u dont have one u must do crappy work.

You have serious issues with being looked at like scum since you are non-union, huh? I understand that. I grew up in Jersey where unions controlled a lot of the fun. I've been in Florida and other southern states the last 15 years and I can tell you the absence of major union presence is nice.

As for the wiring certifications, if you are going to go to school now - FIBER. That is all I can say, whether you are digging ditches, terminating ends, or troubleshooting... learn fiber.

[Eagle]

Yeah, I tried to get the Navy to send me to Fiber Optic school but the wouldn't go for it.

So it seems that most of you are saying I should get in contact with the IBEW and see what they have to say about getting started?

[Eagle]

Haven't been able to get ahold of the IBEW in this area, although I've found some info for the northern Va areas, and the info doesn't look promising. Looks like it's a 4 year apprenticeship, full time, but it would be a year or more before I'd be making more money than I am now working retial, and I don't make squat. I'd be starting out making less than I am now, with small raises every 5-6 months. Two years of OJT followed by 2 more years of OJT and classroom work. Anyone know anything different? Anyone know of a way to accelerate the proccess or get the training through someone other than IBEW?

[Muzikman]

Go to a 2 year tech school for electric and then find a small non union electrical outfit (might be hard in your area) and work for them as a go-fer. You will work your way up. My cousin did this a few years ago and is doing pretty well now.