Any electricians here?

[74novaman]

I've been looking at new careers (Turns out a bachelors degree in history doesn't get you very far...who knew? ) and electrical work is one option I've been thinking of. I'm mechanically minded, like working with my hands and see this is a field that won't be going away any time soon.

From my limited research so far, it looks like the best way to get a foot in the door may be to contact my local electricians looking for a labor type job with them as an apprentice? Or would this be something I'd need to go back to school for?

I'd appreciate any advice/recommendations anyone has on getting into the field or at least someone to talk to about how the work is to see if its something I can see myself doing daily. Thanks.

[rbftfire]

Greetings. I am a licensed master electrician here in Texas. Currently, I am employed in another field. I did work in the electrical trade for a little over thirteen years. Like all jobs, there are pros and cons. As far as the best way in, I would advise trying to get hired on as an apprentice at an electrical contracting firm. You will be required to obtain an apprentice electrician license. The concept of the apprentice license was introduced after I was already a journeyman so I never dealt with that part. From what I know, it is merely a matter of registering with the TDLR and paying the fee. As far as being an apprentice electrician, the good thing is that you get paid while you get OJT (on the job training). The bad thing is that the pay typically isn't that great for an apprentice. Additionally, as the new person you will be afforded plenty of the "grunt" work. This dissipates over time as you gain improved license status and improve your position within the company.

There are options for school but ultimately the TDLR requires time on the job as well as passing the respective exams for each license so, the way that I view the situation, you might as well get paid to learn.

If you have any specific questions, feel free to PM me and I will be glad to answer anything that I can.

[chasfm11]

I've thought about doing the same thing. I might get the "opportunity" (by getting laid off from my current IT job) to try something new before the year is out. Here is the analysis that I came up with.

You have two options. One is to study and get your own license and go into business for yourself. It doesn't look too difficult to pass the test but then it may be one of the rigged situations where only some people pass regardless of their actual score. This is because there are sometimes strong union ties in the area. I already know most of the NEC and think that I could pass the test pretty easily with some study and a fair opportunity. In NJ, no non-union electrician is going to pass their test. Texas is hopefully different.

Then, you need to get business insurance and be able to invest in start up tools and supplies. It looked like it was reasonably expensive. Then you face the same challenges as any other small businessman. Startup can be difficult.

The other option is as you suggest, to go to work for someone else. There is normally an apprentice process for this. The apprentices are the ones who get to do all of the heavy, manual work. I've recently done a lot of my own electrical work (hung a new meter and panel on a new building and then done all of the work inside). Things like bending conduit, especially the 3/4" stuff are pretty physically demanding and there is definitely a lot of "art" to making the bends come out like they are supposed to. As a senior, I find that working with wire larger than #10 is really tough on my hands and I'm not sure that I would hold up doing it for an 8-10 hour day. That is one of the reasons, I suspect, why they hire young apprentices who hold up better. Lastly, I'm not great at heights and there seem to be a lot of situations where it is the apprentice on a tall ladder someplace, trying to work.

I'd love to hear from a professional electrician I'd be thrilled to know that I'm too pessimistic in my assessment.

[surprise_i'm_armed]

http://www.become-an-electrician.com/el ... ntice.html

Have you considered joining the US military, with some kind of MOS (Military
Occupational Specialty), that would move you down this road?

That would give you a paid gig on Uncle Sam's dime, opportunity to see more of
the world, and even get in some quality time with an M4. :-)

SIA

[rbftfire]

Indeed. That avenue might be well worth looking into.

[MoJo]

I'm a retired union electrician to do the union route check into the JATC program. http://www.njatc.org/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

In order to get a Journeyman electrician's license in Texas you have to have 8,000 hours working under the supervision of a Master Electrician plus pass the test. To get a Master electrician's license you have to be a journeyman with several thousand additional hours and pass the test. These hours must be documented through pay stubs and or letters from employers. Go to the TDLR site for more info http://www.license.state.tx.us/index.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Another field you might consider is HVAC here in Texas there will always be a need for good AC techs. I think the license requirements are a little easier also.

[WildBill]

Another field you might consider is HVAC here in Texas there will always be a need for good AC techs. I think the license requirements are a little easier also.

I have needed the services of a good HVAC guy more than an electrician.

[philip964]

Master Electrician is a great goal to go for. My cousin is a master electrician, he is my age and is already retired with a home up North and one down South.

Midwest Electric and Capp Electric would be great places to get your start.

[TLE2]

I can only say that, having worked for both an electrician and an HVAC guy (a very long time ago): It is HOT in an attic in Texas in the summer! And you'll be the guy in the attic...and the crawlspace...and up a pole...etc.

It's honest work but it's hard work. Try to get into commercial if you can.

[PappaGun]

I can only say that, having worked for both an electrician and an HVAC guy (a very long time ago): It is HOT in an attic in Texas in the summer! And you'll be the guy in the attic...and the crawlspace...and up a pole...etc.

It's honest work but it's hard work. Try to get into commercial if you can.

LOL.

I worked in HVAC before I moved to Texas.
I tried it here for one year and it was brutal.
I am not in my 20's anymore or my 30's.
At the time I was 49.
What you say about the attic work is dead on.
The state I came from had zero attic units as there were no attics.
I did not anticipate that.
12-16 hour days, sometimes 6.5 day weeks from July thru early September.
I measured the temp evry time I went in an attic (just to make my self feel more miserable )
and it was typically 135-140.
The money is good in the summer, but really slow in the winter. This was DFW. Other areas would be different.
Not trying to discourage you in any way.

I would suggest trying to ride along with any trade for a week if you hook up with some one to see what you think.

When I was younger getting in to the trades, I offered to work for free for a week for the opportunity.

It's a cheap education and you will know if it's for you pretty quickly.

[74novaman]

I would suggest trying to ride along with any trade for a week if you hook up with some one to see what you think.

When I was younger getting in to the trades, I offered to work for free for a week for the opportunity.

It's a cheap education and you will know if it's for you pretty quickly.

My current plan is to call some local companies and ask to carry an electricians bag around for free to see what the field is about. From there, we'll see if this is something I really want to do or not. Thanks for all the replies, gents.