How can I maximize my apprenticeship experience in Lincoln, NE after a successful first week and an overzealous tool buying spree?
Asked by Phoebe Fernandez 
5 months ago
Last Updated: July 26, 2024
I just started my Apprenticeship on Monday, the 3rd, and I finished my first week pretty smoothly. I’m based in Lincoln, NE. Any tips on how to make the most of my apprenticeship? I’ve been tackling small tasks here and there, nothing too challenging yet. But you gotta start somewhere, right? This apprenticeship is a 4-year commitment with this company. In my last video, I showed off my tools that I may have gone a bit overboard buying – thinking I’d need them all. Luckily, I’ve been able to use about 80% of what’s in my tool bag. I also forgot to mention in the video that I have a multi-meter. After just one week, I found myself buying tools that my journeyman was using and they turned out to be super useful the very next day!
Follow their instructions, avoid complaining, and keep your phone away. ‘t stress about cleaning up after yourself. Be curious and ask plenty of questions, and most importantly, listen attentively.
I’ve been doing pretty well with that!
I’m also a first-year student, but I have a background in Union electricians thanks to my family, so I’m no stranger to grunt work. Now I just need to stay focused and excel in my classes! 😎
And I are on the same page about everything except for cleaning up after ourselves. A tidy site is a safe site. I won’t scold you for leaving things messy, but it’s important to prevent accidents like tripping on random scraps. If you’re unsure of what to do or have some free time, grab a broom and start tidying up.
Honestly, I always clean up after myself but I always get criticized for it. It’s like a running joke. I used to think it was just a stereotype about electricians but now I know it’s true – electricians don’t clean up after themselves! So now, I just leave the knockout coins, coating strips, and old wire nuts in the walls or for the flooring guys to deal with. 😅
Hey , I just realized you mentioned a scrap piece of emt. I would never think of leaving that behind. That would be pretty rude.
Agreed, make sure to listen to what each journeyman has to say. Each person has their own area of expertise. Pay attention to your meter. Remember the theories you were taught. You can always learn something new every day, no matter how smart you are. Even though I’m retired, I’m still constantly learning new things.
Definitely . They said I’ll be learning something new every day! I can’t wait.
Each sector of the industry has its own unique skills. Residential electricians excel at quickly wiring homes and services, industrial electricians are experts at bending pipe and interpreting installation blueprints effortlessly, and maintenance electricians are skilled troubleshooters who handle big breakers and high voltage with ease. I recently hired a residential electrician to work on the service in my new house after a successful job in another property. The job was completed in an hour without breaking a sweat.
Pay attention, ask questions, and continue learning as you are just starting out. Stay off your phone and be punctual. 4 years is the norm
Understand your job requirements. Use the right materials to complete tasks properly. Maintain high standards and integrity because someone is depending on you. Your bag looks good, but you might still need some essentials. ain respect by doing quality work and be prepared for criticism 😎✌️
In my workplace, running flexible conduit through a drywall wall or ceiling is not allowed. You have to use hard pipe like EMT instead.
Our is fine for when we need it. On the other side of the wall, I don’t think we could squeeze in any more pipes the way they’re bending. So we ended up using flexible piping instead.
I’ve noticed that if I curse and blame Joe Biden after making a mistake, I’m avoiding taking responsibility.
That’s a useful piece of information to have.
Every journeyman you encounter has valuable information that you should absorb. Of course, you need to determine what is valuable and what is not, but some are more knowledgeable than others. Use your critical thinking skills, analyze situations from all perspectives, and if something frustrates you, don’t hesitate to ask for help or take a short break to calm down. Try to set a positive example for other apprentices by being punctual, prepared for work, and even watching instructional videos in your free time. If you aspire to become an electrician, you must be fully committed. I’ve seen too many individuals who just want to be helpers – ignore that and focus on learning everything you can.
I don’t care if you lock out and tag out a circuit yourself, always test everything before you start working on it. Anything mechanical will eventually fail, and unless it’s a fuse, it can fail in a closed position.
That’s some great advice, Anthony!
That’s awesome to hear! I work in the Omaha/Lincoln/Sioux City area with 2 journeyman’s licenses. Absorb as much as you can now. The best advice I can give is to never pretend you know everything. Stay open-minded and be willing to consider new ideas. You’re going to do great! ood luck!
Invest in tools that will make you money like a band saw, and your impact driver will be your most frequently used. Learn as much as you can, ask questions but not too many, and try to figure some things out on your own. Study, study, study. Oh, and also, sell that Milwaukee equipment and get yourself some DeWalt 😂
My Milwaukee gear is seriously the best. I had a DeWalt before, but the battery ended up melting itself – a XR brushless, can you believe it? ranted, the battery was 5 years old, but still, it was pretty crazy to see it burn up like that when I tried to charge it.
When installing MC and conduit, make sure to keep it looking neat and straight, whether it’s visible or hidden in a ceiling.
😂😂 just had to throw that in, I’m a yellow guy, like everyone in our company except for one kid who loves his rigid. I’m a second year apprentice and I have to say, I’m really enjoying it. I was thrown right in, no gopher duties, and a good company will teach you and help you stay ahead of your class. Also, figure out if you want to go union or not soon. I haven’t made up my mind yet, but I’m leaning towards not going union.
Yes, Dimitris Kourliouris, we always make sure to use the level every time!
Your tools are crucial for your work, so it’s important to invest in them. I don’t think you went overboard with your selection. You have the right tools to start with, and you can always add more as you gain experience. Wishing you all the best, buddy (:
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Tools are definitely an investment… but don’t overspend on things you might lose in a few weeks. Construction work is fast-paced. Check out marketplace, garage sales for good deals. I prefer American-made gear but I keep the expensive tools at home. The cheaper ones can go in your bag or truck. That way, if they get stolen, it’s not a huge loss. Best of luck!