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You’re 20. The world is your oyster! Life’s too short to not follow your gut. If you’re thinking you want to try electrical, now’s the time. I didn’t figure out what I wanted to do until 25 and I see a lot of guys starting as electricians at 35+. Give it a go!
i’m going to look into becoming a electrician i just feel bad for my dad that he went out his way to help get me into this union but i don’t enjoy it and wish i would of really looked at my other trade options before choosing
Your father would (or should) want what’s best for you and if that’s becoming an electrician then go for it. Your career path shouldn’t be what it is in order to appease other people. It’s rare for people to know what they want to do at such a young age on the first attempt
You never really know what you like/dont like until you try it. Also, you wont like being an apprentice electrician for the first few years either because you will be the material handler, trash guy, clean up guy, etc. You may feel that youre not learning enough at first. Stick with it. Dont quit.
I found carpentry skills helped in electrical builds. I would keep learning carpentry as you look for an electrical outfit! The more knowledge the better (:
This is definitely true. I've had to frame up transformer pads, and frame and drill holes to hold the underground pipes in the perfect spot for the pour when project managers didn't order the strut and straps that we needed to do it right. And I've never seen anyone learn pipe bending faster than former carpenters.
It varies wildly from place to place.
I would post on the IBEW sub and let them know where you are trying to get in and they will probably have some good advice.
As far as a career, can’t recommend it enough. It’s got its ups and downs but I’m generally happier as an electrician than I have been anywhere else.
What do you hate about it? You're at the worst spot to be in an apprenticeship. Things get better, but I expect the first while of either trade is basically just labor.
I started when I was 20. I started off as a helper making $10/hr on a service truck. I’m 33 now making $30/hr running a service truck. I could make more at another company but I kind of get to do whatever I want so it works out.
I don't know what your situation is but Ivy tech in Indiana has a good industrial technology program. I learned basic electrical theory, Nec Code, Hydraulics, Pneumatics, PlC coding, and Robotic training Fanuc. There is going to be a huge demand for people with these skills.
Wait I thought carpenters already did electrical work. /s
Anyway, the process for getting into an IBEW local will vary a bit by local. Some, like mine, will let anyone who meets the minimum requirements into the apprenticeship, some have a poor work outlook & only accept a few apprentices a year, which means you may be working as a helper a few years to get someone to vouch for you.
In general you'll need the ability to work in the US; a high school diploma or GED with a credit in algebra, though some locals will still take you if you don't, as long as you can pass an equivalent math test/class; a driver's license; & the ability to pass a drug test.
The contractors will pay for your schooling. In most locals you'll have to pay for books, which will run you several hundred dollars a semester. Some locals offer payment assistance and/or payment plans, some don't. Technically you'll be an indured apprentice, which means you're supposed to work as a journeyman in that local fir a years after you top out, or else you'll owe the money for your schooling. Whether a local actually enforces that is another matter entirely (I understand most, including mine, do not).
First thing you'll have to do is stop using an actual hammer because any tool can be used as a hammer. Lineman pliers, channel locks etc ..
The grass is always greener... If you're doing rough carpentry. Maybe you should try finish carpentry. Or siding.. or office furniture... If you can get regular hours and are in a union that's not a bad thing.
Or you could just become an electrician
GL.
i did it so can you. honestly carpentry helped with developing an eye for exposed work, how to use different tools, layouts, how things are built, etc. its so much easier to learn when you can focus on electrical and not be fumbling around trying to sink a screw at the same time. good luck!
I hired a 25 year old carpenter over 10 years ago. He learned well and quick and is my top foreman
I just helped him achieve his state license.
He is like a son to me.
Your experience even though not many years, will be valuable in any trade you choose
I went through the carpenters union (local 547) and became a journeyman then started all over again as an electrician non union. I wish I did it right out of highschool. Electrical is way better
Set your goals higher man, go be an electrical engineer,or a project manager.
Write down your goals. You will reach your goals,be persistent,good health,success and good luck to you.
**ATTENTION! READ THIS NOW!** **1. IF YOU ARE NOT A PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN OR LOOKING TO BECOME ONE(for career questions only):** **- DELETE** THIS POST OR YOU WILL BE **BANNED**. YOU CAN POST ON /r/AskElectricians FREELY **2. IF YOU COMMENT ON A POST THAT IS POSTED BY SOMEONE WHO IS NOT A PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN:** -YOU WILL BE **BANNED**. JUST **REPORT** THE POST. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/electricians) if you have any questions or concerns.*
You’re 20. The world is your oyster! Life’s too short to not follow your gut. If you’re thinking you want to try electrical, now’s the time. I didn’t figure out what I wanted to do until 25 and I see a lot of guys starting as electricians at 35+. Give it a go!
Started at 37 here, will be a jman in October. Best decision I ever made.
i’m going to look into becoming a electrician i just feel bad for my dad that he went out his way to help get me into this union but i don’t enjoy it and wish i would of really looked at my other trade options before choosing
Your father would (or should) want what’s best for you and if that’s becoming an electrician then go for it. Your career path shouldn’t be what it is in order to appease other people. It’s rare for people to know what they want to do at such a young age on the first attempt
You never really know what you like/dont like until you try it. Also, you wont like being an apprentice electrician for the first few years either because you will be the material handler, trash guy, clean up guy, etc. You may feel that youre not learning enough at first. Stick with it. Dont quit.
Some of those skills will transfer over. For instance, you already know how to use a measuring tape.
I found carpentry skills helped in electrical builds. I would keep learning carpentry as you look for an electrical outfit! The more knowledge the better (:
This is definitely true. I've had to frame up transformer pads, and frame and drill holes to hold the underground pipes in the perfect spot for the pour when project managers didn't order the strut and straps that we needed to do it right. And I've never seen anyone learn pipe bending faster than former carpenters.
It varies wildly from place to place. I would post on the IBEW sub and let them know where you are trying to get in and they will probably have some good advice. As far as a career, can’t recommend it enough. It’s got its ups and downs but I’m generally happier as an electrician than I have been anywhere else.
What do you hate about it? You're at the worst spot to be in an apprenticeship. Things get better, but I expect the first while of either trade is basically just labor.
I started when I was 20. I started off as a helper making $10/hr on a service truck. I’m 33 now making $30/hr running a service truck. I could make more at another company but I kind of get to do whatever I want so it works out.
I don't know what your situation is but Ivy tech in Indiana has a good industrial technology program. I learned basic electrical theory, Nec Code, Hydraulics, Pneumatics, PlC coding, and Robotic training Fanuc. There is going to be a huge demand for people with these skills.
Bruh I switched from hospital kitchen cook to electrical. You already know how to use tools id say you’re way better off than most!
Wait I thought carpenters already did electrical work. /s Anyway, the process for getting into an IBEW local will vary a bit by local. Some, like mine, will let anyone who meets the minimum requirements into the apprenticeship, some have a poor work outlook & only accept a few apprentices a year, which means you may be working as a helper a few years to get someone to vouch for you. In general you'll need the ability to work in the US; a high school diploma or GED with a credit in algebra, though some locals will still take you if you don't, as long as you can pass an equivalent math test/class; a driver's license; & the ability to pass a drug test. The contractors will pay for your schooling. In most locals you'll have to pay for books, which will run you several hundred dollars a semester. Some locals offer payment assistance and/or payment plans, some don't. Technically you'll be an indured apprentice, which means you're supposed to work as a journeyman in that local fir a years after you top out, or else you'll owe the money for your schooling. Whether a local actually enforces that is another matter entirely (I understand most, including mine, do not).
Jesus was a carpenter; God is an electrician.
First thing you'll have to do is stop using an actual hammer because any tool can be used as a hammer. Lineman pliers, channel locks etc .. The grass is always greener... If you're doing rough carpentry. Maybe you should try finish carpentry. Or siding.. or office furniture... If you can get regular hours and are in a union that's not a bad thing. Or you could just become an electrician GL.
I started in carpentry and didn’t like it and switched to electrical.
i did it so can you. honestly carpentry helped with developing an eye for exposed work, how to use different tools, layouts, how things are built, etc. its so much easier to learn when you can focus on electrical and not be fumbling around trying to sink a screw at the same time. good luck!
I hired a 25 year old carpenter over 10 years ago. He learned well and quick and is my top foreman I just helped him achieve his state license. He is like a son to me. Your experience even though not many years, will be valuable in any trade you choose
I went through the carpenters union (local 547) and became a journeyman then started all over again as an electrician non union. I wish I did it right out of highschool. Electrical is way better
Set your goals higher man, go be an electrical engineer,or a project manager. Write down your goals. You will reach your goals,be persistent,good health,success and good luck to you.