Any Electricians around here?

[DigitalCancer]

I really appreciate everyone's input on this (this is part of why I love AT. ^_^). It's a wealth of knowledge here, I'm really interested and I'm going to research more in my state, but...how do I go about finding an apprenticeship? I guess I could start dialing electrical contractors from the phone book? lol...seems like there has to be a better way to find an opportunity.

NL5 - you said you took a 'Power Utility Certification' program? I can't seem to find any info on that.

 

[NL5]

I really appreciate everyone's input on this (this is part of why I love AT. ^_^). It's a wealth of knowledge here, I'm really interested and I'm going to research more in my state, but...how do I go about finding an apprenticeship? I guess I could start dialing electrical contractors from the phone book? lol...seems like there has to be a better way to find an opportunity.

NL5 - you said you took a 'Power Utility Certification' program? I can't seem to find any info on that.

I don't know how it works where you're at, but all NECA contractors in our Locals jurisdiction, only hire through the hall.

Here is a pdf about the program I took. Might not be available in you're area - it was a BPA designed program - AC and DC theory would be good to have under your belt.

http://www.clark.edu/academics/programs/power_utilities/put.pdf

 

[iGas]

PLC is pretty basic, and today everything are mostly GUI driven so there not much programing to do. Or, you can go into control and pull low voltage (12V/24V) wires and get to play around with some GUI controls, and leave the PLC stuffs to the hardcore guys.

 

[iGas]

Yep, journeyman electrician...NOT apprentice. I'm not sure how the IBEW's program works, but in my union apprenticeship, a brand new apprentice starts at 45% of scale...then gets increases of 10% (of journeyman, not of the current pay scale) for about every 1000 hours worked. That'd translate to about $15/hr on the check plus benefits to start...then every 6 months or so, about $3/hr raise. If you work more than 40 hours/week, the raises come faster...and it's possible (but not common) to skip a step in the program.
Plus, (often during the winter months when you're out of work) there's the "related training" classes. I had to go to classes for a minimum of 144 hours every year. Those are unpaid...and you aren't allowed to take any tax deductions for your expenses (that are strictly schooling related) because it qualifies you for a new job...although if they're college classes, tuition may qualify for one of the related education credits)

It looks like you're right outside of Gary...that should be an area with a strong union presence. Odds are, you may work in Chicago from time to time...depending, of course, on the rules of the various locals. (some are tougher than others on "travelers.")

I am not an electrician, but I HAVE worked out of the IBEW halls a few times...running crane and boom truck for electrical contractors.

Most unions around my area count overtime hours as actual earning hours. For instant, overtime at 1h * 1.5X pay is consider as 1.5h of worked time, and 1 * 2X pay is consider as 2h of worked time.

PS. I'm not an electrician, but I have worked in control.

 

[DigitalCancer]

So I've been digging around this morning (woke up at 4:30a, lol) and I have found a couple of websites that I was thinking of contacting to ask if they had any apprenticeship programs, but I'm not sure how to go about it...do I just call and ask?

I hope they're the right places...they are:

Merrillville, IN --- http://www.ibew697.org/

Laporte, IN --- http://www.ibewlocal531.org/default.cfm?id=128 (horrible website, click the links at the very bottom of the page as the ones on the side do not work, haha)

I just wanted to confirm that these would be the places to get started right? I'm trying to figure out how all of this would work as well b/c I'll still need to quit my current job which will prolly take a few weeks at least as I don't want to just leave them hangin' (i'm all they have right now since the real programmer is leaving in January).

Just looking over the websites, these seem to be 'training' classes, so am I correct that these are not 'apprenticeship' programs? Is this the best place to look for an apprenticeship program?
With these 2 particular websites, should I just call up and ask if they pay anything during the training?

Sorry for so many questions, but I'm really curious/excited about this. I really truly believe this is a very good move and it's something I should have done a few years ago whenever I had the chance.

Thanks again everyone!

 

[BoomerD]

So I've been digging around this morning (woke up at 4:30a, lol) and I have found a couple of websites that I was thinking of contacting to ask if they had any apprenticeship programs, but I'm not sure how to go about it...do I just call and ask?

I hope they're the right places...they are:

Merrillville, IN --- http://www.ibew697.org/

Laporte, IN --- http://www.ibewlocal531.org/default.cfm?id=128 (horrible website, click the links at the very bottom of the page as the ones on the side do not work, haha)

I just wanted to confirm that these would be the places to get started right? I'm trying to figure out how all of this would work as well b/c I'll still need to quit my current job which will prolly take a few weeks at least as I don't want to just leave them hangin' (i'm all they have right now since the real programmer is leaving in January).

Just looking over the websites, these seem to be 'training' classes, so am I correct that these are not 'apprenticeship' programs? Is this the best place to look for an apprenticeship program?
With these 2 particular websites, should I just call up and ask if they pay anything during the training?

Sorry for so many questions, but I'm really curious/excited about this. I really truly believe this is a very good move and it's something I should have done a few years ago whenever I had the chance.

Thanks again everyone!

Your best bet is too call the union locals and ask about apprenticeship opportunities. Sometimes, the smaller locals don't have many apprentices because they don't have enough work load in the area to keep them working. You might have to indenture in a local that's farther from home...like Gary or ??
Get on the phone. It's the only way you're likely to get accurate information.

 

[NL5]

Looks like you have to go thru the hall/training center. Same as here.

http://www.697jatc.com/component/content/article/1-current-events/64-application-now-being-accepted

 

[BurnItDwn]

Not an electrician here, though I am capable of doing most residential wiring work. I'd think it would be a fun job, but, I'm content with my current job.

 

[NL5]

Not an electrician here, though I am capable of doing most residential wiring work. I'd think it would be a fun job, but, I'm content with my current job.

Residential is not really electrical work......

 

[BurnItDwn]

Residential is not really electrical work......

Adding new breakers or subpanels, running new conduit and wiring and ripping out ancient Romex, etc is not real electrical work?

 

[Kwatt]

Try this

http://www.njatc.org/training/find.aspx

 

[NL5]

Adding new breakers or subpanels, running new conduit and wiring and ripping out ancient Romex, etc is not real electrical work?

It is, but not really.


Besides, Romex isn't ancient. Knob and tube is a PITA, as well as some of the other fun stuff you'll find it old houses.

I like motors and controls. Resi is stupid simple and boring work. Plus, it's damn near impossible to make any money at. I would suggest to the OP and anyone else considering electrical work to really find out what electricians do. Most people have NO idea at all.....

 

[BurnItDwn]

It is, but not really.


Besides, Romex isn't ancient. Knob and tube is a PITA, as well as some of the other fun stuff you'll find it old houses.

I like motors and controls. Resi is stupid simple and boring work. Plus, it's damn near impossible to make any money at. I would suggest to the OP and anyone else considering electrical work to really find out what electricians do. Most people have NO idea at all.....

Ahh ... motors and controls, sounds like industrial work! Sounds like fun.... My GF wires electrical panels at her job for elevators, I would love to play with them ... hehehe

 

[NL5]

Ahh ... motors and controls, sounds like industrial work! Sounds like fun.... My GF wires electrical panels at her job for elevators, I would love to play with them ... hehehe

Yep! I do mostly industrial construction right now. I eventually plan to move to service work, doing mostly motors/vfds and control/automation stuff.

 

[DigitalCancer]

Yep! I do mostly industrial construction right now. I eventually plan to move to service work, doing mostly motors/vfds and control/automation stuff.

Sounds interesting...I want to get into this but not even sure where to start...sounds like I should just go straight to industrial and skip residential all together?

 

[BoomerD]

Sounds interesting...I want to get into this but not even sure where to start...sounds like I should just go straight to industrial and skip residential all together?

IF you get into a union apprenticeship, it's doubtful that you'll be doing many residential jobs. Most of that (at least around here) go to the rat contractors. The union contractors have pretty much abandoned residential.
You may be working light commercial or light &/or heavy industrial, that sort of thing.
I think, once you get into the apprenticeship, you will be able to choose a specialty...but every program is a bit different in the basic requirements you must meet, how many hours in each work category, and at what point you're allowed to choose a specialty.

 

[NL5]

Sounds interesting...I want to get into this but not even sure where to start...sounds like I should just go straight to industrial and skip residential all together?

IF you get into a union apprenticeship, it's doubtful that you'll be doing many residential jobs. Most of that (at least around here) go to the rat contractors. The union contractors have pretty much abandoned residential.
You may be working light commercial or light &/or heavy industrial, that sort of thing.
I think, once you get into the apprenticeship, you will be able to choose a specialty...but every program is a bit different in the basic requirements you must meet, how many hours in each work category, and at what point you're allowed to choose a specialty.

Well, while you're an apprentice, you don't get to choose squat. You go were they tell you, and you do what they tell you. But Boomers right, most likely you will see very little resi work.

You saw the link I posted above. right? Your hall is taking apps. Ours has an "orientation" once a month that is open to the public. They will tell you a bit about the process, and answer questions. Maybe they do the same there. I highly recommend it. It's unbelievably hard to get in, but well worth the effort IMO.

 

[DrPizza]

Adding new breakers or subpanels, running new conduit and wiring and ripping out ancient Romex, etc is not real electrical work?

Electrical in nature, but hardly worthy of "electrician" status. More "do-it-yourself" level work that many people hire "electricians" to do. What they said above - most people hear "electrician" and think "the guy who pulls wires in my house, connects outlets, puts in the breaker box..." - but that's just a drop in the bucket of the skills that an electrician has.

 

[DigitalCancer]

Yes...I seen that they were taking apps, but it looks like I missed it by a week, I checked their calendar and they were taking apps the first wednesday of the month and there's not one for January....maybe they just haven't updated it yet. I'll try and make time to call them tomorrow, I also called the other JACT? But got a voicemail so I'll try again tomorrow.

 

[BoomerD]

Well, while you're an apprentice, you don't get to choose squat. You go were they tell you, and you do what they tell you. But Boomers right, most likely you will see very little resi work.

You saw the link I posted above. right? Your hall is taking apps. Ours has an "orientation" once a month that is open to the public. They will tell you a bit about the process, and answer questions. Maybe they do the same there. I highly recommend it. It's unbelievably hard to get in, but well worth the effort IMO.

The IBEW apprenticeship may be different. I had several options for classes of equipment to specialize in. I chose to specialize in cranes, although during my apprenticeship, I also worked on rock crushers, concrete and asphalt batch plants, operated dirt moving equipment, as well as working as a mechanic and service oiler.
I used to know some of the electrical apprentices here, and was under the impression that once they had been in the program a while and learned the basics, they could opt for different areas of training.

 

[iGas]

It is, but not really.


Besides, Romex isn't ancient. Knob and tube is a PITA, as well as some of the other fun stuff you'll find it old houses.

I like motors and controls. Resi is stupid simple and boring work. Plus, it's damn near impossible to make any money at. I would suggest to the OP and anyone else considering electrical work to really find out what electricians do. Most people have NO idea at all.....

It is possible to make money in residential however you have to be fast and work your ass off. And I have to agree that is repetitive and boring work.

I enjoy motors and controls as well, however I'm a plumber/HVAC guy (specialize in geothermal heatpumps).

 

[iGas]

Well, while you're an apprentice, you don't get to choose squat. You go were they tell you, and you do what they tell you. But Boomers right, most likely you will see very little resi work.

You saw the link I posted above. right? Your hall is taking apps. Ours has an "orientation" once a month that is open to the public. They will tell you a bit about the process, and answer questions. Maybe they do the same there. I highly recommend it. It's unbelievably hard to get in, but well worth the effort IMO.

It doesn't stop you from quiting the job and apply for another company that focus in control once you are indenture (however, quiting too many times might earn you a black spot).

 

[iGas]

Yes...I seen that they were taking apps, but it looks like I missed it by a week, I checked their calendar and they were taking apps the first wednesday of the month and there's not one for January....maybe they just haven't updated it yet. I'll try and make time to call them tomorrow, I also called the other JACT? But got a voicemail so I'll try again tomorrow.

I'm not sure as to how things work in your area, but for me here in Canada one can opt for a pre-apprentice schooling (most unions prefer this step), then sign up at the union hall for an apprenticeship.

PS. Most halls call out tend to start in late Feb to early Mar.

 

[BoomerD]

It doesn't stop you from quiting the job and apply for another company that focus in control once you are indenture (however, quiting too many times might earn you a black spot).

Maybe it's different in Canuckistan...or in the IBEW.

As an apprentice, I was prohibited from quitting a job. Doing so could have cost me my apprenticeship. If things were bad enough on the job to think about quitting, a phone call could usually get you transferred to a new job.
Apprentices are usually the last ones hired and the first ones fired...and end up with most of the shit details...at least until they learn enough to be "not totally worthless."

 

[NL5]

The IBEW apprenticeship may be different. I had several options for classes of equipment to specialize in. I chose to specialize in cranes, although during my apprenticeship, I also worked on rock crushers, concrete and asphalt batch plants, operated dirt moving equipment, as well as working as a mechanic and service oiler.
I used to know some of the electrical apprentices here, and was under the impression that once they had been in the program a while and learned the basics, they could opt for different areas of training.

Yeah, the IBEW has a standardized national curriculum. You get a little of just about everything. The only choice we get at our training center is PLC or Welding for 1 term. The other 9 are set in stone.

You might have some say in what you are doing on the job, or you might not. It just depends. i work for a fairly small shop, and we don't have a lot of choice anyway. i can ask for a rotation to another contractor if I wanted to, but who knows what I'd end up doing.