Apprentice Idea's

[mivey]

I sorry, but I like to re-read this every once in a while.

With all the compliments being thrown around here let's not forget to compliment HighWirey. It takes a big man to admit that. :grin:

You can have so much fun with this post. "I had a good command of our English language..."

 

[mivey]

....so I guess now I'm the brown noser.

looks black to me...and a big one at that. I would have thought after smacking into that tree...:smile:

 

[petersonra]

I'm a first year apprentice. I really love the company I work for and really enjoy the Electrical trade. Does any body have any ideas of what I can do to become a good apprentice and electrician? Any ideas would be most helpfull.

The most important thing to remember is the boss is not always right, but he is always the boss.

 

[kkwong]

The most important thing to remember is the boss is not always right, but he is always the boss.

Welcome to the forum, and I would like to second Peter's boss statement.

Everyone here has offered great advice, though I would also add another layer to the "ask questions" comment. There are no stupid questions and when you're dealing with something for the first time your boss or journeyman (if you're in CA) will expect questions; ask them even if they seem stupid to you. If you are watching them do something complicated, have them slow down a little and tell you what they are doing. Learn to feed wire correctly and always label your circuits on both ends.

Another trick I picked up from years ago was to "parrot" back what you were told to do. Put it in your own words and ask for clarifacation if you do not understand something. I think I averted more disasters by doing this.

Another thing, don't be afraid to speak up when you think something isn't right. If you have a good journeyman/boss he will show you in the NEC where such and such is and why it allows you to do what you do, but that will come after he tells you.

Read the NEC, especially sections partaining to what you are doing. Learn your strapping for the different conduits and raceways and romex.

Most importantly have a good attitude and appearance. Know when its the proper time to BS and the proper time to work hard. Cover any tats if your doing service calls. Also, remember to have fun!

 

[vasparky27]

My idea

My idea

I tried (once I was able) to stay almost a step ahead of my mechanic as far as material and tool so he didnt have to have as many trips too the truck not an easy task with some mechanics LOL

 

[brantmacga]

I tried (once I was able) to stay almost a step ahead of my mechanic as far as material and tool so he didnt have to have as many trips too the truck not an easy task with some mechanics LOL

THAT is much appreciated!!

 

[hardworkingstiff]

I've always thought a good ATTITUDE was the most important.

I'd like to second that thought!

And don't feel to bad when you find the more you know the less you know.

I can say that is the truth.

 

[jerm]

Be reliable, on time, leave your phone in your car.

Unless you're working up on the lift by yourself. Just in case it decides to let you down by not letting you down. It's good to be able to call someone on the ground.

 

[frizbeedog]

Nikrap...this is not about you, but you need to read this.

Nikrap...this is not about you, but you need to read this.

.....leave your phone in your car.

Ok pet peeve of mine. Text messaging with buddys all day long. In my brain there is a fantasy playing over and over, of me grabbing the youngters phone and chucking as far as I can. This part of the younger generation ticks me off. And these are not world changing conversations these guys are having. If it was the formula for world peace that was being texted back and forth, that would be one thing, but these conversations are of who did what to who, when, and for how many peanuts? OMG. Transmitted in some cryptic form of lanquage I have yet to decipher.

It's a national epidemic and is hurting the GNP. I think.

 

[wireman71]

Why would a person want to risk ruining their personal cell phone on a job site? No way in heck would I pack mine around, if I still had it. Company wants you to chit chat with them they give you a phone.

 

[frizbeedog]

Why would a person want to risk ruining their personal cell phone on a job site? No way in heck would I pack mine around, if I still had it. Company wants you to chit chat with them they give you a phone.

It's an epidemic. What they need to learn is that there is a time for work and a time for gossip.

I pull up to a job one time with an apprentice, customer meets me and starts describing the problem they are having with some yard lighting. I look back towards the truck and who's back there texting and talking? Guess who. Now I have to explain the problem over cause he was gossiping?

As far as things that tick me off, this is one of the big ones. Stick close, and listen. Chit chat later.

What's the title of this thread? Apprentice ideas? or something.

Here's an idea.... your'e paid to work, not organize your social calander.