Are there any college educated electricians?

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Re: Are there any college educated electricians?

I had the opportunity after high school to go to college with a football scholarship. I chose to enter the construction field that I had been so interested in the building trade program. I worked for 10 years with a local contractor and was the job foreman when I chose to take the job as local building official. The experiences that I gained on the job, and working in all residential and commercial trades, I think is a better substitute for classroom training. I am not saying that education is not an important part of life, my father was an administrator in the education system. I feel that too many people forget about what they truely enjoy and worry about what initials they can place behind thier signature. I remeber one little man who could not read and barely write, but he could wire a residential homes without failing inspection better than most the "electricians".
 
Re: Are there any college educated electricians?

Went through the Navy Nuclear Power Program, as Electricians Mate. Tried to go to a couple colleges and see if I could get some credit for that. They all said if I don't have their school's classes it won't count. I got a bit flustered with trying to go over all the same stuff again to get my EE, especially since I had to start at 0. Ended up with a degree from Columbia College, BA in Individual Studies, have also gotten a few certifications that engineers right out of college can't pass the test's for. Love the electrical field, been involved in it ever since my Dad showed me his Old Simpson Meter. Really struggle with the NEC alot of times though.
 
Re: Are there any college educated electricians?

Originally posted by 69boss302:
Really struggle with the NEC alot of times though.
Click to expand...
Don't worry, you're not alone. I count myself in that category on many occasions. That's why we have such good discussions here.
:D

BTW, Great responses so far.
 
Re: Are there any college educated electricians?

College educated electricians? Sure, I have a BS Degree in Workforce Education, I use it as an electrical instructor. I am now a master electrician, not bad for being self taught as an electrician.
69boss302
I was a navy nuke mechanic (class 70-4) and instructor. I got college credit for most of my nuclear power schools and even PE credit for boot camp. there is a book the colleges should have that lists the military schools and the equivalent college class. I was able to get my BS degree easily, but I had a AA degree in electronics. My university (southern Illinois) has extension programs at military bases all across the country, they know all about military schools and how to grant credit.

[ January 06, 2005, 05:31 PM: Message edited by: tom baker ]
 
Re: Are there any college educated electricians?

Hey, Where's Charlie B.? Isn't he gonna come clean? :eek:
 
Re: Are there any college educated electricians?

Tom: I sent you a Pri. Mes. about the schools. I did get credit for all my Navy training towards my Indidvidual Studies Degree. Just all the engineering schools wouldn't give me credit. I got 75 credits through Columbia. Engineering schools were very strict on taking their classes. They wouldn't even accept my CLEP tests I took in TRIG and practicaly aced the Math prep tests they had.
 
Re: Are there any college educated electricians?

This is a great thread! I wish more users would participate.
Its a very good way to (seemingly) get to know the people who respond to and generate the questions and answers on this site!

:D

[ January 07, 2005, 10:52 AM: Message edited by: guesseral ]
 
Re: Are there any college educated electricians?

Most electricians will agree that we need to be proactive in the learning process. I believe that we must have an attitude of a ?lifetime of learning? if we are to keep up with our changing industry. If an electrician continues to increase knowledge and skills though work at a local college his or her understanding level of theory, code, and practical installation will increase. My opinion is that we need to have better skills in English, mathematics, physical and social science, and communication skills to accomplish and progress in our changing world. Post high school/apprenticeship training at a local community college or online university helps one become a better critical thinker as well as a skeptical thinker. All of these are important to increasing the socio/economic level of a happy life. ?I think, therefore I am.? I am currently working on my Bachelors degree and have been accepted into a Masters Degree program. I am thankful everyday that I made the decision, it is not easy but it is sure worth it!
 
Re: Are there any college educated electricians?

I am currently a student at Eastern Maine Technical Collage. Will graduate in August with a journeyman in training license. It is a good program, but, I can't wait to get out in the field with a master electrician for some hands on learning. I also have a degree in Pulp and Paper technology.
 
Re: Are there any college educated electricians?

I am very fortunate that in 1973 my local junior college began Industrial and Construction Electricity program to receive an Applied Science Associates Degree. Spent the full two years on it and graduated in May of 1975, the program was dropped a few years later, making myself the only graduate of the program that is an Electrical Contractor. I did learn very little of electricity but I met alot of people that opened doors for me both instructors and students. Continuing education is a must for all of us in this trade, it is needed more than advertising to stay ahead of the competition. In conclusion if you didn't complete High School you can still be the best as long as you have the desire to be.
 
Re: Are there any college educated electricians?

I have an EE degree with a business management minor. I am the kind of person that can not work for someone else. I would much rather call the shots even though there is more head ache. As for the money, I was making $56,000 as a 3rd year power systems EE but I found more comform and free time working for my self. The pay is much better now and I really only work in residential and commercial. I've only been in the practice for a short time and I still have a lot to learn. I will say this. The only reason I went through with an EE degree is validation. I felt it would help set me apart from the field. Yes there are many many electricians that know more than me. There are many electricians that make more than me. I am not discrediting any electrician or their knowledge, I would just rather be over qualified than just qualified. Tech school teachs a lot more hands on and technical things related to getting the job done, where-as EE's have more of a theorectical approach. I actually had a harder way to go as for the hands on work but that was offset by working as an Electrician during college. They don't teach that in EE. So really it boils down to pick your poison. Either way will get it done. They both take roughly 5 years to get your licenses. Knowledgeable EE's can pass the Master Exam and so can a 5th year Electrician who has been through tech school. Once school was finished I took the Master Exam in KY. I scored a 92% on my first try. My high school buddy went to the IBEW and worked 5 years, took his test an scored an 93% on his first try. Both scores are honorable and both were taught in different ways. Go for it.

Get er done!!!!
 
Re: Are there any college educated electricians?

I have a B.A. degree? from U.C.Davis in Emglish. This is good for doing the N.Y.Times crossword puzzles in ink. [4 colors].
Now, thru the grace of ABC, I are a electrician.
I, too, have been to medical school -- the best one in San Dieego county. The morgue is in the basement and I think I saw a foot with a toe tag.
How do I fit this on my resume?
~Peter
 
Re: Are there any college educated electricians?

I saw a foot with a toe tag.
How do I fit this on my resume?
Click to expand...
You could be the PR guy for an EC, "it's ok, I've seen this kind of thing before".

Perhaps a little distasteful.
 
Re: Are there any college educated electricians?

Aelectricman, all my past experience and education, I thought electrician would be a sinch to acomplish. That was almost ten years ago. I'm not sure I'll ever feel truely competent. But I don't consider being hireable to be the equivalent of accomplished either.
 
Re: Are there any college educated electricians?

Well my dear friends tomorrow will be the start of a new semester for me both teaching and learning. I have almost finished an Associates Degree and hopefully next spring I will start my Bachelors. At my age it is a little late to try for something like this. I once read that the average man will change careers at least five times in his life. As I get older I loose the love for cold days and crawling under buildings. I have my mind set on teaching. Here I still have a chance to keep my hands involved as well as passing on what little knowledge I have to others. The first lesson for tomorrow is; the electrician can be wrong, the inspector can be mistaken, but, the NEC is always right.
 
Re: Are there any college educated electricians?

JW, it is never to late.

I remember hearing a story of a lady who had wanted to go to law school but ended up (just postponed her dream really) being a House wife and Mother.

Later in life, after her children were grown and on their own, she wondered if were to late at 53 to try fulfill her ambition, the person who answered the question answered in a question.

If at 53 you wonder if you could do it and don't try, what will you ask yourself at 63?

Good luck

Roger

[ January 09, 2005, 08:20 PM: Message edited by: roger ]
 
Re: Are there any college educated electricians?

I earned a degree in Industrial technology, which is basically technical management. We had six classes that dealt with Industrial power and control systems. From that, and my draft notice, I was able to become a Navy electrician. After the service, the experience I had helped me through an apprenticeship with a old electrcian that might have taught Edison. A couple of years building a nuclear power plant;the contractor's license came next, then 10 years of lecturing where I graduated from in electrical systems. It all seemed like a natural progression, and has been worth every busted knuckle and dirty job. These days, what doesn't use electricity? Respect it, and it will serve you. Fear it,and it will get you.
The last 14 years have been a specialty in fire alarms,another wild ride. Low voltage, high liability.
Alternative energy seems like a next stop, but who knows? Driving a truck can be fun, too.
 
Re: Are there any college educated electricians?

I'm new to your site, but I thought I I'd add another input. Two years of mechanical engineering school for me and my first daughter put the old financial strain on, so the nights and weekend job became my full time profession. 14 years later, and my masters certificate in my glovebox, I try not to let a day pass without learning something new, not surprisingly it isn't very hard. ;)
 
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