[B]Beginning an Education![/B]

[George Stolz]

The sections of the code I understand the least are the ones I've never had anything to do with, hands-on-wise.

I agree completely. I bought a codebook when I was a six-month apprentice, and very little of it made sense. The few sections that did were things I worked with daily.

 

[Rockyd]

I don't agree with the learning order, but it sounds like your committed. So If were in your shoes, Monday morning, I'd call1.888.NEC.CODE (that's 1888.632.2633) and talk to the people at Mike Holt.s co.

Click here for a recommended start.

Mike's course's will give you the best bang, for the buck!

His DVD's help wrap the head around subject matter.

edit spelling

 

[m198power]

This may sound bad, but I'll say it anyway. The whole appeal of this trade for me when I started is that I could make a decent amount of money in a short amount of time with minimal investment upfront. I have never taken a class, aside from an impromptu apprentice class held by my old shop once a month.

It seems to me as though you're getting the cart in front of the horse. Basically, as I see it, you're buying a nice new stereo and speakers for a car you haven't bought yet. I think maybe the guy that started you on this sequence of events was giving you advice that sounded good, instead of sound advice.

Classes can enhance the experience, but it's not a substitute for experience. The industry would be better off if all electricians had to attend classes (many states require this).

If you get a job with an electrical contractor (whether in your area or in some of the areas suggested above), it could be that they might pay your way through some of these classes, or help out.

Your personal education will not improve the market in your area; if there is a sagging market, you may not land a job locally after you've taken all your courses either, for lack of experience.

Anyway, IMO, continuing education is a tool to enhance the experience gained throughout the day, and would not be as effective as a groundwork for experience yet to be gained. This is just my opinion, and I could be wrong, but I felt compelled to say this. I hate to be one to cast doubt on your decision after you've already paid for the course and are set on this path of action, but I'm pitching this out there anyway. Good luck, and I hope it works out for you.

You will hear no arguement from me here. I agree. However, as I put in applications and talk with electrical companies they tell me they are looking for knowledgable help. As of right now all I can offer an employer is a willingness to learn and dedication to the trade, but that didn't seem to get me anywhere. I figure if I take a few classes and start on the education side, maybe my applications will be taken a little more seriously. Lets not forget either, the two classes I am scheduled to take over the next six months will cost me less than 700 dollars (thats including books) plus gas to drive the 40 minute round trip two times a week. The way I see it, the potential gain outweighs the guaranteed loss.

 

[celtic]

The way I see it, the potential gain outweighs the guaranteed loss.

You're planning on going into business for yourself - aren't you?

 

[HKYPLR]

You will hear no arguement from me here. I agree. However, as I put in applications and talk with electrical companies they tell me they are looking for knowledgable help. As of right now all I can offer an employer is a willingness to learn and dedication to the trade, but that didn't seem to get me anywhere. I figure if I take a few classes and start on the education side, maybe my applications will be taken a little more seriously. Lets not forget either, the two classes I am scheduled to take over the next six months will cost me less than 700 dollars (thats including books) plus gas to drive the 40 minute round trip two times a week. The way I see it, the potential gain outweighs the guaranteed loss.

Even for a smart fellow a code class might be to much, see if you can get your money back and buy some of Mike Holt stuff

 

[brian john]

George:

I also purchased a code book immediately, I had no clue what it was about, but shortly after that the company I worked for offered a code class for the electricians, I wrangled my way into the class, I was lost but figured out a few items. I also subscribed to EC&M, in the first year, in those days it cost money.

But I go back to my original post MOVE to Washington DC, in 36 years I have not missed a day due to cutbacks. Pa residents commute to Washington everyday, well from York and Hanover, Easton seems a bit much of a commute.