career change

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sbarrett

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Hi there,


Have any of you here working in the electrical field either industrial or construction ever seen an apprentice that was in his 40s? The reason I am curious is because i've been interested in becoming one. I've worked in IT and journalism-related jobs now for 15 years. Working in IT and working in an office in general isn't what I want to continue doing until i drop dead, and over the last few years i've become fixated on becoming a licensed electrician. This isn't something i dreamt up last night, but something i've given a lot of thought and consideration to. This fall i'll be attending courses full-time in basic electricity, wiring methods and basics on PLCs among other things.

I'd be interested to know what potential employers and fellow electricians would think of someone entering the field at my age. I'm still in excellent shape for 44 and showing no signs of slowing down, and am more than eager and willing to do the grunt work for an opportunity to learn the trade. I'm unmarried with no kids so I've got lots of time and energy to devote to my job. Having said all that, I don't (yet) have any formal training in any building or industrial trades.

Would you overlook hiring an apprentice based solely on their age? Are there any disadvantages to hiring and training older apprentices if they are as fit and have as much to offer as young ones?

Any resposnes appreciated - thanks for reading !

S
 
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bphgravity

Senior Member
Location
Florida
Over the last several years, the Electrical Council of Florida Edison and Manasota Chapters have registered apprentices as old as 60+. I have had several apprentices in their 40's and 50's. I found several of them to be my best students.

I say go for it!
 
charlie b

charlie b

Moderator
Staff member
Location
Lockport, IL
Occupation
Semi-Retired Electrical Engineer
I have only two questions. First, how old will you be in ten years, if you do not do it? Secondly, ten years from now, do you think you would be more likely to regret doing it, or to regret not giving it a try?

p.s. I once interviewed a 70-75 year old man for a position as an electrical engineer. I think the most important rule, with regard to considering a person for a job opportunity, is that the person must be able to do the job.
 
rcarroll

rcarroll

Senior Member
Location
Fort Collins, Colorado
One of the best electricians I worked with started the trade green at age 40. I say "do it". IMO, that beats the heck out of spending the rest of your life wondering. Be advised, your pay might take a sizeable hit. Good luck.
 
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buddhakii

Senior Member
Location
Littleton, CO
Just finished a big commercial job and my apprentice just retired from safeway and was just looking for something to keep busy. He was one of my hardest workers. Everytime I saw him he has sweat pouring off his brow. Only had to tell him how to do something once. I miss him already. Good Luck with your new venture.
 
cschmid

cschmid

Senior Member
Location
Northern cold country
I say go for it..if standing on ladders all day long and working with your hands over your head is what you want go for it..I am going for a semi desk job wait I allready have that..:grin: :D
 
code_compliant

code_compliant

Member
Location
The warm region of Minnesota
sbarrett said:
Have any of you here working in the electrical field either industrial or construction ever seen an apprentice that was in his 40s?

I'd be interested to know what potential employers and fellow electricians would think of someone entering the field at my age.

S
Click to expand...


Some of the best guys I worked with were your age when they started. They seemed more responsible all around, no hangovers, showed up on time and were generally more dependable.
 
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RayS

Senior Member
Location
Cincinnati
Ya still got 20 more years in ya, go for it, and try to find a place where your maturity will help offset the low pay scale of starting green.

Being 45, I can tell you that regular stretching will help reduce the inevitable pain and soreness you will get. Pulling power wire is a whole lot more work than cat-5... ;)
 
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sticko

Member
Location
nothern virginia
I started the trade when I was 22. I recieved my journeyman card four years later. Then my masters one year later. After eight years of employment, I was promoted to supervisior. So , if I can do it . You can too. You will have to work under someone that is younger than you. But you have some skills that the younger dont have. Go for it. Apply yourself, and become a supervisior or an owner. Then help someone like yourself later.
 
Minuteman

Minuteman

Senior Member
Location
The Sooner Nation
sbarrett said:
Would you overlook hiring an apprentice based solely on their age? Are there any disadvantages to hiring and training older apprentices if they are as fit and have as much to offer as young ones?
Click to expand...

My questions about considering you as an apprentice:

  1. Do you wear pant that fit, or are your pants 10 sizes to big and the crotch is at your ankles? (The only Kleins of yours that I want to see, are your pliers, not your drawers.)
  2. Speaking of Kleins, will you own a complete basic set of "real" tools, or do you just plan on using a cheap 6-in-one and borrow my linesman's?
  3. Do you not talk on the cell phone or text message ALL DAY long?
  4. Do you have reliable transportation to work? (I'm not talking about catching a ride with your 3rd cousin's step neighbor in-law.)
  5. When given a task that includes a shovel or a sledge hammer, will you do it without whining? (Not, "Aw man, why do I have to do it, can't Journeyman Jake do it"?)
  6. Can you show up for work, on time, stay the whole day, and be back the next day and do it again the rest of the week, and so on?

There are other questions, but if you answered yes to at least 6 of the above questions, than I think that you will be a good apprentice.
 
charlie b

charlie b

Moderator
Staff member
Location
Lockport, IL
Occupation
Semi-Retired Electrical Engineer
frani said:
How do you expect electrical to be different five years from now?
Click to expand...
We will all get our power via the Internet, and it will all be wireless. :grin:
 
H

highkvoltage

Senior Member
Go for it

Go for it

I started in civil engineering at 20 Instrument man at 24
Transmission Lineman at 25 IBEW Journeyman at 29
Distribution Lineman at 30 IBEW Jouneyman at 32
Commerical Wireman at 40 IBEW Journeyman at 41
Electrical Contractor at 45 State of Ohio
Studing for electrical inspector now.
Working with (Partnership on jobs) automation engineer to learn PLC better
That's what is great with this trade only yourself can hold you back
 
cschmid

cschmid

Senior Member
Location
Northern cold country
highkvoltage said:
I started in civil engineering at 20 Instrument man at 24
Transmission Lineman at 25 IBEW Journeyman at 29
Distribution Lineman at 30 IBEW Jouneyman at 32
Commerical Wireman at 40 IBEW Journeyman at 41
Electrical Contractor at 45 State of Ohio
Studing for electrical inspector now.
Working with (Partnership on jobs) automation engineer to learn PLC better
That's what is great with this trade only yourself can hold you back
Click to expand...

Good Job man, never lay around..chase your dreams, with out them we have nothing..
 
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