This is an honest question, not trying to make a point, or rub anyone the wrong way.
Of the different stages, this is how I break it down...
1. Electrician's helper - typically a young person who doesn't know what he wants to do with his life, or someone who just wants a paycheck and not interested in learning.
2. Basic Installer - Someone who has been a helper long enough to work independently and possibly be in charge of helpers. Usually has a chip on their shoulder. Invests in their own tools.
3. Apprentice - someone who wants to learn how to be an electrician and doesn't have the "I'm God's gift to electricity" attitude. They study, ask questions, and invest in their own tools and books. Sometimes bumps heads with basic installers about doing things the right way.
4. Senior installer - very productive, fast, and knows how to make the company money and pass inspections. But doesn't understand theory or why they do what they do.
5. Unlicensed journeyman - very experienced, knows how to troubleshoot, people listed above (1-4) asks him how to do things. Has a good relationship with inspectors and can talk intelligently about all aspects of the job. But for whatever reason, hasn't or can't become licensed.
6. Licenced journeyman and above are self explanatory.
And of course almost everyone listed above will call themselves an electrician.
The reason I bring up this question, is i've always considered myself an apprentice.
I'll never accept the title of helper or installer. I plan on going from apprentice to unlicensed journeyman. But it amazes me how many people I meet who consider themselves electricians and I know much more than they do.
So at what point do I drop the apprentice label and just identify as an electrician?
