My thing is, trade schools are openly accepting applicants, while the local apprenticeship program slots are few and far between. So if I'm having to wait to get a spot, I might as well start learning in the mean time. Ideally, I would've preferred to jump straight into an apprenticeship program, but that doesn't seem to be an option at this point. So instead of just waiting around for a spot to open up I decided to start my electrical education elsewhere.
My biggest issue I came across in trade school was some of the instructors. Putting a master electrician in a classroom environment and trying to teach this stuff can be a disaster. There's students who pick it up easily and some who don't. We had a few kids who had learning disabilities in my class and really wanted to get into this field and our instructor used to just ignore them when they asked for help.
Am an African, I studied at Don Bosco institute of technology.. And the school is located at 157 cities in the world. The most important thing is that once you attend a trade school you have a upper hand in terms of skilled labour. And your can go for a license test and get your license. Do more research and don't just follow a single info in other not to be misled.
I can honestly say that trade school was a real good choice for me. My first semester, my class roughed in 3 houses and got through article 250 in our code class. Second semester, was all commercial wiring. Bending 1/2, 3/4, and 1" EMT. We also had several motor control labs which I thought was awesome. I then went on a summer internship and can honestly say I knew a lot more than the 3rd and 4th year apprentices I worked with, especially about the NEC. My second year was all about control wiring. We worked year long in only lab classes writing and installing PLC's on project, writing ladder logic, irrigation systems, and so forth. I was very fortunate to go to a community college who's electrical construsction and control program was voted top 10 in the nation. Did me a lot of good!
@@zachhaburchak3306 Community colleges usually have good trade programs legit instructors etc. Its the private trade schools which are questionable. The apprentices usually tale their classes at local CCs.
Wait apllying to 30 companies and still get nothing? I thought society is low on electricians thus they overpay them to encourage more?!?! What's going on here is the world that broken ?!?! Or maybe if I go to trade school It be just as easy as getting hired of mcdonalds?
trade schools in my experience have failed me but I see the benefit to them your teachers are retired tradesmen who if you show your worth it will go above and beyond helping you with connections and always having work but all in all the the education you get from those 2 years are things i could have easily picked up on the first few months of work
Trade school was one of the best decisions i've ever made. also, if you are interested in going union, at my local you skip the entrance exam and go straight to an interview plus you leave with a degree.
@@clublights-4980 You start off as an apprentice. I received 2500 apprentice hours towards my journeyman license after i graduated from trade school. Which puts me at roughly the start of a 3rd year apprentice level.
I'm in trade school @ Alfred State college of technology, almost done with 2nd semester. We've learned all the theory up to series and parallel LRC circuits, we are learning residential wiring 2nd semester. We are currently wiring circuit panels, branch circuits, half inch EMT conduit bending, running NM cable and fishing wire, wiring switches, receptacles(normal duplex, split recpetacles, gfi including how to protect multiple receptacles with a single gfi run off the load side), afci, lights, fans, baseboard heaters, etc. And doing all of that in compliance with NEC 2017. I'm sure I'll end up starting as a basic apprentice anyways but my school is 100% paid off with 0 debt and I will be able to at least walk into a job site when I get out of school and not be an absolute greenhorn who can't contribute anything meaningful.
I go to trade school. We have books that talk about these stuff. But trust me, you go through these very briefly. There's a lot more to learn about wiring circuit panels etc. than from what they'll teach you in school. This guy is definitely making trade school sound better than it actually is. LOL. You'll learn way more stuff from actually being out in the field in just a couple months than you'll do in a couple years in trade school. I suggest you find a job as an electrician helper or something ma dude. Stop wasting your time waiting for your school to end before you start looking. Half the things you're boasting about now you won't even remember by the time you graduate.
I just started 6 months ago as completely green to this electrical stuff. I used to work in the hospitality business (restaurant in specific). I came in knowing absolutely nothing. However, after 6 months of on the job training and exposure; I can definitely say that I’ve learned a ton. I think it’s all about applying yourself and putting yourself around the right people. I’ve been very fortunate to be paired up with 2 of the better electricians within my job site and they’ve taught me a bunch. One had no school and strictly experience; the other is a journey man freshly graduated from a 4 year trade program and got his license about 6 months ago. The one that went to school told me from experience that he learned more from on the job training. Also, he let me know that if you go to a trade school, they usually help you find a job and they keep up with your progress on when and what knowledge you need to get your license. However, the one without his license and only experience; knows the codes for the most part but doesn’t know where to find the info from the code book. Both has its benefits, but you got to find the path that works for you. For me, going to school would be a waste of time considering I have kids and already have a job as an electrician. So, I’m already receiving very fruitful and everlasting knowledge. Also, I’ve already been exposed to so much since our job site is a brand new high school and I was placed on the job at the beginning, when we were digging for trenches and to lay pipes for power. The crazy part is I’m getting paid a scaled wage and also learning. It’s all about the people you end up surrounding yourself with. I’ve heard stories of other electricians that don’t know much because they were paired up with someone on the job site that didn’t want to teach, was lazy, or communication issues; usually language barrier. The future is yours, it’s up to you. If you had the time and wanted extra knowledge or reassurance for the work then I would say go to school. On the other hand, if you know someone that would offer you an opportunity to become an apprentice and get paid while doing it then I would say take that route!
Riverside Ca here. Taking my journeyman test TODAY.... Not one hour spent in a classroom. Was told by my journeyman all i need is the code book. I'm going to get my JW card. Graduating after 4 years. Time to make that Jdub money
@@zGSkism I'm a senior in high school and live in Georgia, I'm about to go to Lincoln tech. My second choice would be iec Atlanta electrical training, they provide apprenticeships as well. It's been so hard to find a trade school for electrical here in Georgia, those are the only 2 I've found that are credible and good. Hope this helps :)
I can definitely see where you are coming from. I went the two year trade school route, but ended up finding a job in industrial where they really want to see a degree if you don’t have years experience on the job in commercial or even residential wiring. Nothing compares to working though. I learned more about motor control and PLCs the first 2 months on the job over two years at school.
Same here dude but instead I am going to trade school just to get some kind a degree and after that get some mechanical engineer lol I already making good money. By the way Industrial electrician is the way to go
IEC. Look it up, it's what I'm doing. Class once a week for 4 hours WHILE doing your apprenticeship with an electrical company. Best of both worlds. Also, if you're green it's very difficult to find a company to hire you. That's why I joined iec, they give you a list of about 40 contractors and one is sure to hire you if you're with the school.
Joseph Pena if you're new to the trade then definitely yes. It's the only way you'll get on scale jobs. If you already have a couple years under your belt then it's really up to you.
Im 18 at the moment and Im doing a one-year pre-apprentice program at my local college. Prior to this, I had 2 or 3 months of actual work experience in electrical for a co-op I did in high school, I ended up having to stop because of covid but I definitely learned a lot. Needless to say, depending on the company the bossman might not always be super patient especially if you've never used a tool in your life or even understand anything about electrical, most days you'll be walking around like a chicken with its head cut off completely clueless. Trade school helps you build the confidence you need to know what you are meant to do and how to do it when you get a job. Have fun trying to get an apprenticeship anywhere without any experience at all, especially in Canda where I'm from labouring for a company is a good idea for a bit until you feel comfortable asking for an apprenticeship
@@MoneyL-sl4ej I just applied to my local college online .. the recommended classes for my program was grade 12 university or college math, computer enegineering, and English ... though it helped me to take physics, also a construction course helps too so you can get familiar with the tools
I went to trade school back in the early 90's. Having a 2 year degree closed more doors than it opened as far as getting a job in the field. The education you get at a technical school barely scratches the surface and by the time you graduate, you're already behind because the technology and code requirements change so much. If you can get paid to learn a trade.... why not go that route.
Ive disliked school from elementary to highschool. I went to BCIT to do level 1 electrical foundation and hands on training ended up getting 90 percent and I got distinction on my certificate. I’m used to gettting 60-70 percent in school so once I put in some effort into school I realized what I can actually achieve. It was really helpful to me. I got a job the day I graduated. Also in British Columbia most company’s only hire level one graduates from BCIT. The 1st year or school cost 4.5k and my parents paid for it with the savings they started for me when I was born, blessed white 19 year old canadian boy I know
# Optimuz yeah man it’s incredibly worth it. You don’t want to be he joe schmuck electrician you want to be the best one you can be. Anyone can pull wire lol I’m going to do my red seal (4 yrs) then I’m going to do specialized courses aswell. I’ll have all these credits which made me more valuable which make me more money. TRADE SCHOOL IS WORTH IT!
There are widely varying opinions on the matter, and each school is extremely different. Its great to hear that you went to a school that gave you value and education rather than just charging you and not teaching you the necessary skills to succeed in the trade. I hear a lot of stories like yours but they are really about 1 good to 10 bad. I'll look into BCIT and see if I can get some information about it, seems like a good program!
Journey 2 Master thanks for the reply man, you always reply to my comments which is much appreciated! BCIT is the top trade school/college in Canada, so I’m extremely fortunate to be able to go. Man if only I could sit down and have a chat with you and pick your brain
The only one of my electrician friends that went to trade school makes $85/hr with full pension/benefits etc. Next highest is $62. Same job, different Bay Area municipalities. Not that it means anything, just mildly interesting.
@@GabrielGonzalez-ej6tp yes, for sure. The Bay Area is hurtng for tradesmen of all disciplines. I'm a 38 y/o mailman and am going to start back at the bottom to get into the trade. I'm from up there tho.
I agree with you, but viewers should consider the economy and in which state they live in. Depending on that it will determine in which route to take, just my opinion. Trade school worked for me! in the case that I was able to go to community college and received an AA degree. I believe it showed some companies that I was interested in the field and took the time to go to school. In a year I’ve been through three companies and this last company finally noticed my determination. All I have to say is we are all different and there is correct route
The 6 months as a full time student really worked out. I got all my school hours over with and I’m eligible to take my license exam. Hard parts over with, just go to work everyday! It worked for me, but it’s not for everyone! But I commend anyone trying to better there life through education. Thanks Master Electrician for letting me share my experience. Keep up the videos
@@Tony27654did you find a good position? Also when you go to school does that mean when you get a job you get to skip being an apprentice? Do you get to start off making more money?
Trade school is NEVER a bad decision IF the hours you complete are accredited by NCCER! You just have to make sure you do your research! Especially if it’s free! A lot of people in trade schools are already in the field! The student who has ZERO prior electrical experience is the smaller percentage usually!
Did a 7 month condensed trade school, about 5 hours , 5 days a week … it was cool being there with other new electricians and making new friends and doing the hands on labs, and learning the NEC and other important basics like motors , PLC etc. my only gripe 10 years later is I had to pay 15 grand … seems like starting an apprenticeship in a local union would’ve been much more practical (and less expensive). But hey, live and learn . Nobody was there to tell me this.
Was looking to do a 7 month or 10 month program near me as well. Wanted to know what did the trade school do for you besides learning some stuff? Did it help with finding a job? Also do you need it to get licensed? Thanks in advance
@@AlejandroMedinaGamez sorry for such a late response , yes they helped me get a job right after I finished the program. Pretty sure most of them have a job placement program
@@hedvent2692 just got licensed as a journeyman this year , and got in the local Union but still just waiting on the books, now with a company as a service journeymen electrician non-union for now
@@stevenprebegstart school Monday, seeing comments like this after I applied kind of sucks. Wish I tried to get into an apprenticeship program, but after all I’ll owe about 8 grand after all and I graduate in 10 months.
First and foremost, thank you for all these videos that you put time & effort on. Very knowledgeable and useful. Been wanting to get into the trade for quite some time now. Have tried both union & non union apprenticeships but have failed to get accepted due to not passing the math testing. The closest trade school in my area (CET) is about an hour away and is all day (8-3pm). The school costs about $13,000 on a student loan. With child support up my behind and needing to work, I just wouldn't be able to do it. I've been fortunate enough to gain some experience doing commercial (5 months) and once the job was done that was it. From reading different comments and hearing your input, I've come to the conclusion that cold calling would be my best bet. I still have to buy a few more tools but after that, I'm just going to call every C-10 I can find and see if they need a helper. The good old fashion way of knocking on doors should bring along something.
you are exactly right! offer to work one whole 40 hour work for free! you have a great attitude! they will probably supply you with tools. all you need are steel toed boots and a peanutbutter sandwich.
Its not the case in fl at all. Its pretty much mandatory here and your company pays for it. Its completely free including the books. You get a guaranteed raise every six months. The people who dont go into school are the first ones let go when it gets slow
A tech school here in Wisconsin has a one-year diploma program. It costs about 6000 dollars. The hours equal one year of apprenticeship. I would feel more comfortable starting with some base of knowledge before showing up at job site. From what I understand the program involves book learning and practical skills.
Trade school for me was the better option to start out with. I went for 2 1/2 years and paid around $2,000 total (due to scholarships that’s paid 80%) I worked as a non union electrician helper while in school and when I got out I got into the electrical maintenance field for a year and a half. They also paid for me to take more classes while working there. Now I’m about to start a job as a union electrician coming in as a CE7 because of how high I scored on the placement test. So now I have 2 years to be a journeyman. I bounced around not really knowing what I wanted to do when getting into college. I found out that being an electrician is my passion and due to my schooling and work experience, the amount of doors that has been opened to me is a great feeling of success. College isn’t for everyone, but neither is jumping right into a trade if they’re unsure. To each their own though. I’m 22 and in 2 years I will be a journeyman and will have 1 1/2 years of maintenance experience and 2 degrees plus 13 certificates in the instrumentation/maintenance/electrical field.
Hi. I agree with everything you said in this video. But to those who don't live in the "yeehaw states" (No Disrespect). Living in Southern California. Ideally Los Angeles CA. ALL IBEW halls are EXTREMELY competitive. You apply in January, you are highly likely to not get any update on your application until winter time. So while playing the waiting game, why not join a trade program? In my case. While waiting for my application for the IBEW to progress, I joined a trade school. My schooling was 495$ for a January-May course. You are guaranteed an ET card thus making you eligible to start an apprenticeship at a company of your choice. There are 2 courses in the 495$ course. Meaning you'll go to school for 8 months for about 1,300$. DO NOT go to trade schools that will charge 20,000$+ for "guaranteed jobs". Takeaways - States like Oregon,Idaho,Montana,North Dakota. Sure don't go to trade schools. If you are in Los Angeles or New York City. Joining a trade school while waiting for your union application to process, is 100% not a bad idea. At the end of the day. DO YOUR RESEARCH and don't pay more than 2,000$ to start your electrician career. Hope this helps. Goodluck!
@@rayjohnson6912 I’m thinking of becoming an electrician, is it true they usually make 100k? I’m in the Indianapolis area btw and the trade school near me is IBEW
@@michaelsheppard87 I’m in wv. Our minimum wage is 8.75. Here apprentices start out at around 15 an hour. A journeymen can make up to 30 an hour. If you wanted to make more than that you’d have to run your own business. If you want to make really good money and don’t mind traveling, look into becoming a lineman. Those guys start out at 100k a year in my state so it may be more where you’re at. Those guys are usually on call a lot though and could be sitting down and Christmas dinner and get a call.
They do a lot of unnecessary things in California. They do it to fatten someone's pocket. There's nothing you can learn in a school that you can't learn a lot quicker in the field. In a plant setting, having a degree may help you, but chances are you won't just be doing electrical work.
Been going to community college for an industrial electrical and an automation/robotics program for over a year now. Have been going for free off of scholarship/grant money the entire time, zero dollars out of pocket and will owe nothing in the form of loans in the future. I have learned a ton and before I was even halfway to my degree, about 4 months ago landed a spot as a green industrial maintenance electrician, ever since my learning has been multiplied now that I'm working in the field and going to school as opposed to going school only. Making good money and will make much better in time however one thing about going this path is that since I'm an in-house maintenance electrician at a factory and don't work with a contractor or underneath a master electrician, I don't have the opportunity to eventually obtain a journeyman's license staying with this company. But, there are other lucrative opportunities unique to the industrial maintenance field, like the possibility PLC programming. we are looking into PLC logic frequently and get a lot of exposure to controls on the job.
I am enrolled in a state accredited trade school, in industrial/commercial/residential wiring program and a control engineer program. (an A.A.S) fancy words aside a trade program with an AA attached. 95% of students are younger than myself and do not appreciate the opportunity for advanced learning. C's get get degrees is the M'O. I personally come from a food industry background, (chef, sous-chef, comis-chef back-ground. no stranger to extreme long hours and low pay with no benefits) I did research and got the pell grant which pays for 97% of my schooling. And I appreciate it. I study, I work, I build circuits in my spare time, I network within the construct of my instructors. School is what you make it. (In my experience hiring people from a culinary school on average are not ready to work in the industry). the same applies even more so for electrical work. People can get injured, or get killed. i approach the everything the same way i have one chance and i will not fuck it up. i will underwhelm and overachieve. I am no stranger to the concept of work and money and lost time. The point I want to make is school is work, go to school as you would work. on time not on your phone.
Im in trade school right now, its only a 4 month program with a job fair towards the end, we do more hands on learning than we do in the books. And it is significantly cheaper than any college. Soo far im loving it. If i couldve jumped into an apprenticeship without it i wouldve. But it just wasn’t happening
I started my career in a small shitty company while going to a two year trade school at my local community College in Los Angeles. I learn through both at the same time, eventually everything just clicked one day both in the field and in theory that I was able to comprehend what I was doing, how it works, how to make it work and troubleshoot any problems. I been in the field for almost 10 years now and can't believe how time just flew by. Like Dustin said, everyone has their own path in this field, some get it faster and some slower, I was more in between. I'm definitely thankful for the knowledge/experience I've gain and continue gaining in my career
Yes most companies are gonna look at the experience. And the trade school will also help get you a cert to work in the refineries as an electrician and trade school might help out with pipe bending( emt/ conduit ) cause if you come from resident electrician to commercial and industrial electrician you may not know how to bend pipe
I just graduated in NOV of 2018 from a Technical college. The last 2 semesters I took I was also working at a union job making 1st year apprentice pay ($11.75). I knew much more than the 1st year who was there and was as knowledgeable as the 3rd year. Only difference was experience level. 3rd year could work better than me so I learned more field work from him but the 1st year I could teach him a few things. Luckily for me I was able to use my GI bill in school so I was getting paid for going to school which made up for the crap pay from the union. Now I just started a new helper job making $15/hr thanks to my school knowledge and experience on the job. I think it depends on the situation on which path is better.
Trade school is not totally unecessary. Great thing about trade schools is you meet others with the same common goal which equals to NetWorking. If you go to trade school, get to know your classmates and be friendly with them. Exchange numbers and go from there.
Just finishing my last "semester" in an ABC apprenticeship. I started as a 42 year old 1st year, so now at 46, I will be graduating in September. You are never too old to learn a skill or trade. I have actually met an apprentice that was over 60 years old. He did not complete the program unfortunately, but always said it was one of the most informative and exciting times of his life, although just a bit too exhausting! This will be my 4th "career, and I have already scheduled my test date to take my C-10 (California's electrical contractors exam. Equivalent to a Master electrician in other states.) I have had prior experience in both electrical and other aspects of construction that qualify me as far as journey level experience. The apprenticeship is an amazing opportunity if you can get in. I waited almost 3 years after applying to be accepted, and actually start. I strongly encourage anyone to avoid the trade school trap, at least here in California, because any certifications that you might receive are totally worthless here. You must go through a state accredited program in California. It weeds out the yay-hoo's.
I think trade school is like any other school. If you take it seriously and apply yourself, then you will get a lot out of it. I'm currently in the middle of school and you can already see who will work and who is wasting their time. I'm at APEX in Queens (New York City) and they're practically plucking students for jobs because there is so much work here. Personally, I look forward to actually being in the field but the information that we're learning is incredible. The newer generation of electricians are learning to think more along the lines of blue collar scientists. We study theory in classes and then build what we learn in shop. With all the new technology that is exponentially increasing, we're learning fiber optics and busses and things of that nature now as well. Smart home programming and all the fun new security hardware for commercial and industrial circuits? Having a class room to sit and think about that stuff helps.
I agree 100 percent! I went to berk trade school in queens New York (a few blocks away from apex trade school) i didn’t engage in useless convo that the classmates were bringing up. I stayed to myself, studies, and applied myself. I also have a background in rough carpentry, and furniture making before i went to trade school 3 years ago. I graduated as the top student, and the knowledge i soaked up is still being applied till this day. Now as For the classmates who joked and play around during the whole time we were there..... let’s just say by the end of the course, some of them couldn’t follow the schematics, ground the metal boxes properly, or use the pipe bender.... if you apply yourself, you can learn tons of useful information and practical skills.
@@gentimarke8868 it was beyond good. The instructors worked close with us. By the time we graduated, we were able to come into company’s as helpers/assistants, but with the knowledge of a journeyman
im in trade school and its 25% theory and 75% hands on. When we graduate we have 2 and a half years of experience towards gaining our lisence and they help you get a job after. Idk what trade school you have around you but it sounds like it definitely worth it. Its only 7 months too. sounds like its worth it to me. it only costs $6,000 after financial aid.
Same at berk trade school here in new york same thing, only 7-8 months, 25 percent theory 75 percent hands on . Yup mines about 6k to after financial aid. And good job placement after..
@@ashman749 funny you should type this, just got a text from my forman, we got work tommrow. Decent pay 23 a hour with less than a year and a half of exp. Remember while your in school, to call companies up do research check for any apprenticeships. Sometimes you get a call 2months to 3 years later depending on the company. Most non unions will pay you 15-16 a hour with 6 months experience or less. but if you find the right company even if you got no experience you can be payed 18-24 a hour.
Join an electrical program at a community college. It is free if you qualify for a fee waiver. They will help you apply for apprentice card. Apply for an apprenticeship with the union while you are in school. The schooling will give you an advantage over other applicants. You should be done with community college by the time the union calls you back to start working.
I went to a trade school myself. My advice in a nutshell is that if your going to go to a trade school, do your research and check out the trade schools around you and look for a good one. The electrician course that I took was only 2 semesters long. Last I knew most trade schools electrician courses are 4 semesters long. Not that a 2 semester course is totally useless but when it's half the time of the typical course it's not hard see that there is a lot of stuff that will be either rushed through or not covered at all. It felt like there was too much time where we were reading and studying rather than doing actual hands on work. What hands on work that we did do it mostly revolved around the residential field. After I graduated I got employed by a electrical company that worked mostly in the industrial field. Often I found myself barely knowing what to do or not knowing what to do at all. The way I heard it the schools top priority with the class was to try to get as many of the students to pass their Journeyman Exam. A big chunk of our second semester was nothing but getting ready for the exam. 2 out of 8-9 of the students passed it. In the end I would say the course wasn't worthless, but it did definitely leave a lot to be desired.
After the military I went to trade school to be a wind turbine technician. During the course of 3 months we learned everything to be certified for wind, telecom and solar. GI bill covered it and they placed all of us in a job of our choosing. After being employed upon graduationt the pay was awesome and a month or two in I was sent to school by my company to become a tower commissioner. What that means is I did most of the electrical work and troubleshoot problems on scada. I had no previous electrical work and that stuff was HARD at first lol I got out of it since i was NEVER home and always traveling. Its been 3 years and I am looking to go back into the trades and I dont know whether to go elevator union or electrical union.
Im from Canada and i dont think we even have trade school... All we have is Apprenticship Programs. This was very interested to listen to. Thanks for the vid Dustin
A lot of companies where im at and looking to move to, pay for your school based on your grades. A-100% B-90% C-70% D-0% One day a week at night for four years and you do your APE hours working for the company full time. Here in CO you need to have 8000 hours in the field anyway so four years before you can get your JW. And it helps a lot with learning some of the stuff you may not learn in the field to help you pass the Journeymans exam. IEC and CITC are the only ones companies pay for and seem to be the best. Most electricians that ive worked with also went to school,
I went to trade school when I got into the field at a company I wasn't paid much at first I did not see the value in trade school but as I gain experience in the field the trade school put me a step ahead above the rest of the technicians out in the field because of the classroom book knowledge experience which I could easily apply in the field because of my prior years of experience
So I'm going to trade school, it's a once a week 4 hour class for four years from 5:30-9:30, so not only am I learning the trade in school, I'm getting on the job experience too.
Fortunately my high school had a program where you could go to tech. school for half the day your junior and senior year for free instead of taking some of the other bs electives. It was a two year program in Electrical Technology. I graduated eligible to take my journeyman test but didn't because I shipped to bootcamp when I was still 17 (you must be 18 to get your license) Honestly our instructor told us we had enough code knowledge to pass the test but that we shouldn't sell ourselves as Journeyman because of our lack of job experience. However I did feel I was adequately prepared to start cranking out work on the job. We learned how to bend and install conduit, wired all kinds of circuits hands on, ohms law, theory, different types of switches, ampacity, voltage drops, relays and some basic motor control. My instructor was amazing and had over 30 years of experience and even published electrical books. I'm an Electronics technician in the Marines and killed it in tech school because of the course I went to. I wouldn't have taken the course if I had to pay for it but I certainly learned a lot about the trade and good electrical theory
Greetings Dustin, Quite an interesting take on Electrical Trade Schools. However, I more than likely have a different view of them considering I started my career back 30+ years ago by attending a trade school like also in High School. I think the usefulness of such a school is very relevant only to what someone expects to achieve by attending. Most of the Trade Schools I have been apart of (typically NEC related aspects) tend to have a well defined foundation program that is designed to give the student the basics they need to build on their career at graduation. For example, my program (back in 1987 and 1988) was 2 years, 5 days a week and we had mock installation rooms where we actually did put our hands on many different aspects of the electrical industry. I can without a doubt say that if it was not for that program (Charlottesville-Albemarle Technical Education Center) I would not be where I am today (where ever that actually is). Are all trade school created equal? absolutely not but nothing really is but if you are a young person looking to get into the electrical industry many of the training programs today will allow on the job placement as part of the program in order for you to spend time at the training campus but also in the "real world" as well. Just for context, while I attended my 2 year program we studied all the basics ( diagrams, circuit layouts, theory and so on) and then went into what we called "lab" for half the day and put the training to the test. Yes, my friend we did strap on the tool belt and tool in the process. Not all trade schools again are created equal but there are some good ones out there who do have a program that can teach not only the fundamentals needed to be successful but also the hands on portion. While not learning it all (we never stop learning) we at least can afford ourselves the "basics" so that when we do get out of the program we look slightly more attractive to the prospective company we are seeking employment from than the average joe. Now, is it costly to do some pre-training..well it can be but for some folks it is their only way to break into the industry and possibly get a leg up on a very competitive industry. Is it the right choice for everyone, such as yourself maybe not but there are many young people who are looking for a career to better their future and this is one avenue that at least upon graduation, can help them rise slightly above the crowd versus just throwing caution to the wind and trying to get a job. Now, if you are in a case where you are making a career and already have a family then the on the job training is clearly the way to go as making money to learn is important. So in conclusion there are different situations for a reason to attend a trade school and everyone has to make their own decisions and we all have opinions so in the end to each their own. FYI- I would hire someone with at least a basic background in the theory or at least an expectation of the trade versus someone green.....and I did for years as a contractor but then again we all have to start somewhere. Keep up the GREAT WORK and the AWESOME VIDS....you are making us PROUD!
Great insight, I agree with all of that. I've seen both sides of it from hearing good and bad stories and I do see the value in schooling if the right programs are in place to mix working (lab) with book knowledge. Also ensuring that you get credit or something of material value to put on a resume when finished. However paying an outrageous tuition for an education you can be paid for by just starting an apprenticeship is a no-brainer in my opinion. I do tell people that if they can't get into an apprenticeship then yes school is definitely a viable option, but if they have the choice between one or the other I recommend the apprenticeship hands down. Definitely appreciate you sharing your story. That's a great thing to read for anyone interested in taking the school option. You've made me decide that I need to contact a school and do an episode with them to see what they offer - rather than just offering my opinion!
I’m currently attending trade school and have been for over a year. My experience with it is minimal you don’t learn a crap ton of hands on because that’s the stuff u get in the field but I will say the trade school looks good on a resume and does help you get your foot in the door but otherwise just try and get an apprenticeship through a company and work while attending the night school. I’m blessed enough to have loving caring grandparents who are paying for my trade school tuition so that helps me tremendously and I will say I have learned a lot about electrical math, ohms law and about the NEC codes...I recommend keeping a handy 2020 Uglys book somewhere to help with the math as well as understanding a lot of other things the Uglys book helps break stuff down. But I agree with everything in this video it’s true what he’s saying the trade school looks decent on a resume so your not super green but all I look at trade school as is a foot in the door. In all reality 4 years of trade school can be learned with 1 year in the field that’s the truth.
Where do you live dude? I live here in Canada, BC. I want to get into the Electrician trade, but I have no experience at all. Honestly, I don't want to go to a trade school because I have bills to pay and I want to learn while getting paid and work my way up even if it's a low salary. Going to apply and see my luck.
GringoleboZebulon Small country town in Michigan. The way I look at trade school is it looks good on a resume showing you not as green as they come in terms of knowing nothing. It does help with a lot of the electrical math, code book and with some hands on training but mainly it’s a foot in the door. If you can’t afford it at the moment definitely recommend going an trying your luck at a place looking for apprentices that way if u still wanna do school most likely your company will pay for it and if u finish the school it knocks off like 2000 hours for your journeymens.
I agree somewhat with what you said. I work as a multicraft maintenance mechanic in Ohio. As part of the maintenance mechanic apprenticeship, we have to take Industrial Electric I, II, and III. i will say at my trade school we did bookwork and hands on wiring motor control circuits. We learned alot about ladder logic, parallel and series circuits, AC circuit analysis, DC circuit analysis, vfds and PLCs. Learning ladder logic is crucial, especially when understanding the logic in PLCs and programming it. Now they might teach that in the IBEW but if alot of IBEW local work is construction, youll likely never get into it, but unless youre in service, you wont develop good troubleshooting skills. Same for the IEC if youre primarily doing residential work, without changing jobs you wont get the exposure to commercial or industrial environments. It all depends on what you want to do
I went to trade school and it teaches you a lot of things a lot of journey man and Master Electricians forgot, so it helps in that regard. Still experience is key and what a lot of Electrical contractors are looking for, they are some real gritty old fashioned guys who want you to learn the way they did. I’m on the job search it’s harder to get an apprenticeship, but graduating an acredited school got me an OSHA 10 card which helps for apprenticeship, and it knocked off 2 years to test for journeyman. In the end if you don’t get hired for an apprenticeship a lot a fortune five hundred companies are starving for new people I’ve denied electrical draftsman, and autoCad jobs, just because it’s something I don’t wanna do. I’m hell bent on being a Master electrician. I also did a degree in HVAC because the military paid for it, so dual degrees! Should work out.
I’m 21 Right now, I’m looking to get into a local trade school for electrical, originally I was going for welding but there isn’t a lot of work for welding in my area, my grandparents were IBEW building fuses and I actually work with someone right now who is a retired local 103 electrician and it definitely inspired and influenced me to go for the trade.
I attended a trade school in Los Angeles (Trade Tech Community College with low fees) and it is an excellent school. The guys who put in the effort got good jobs fairly quickly when they graduated. I landed an electrical maintenance job 3 months prior to graduating with a fortune 500 company. Yes, I had to go through their 4 year apprenticeship program, but the company told me they primarily hire graduates from certain trade schools. This company hires people who are trainable and proven they can solve complex problems. Because of trade school, I make a very comfortable income with job stability. Some trade schools suck, but there are others that offer real world training that set you on the path to success. I tried to get into a union, but since I do not have a brother, cousin, or uncle in the union, I got passed up by people who did. After 4 years, I was still at the back of the line. Apprenticeships are a must, it’s getting your foot in the door that’s tough. Two prospects apply for an electrical apprenticeship position, one with no experience, the other who completed a reputable trade school, guess who gets his resume placed at the top of the stack.
Hey Jaime. I'm 35 and looking for a career change and will be going to talk to a counselor at LA Trade Tech about the electrical program. From what I've been able to gather it's a good program and it seems here in Los Angeles employers deliberately seek out students from LA Trade Tech. Would you suggest it for someone like me? Is the apprenticeship the same as the Associates degree?
My school is called MTTI in Massachusetts. It’s 80% hands on and 20% class work it’s only 7 months. 6 months in school and a month of an apprenticeship. After that the 4 years start for journeyman. They give tools if you keep a certain quota. Mostly teach residential and commercial but also show a glimpse of solar. I believe it worth it, 18 students per class and 2 teachers so you get maximum assistance. Classes run night and day classes. It’s about 18,000 but less expensive than college
Yes, go to school! From IBEW 1976 to today. The trade has been very good to me for all my life, lot's of money and never went without work. I highly recommend industrial and automation, but that just me today. So much to learn in the trade, you will be learning for life! GO TO SCHOOL and make more money!
I started well before I ever even knew there was a trade school. In my (rather large) company it’s a throw out to keep you busy and pay less when work is slow. It is pay for school though so idk. Depends where you’re at.
I am only 4 months into a trade school and honestly I already regret it. I feel like I havent learned anything and I am stuck paying them 20 k the rest of my life. I went to UEI in Bakersfield and honestly I wish I went to SJVC because even my instructor said they are ahead and more knowledgeable after 2 months into his class. I mean it's better to skip trade school and do on the job learning, but if you are gonna go that route, skip UEI
Been watching you’re videos since being an electrician was just a career I wanted to pursue. I’ve been working as a CW for a few months now, and I start my apprenticeship at the end of August. Thanks for all the advice and information you have shared with us.
Here in Los Angeles I think you might need at least 150 class hours from a state approved school to get your trainee card, after getting your trainee card you can apply for an apprenticeship program in the states registry of licensed contractors that are qualified to provide you legitimate OJT hours that go towards your Journeyman qualification. Even after getting your trainee card and finding an apprenticeship program, you have to stay enrolled in the trade school until you are certified.
You only need an OSHA 30 & ability to apply work at a local general electrical contractors online as an electrical apprentice/helper. No trade school required because you’ll still end up making minimum wage and most probably be non-union.
Did trade school and apprenticeship. And neither CAN TEACH you confidence. Everyone is on prescription drugs or alcohol to cope with the social aspects of the job. Like me, I can break my back. I can do installs and some service calls. But some days... im just feeling ... fubar.
Won't deny that at all - most (not all) tradesmen in general are a little more "morally flexible" and substance use as well as substance abuse are seldom talked about bones that hold together the body of the trades. (But I've also worked in restaurants, corporate sales offices, flown airplanes....trust me, they're all on this tip - they can just afford better shit, and are better at hiding it) Oh wait...weren't we talking about trade school? lol Right...I feel you on the confidence too. No matter what kind of trade-schooling you have, you show up on Day 1 at your first company and strap up, you'll find out real quick about that confidence. Cheers my friend-
Here in CO you need 8,000 hours of field time at least 4,000 of that being commercial/industrial. And 288 hours of school time/ 2 years before you are eligible to test out for your journeyman’s.
Most states require a certain number of Classroom Hours, and most companies sponsor you now and will either pay for you up front, or reimburse you based on your grades. Also, I don’t know about the community college side or CITC, but IEC is under $600 a semester, it’s $400 a semester if your company is an IEC member. And I know for a fact IEC and CITC both do two days a week (everywhere I’ve been), one day is classroom the next day is a work/lab day where you’re working with your tools and you wear your bags for the time you’re there.
I’m someone who is having trade school paid for because of a layoff. I’m in a 15 month fast track for an associate degree in electrical. We cover a little bit of everything from residential to commercial. We cover PLC’s, AC& DC theory and electronics. It gives me basic knowledge in a lot of things but I do not master any of them. We use basic tools and learn to use a meter. My school trains you more for an entry level in an industrial setting. I think it can be good or bad for someone. You have to make the most out of what you’re learning. I didn’t know what the trades could off me in high school. 13 years later I’m figuring it out. If I was 18 again I’d try to get into an apprenticeship program instead of school I graduate in 2 months I’m hoping to find a job that pays enough. I’ll update my success or failure for job placement after I graduate
Dude if someone is willing to pay for you to go it's a GREAT idea. My whole shtick is that you have to pay and you don't get the quality dense experience. But shit man if somebody paid for me to go I'd be there in a heart beat. All education is good education imo
Journey 2 Master you’re right. All education is good education. I have noticed that the trade school I’m in is all about the money and less about your education. You really have to mess up to not get your degree. The school looks better if a student graduates vs failing out. My AcDC consisted of memorizing the answers for the tests.
They offer to assist paying for it at the residential electric company I’m at. I’m a helper and I talked to several journeyman who went to the classes and they said it was a lot of open book tests and teachers that didn’t want to be there at 9pm. I’m choosing to skip it and study on my own and take the journeyman test once I get my hours in
If I had a company willing to pay for it I'd go - unless it was stupid expensive. It's not a waste of time or knowledge going to a trade school, it's the money that I have a problem with. But if you're fortunate enough to have the GI Bill or parents that will pay, or a company that will pay - Dude....GO FOR IT!
Journey 2 Master yeah i hear ya I just can’t afford 5 grand up front to cover the classes and books. I did buy a couple of the books you recommended in a video and have been reading them
Here in Idaho, I was informed when I got my apprentice card, that it is a requirement to attend trade school and have so many hours of on-the-job training. Something along the lines of 2000 school hours, and 6000 work/training hours (give or take) before you can even test to be a Journeyman. But thankfully enough the employer (not union) I found pays for schooling and does the training.
I was lucky enough to attend trade school for 6 months, we were given tools and worked shop classes 8 hours a day building and installing all types of projects. Honestly was the best decision I’ve ever made most unions here in NYC take years to get back. And a guaranteed certification afterwards.
@@ricardogrande6176 apex trade school queens New York, 6 months and you get a certificate after also they help you acquire your OSHA 30 card which is needed if you want to go into construction.
@@ricardogrande6176 I definitely recommend checking out a trade school idk about anywhere else but here in New York some trade schools will set you up with tools and projects to get you ready for real world situations. It’s what you make out of it at the end of the day. They will help you get an interview but it’s up to you after that.
@@dannycamacho2664 thank you ! That’s the exact trading school I was looking into. I live near by & seems the most convenient for me. I appreciate the reply. I will definitely keep checking it out 👍🏼
Trade school in my area is 20 grand and class times are in the middle of the day almost impossible to take the classes while working full time but it is the only way to get hired in my area besides the union
Apprenticeships are much more thorough, but few companies offer them anymore... Trade School is getting almost as costly as a college these days... Also, they are mostly theory, and not actual job practices, and as a result, do not guarantee you employment...
Trade schools in general are basically educational institutions that don't guarantee all that is needed and or required to work in the field and then something out of some sort of other types of tools, experiences, training, applied knowledge, credentials, skillsets, theory and practice on career related technical education based on all other accommodated resources that aren't always useful when necessary with all due respect indeed.
I went to a trade high school; normal high school classes, with a focus on a shop of your choice. 10th-12th grade was hands in expirance 10th grade was resi, 11th commercial, 12th was industrial; plus theory, print reading, etc. 12th grade consisted of two weeks of school, and two weeks on the job with a company. My final was testing out of 1st year apprenticeship, and 16 years later, still in the trade. Didn't cost me a dime.
That's badass man! I wish all high schools offered something like this...either that or I wish there were more trade high schools in more places and lots of people knew about them. Thanks for sharing!
I went through the Associated Builders and Contractors school in Michigan 27 years ago. I was also working as an apprentice at the same time. The combination of on the job training and classroom work was invaluable in my development as an electrician. Michigan now requires that all new apprentices be registered with the state labor board and take a 4 year accredited program before they are eligible to sit for the journeyman's test. I agree that attending trade school without the jobsite time doesn't make sense unless it's your last resort. Having said that, I also feel that skipping the trade school completely is a serious mistake.
I’m thinking about joining the program. I’m completely green. Do you think it’s a good idea to pay for the classes? They also said they have a list of companies I can call to get a job.
Dang it sucks i didnt hear this from anyone untill now. I'm going to a trade school paying 7k for a year, we are learning stuff like blue print reading, NEC codes, how to bend pipes. Now it feels like I'm waiting my time
I enrolled in a accelerated program for 6 months. It was the best decision of my life. It actually should how serious I was going forward with my career to some employers. The trade school I attended touched on everything from ohms law to blue prints in a short amount of time. There was a lot of hands on experience from labs, not to mention a 1600 sq ft, tenant improvement which included wire pulls, pipe work, and title 24. In a short amount of time, and of course the NEC. If you would like to know more from my story, comment below.
enrik valle enrik valle thanks you so much for the reply my friend, my schools curriculum is like that. did your classes turn out to be beneficial when you started working on field? Like did you feel ahead of others? did you start your program first then joined the work force? Because that's what I'm doing, iwant to learn as much as i can first and then get into the work force.
enrik valle I'm starting trade school August 6 as a electrician. We pretty much will be hands on, pipe bending, wiring, fire alarm system, etc. I just hope it's worth it..
I'm a first year apprentice in the union outta boston, schools free you pay for books but it's great you go to school one day a week 8hrs and work the rest of the week I have been in for about 6 months and have learned a good amount both on the job and in school...
Now if you are not picked to get into a union the only idea or choice you have is a community college and make sure the AAS is transferable to a 4 year college so you can upgrade it to a bachelor's degree for a management position if needed . I have known people who go to trade school or technical schools and are locked because the only thing they can be is a tech , myself I just looked into transferring my 2 year AAS to a college that will accept it to add another 60 credits for a BA dont know what it will do but I have heard for a management idea a BA will be better than just having an AAS
I started with a contractor in may. The owner is on the board for IEC out here and got me all set up I start Monday. And all the hours I worked the last 3 months are being applied to my ojt hours
very good video i was fortunate n lucky to learn ole school had learned from on the job training never went to no trade school best way to learn is hands on been in field 15 years n i love it
As always thank you for taking your time to post videos about a trade that we all always. I’m a proud local 134 union member and I can tell you outside of my initial 300$ tool purchase I have not paid another dime for the skills, knowledge and abilities I gained through a union apprenticeship. The first 9 weeks were unpaid but beyond that I was paid well for all the on the job training and schooling I attended there after. Like Dustin I can only speak to my experience, but what I have experienced is that a union apprenticeship training program provides you with training and proficiency in the big 3 facets of our trade, which is residential, commercial, and industrial. What this training deters is the apprentice who becomes a journeyman who only is proficient in one aspect. And you cannot beat the benefits that the IBEW provides. This is just my respectful opinion.
Thank you for the comment my friend, I still think about going union sometimes because I do see the benefit in it. I'd just like to get the experience and be able to tell people with confidence what the pro's and cons of both environments are. I know the union treats you right, no doubt about that. How many years have you been in the union?
20 years this month which is very hard to believe. Obviously some areas of the states are more pro union than others. Myself being from an area that is and I don’t know how that distribution of work falls in a state like Texas between union and non but I can tell you in those 20 years the longest I ever sat home because of a lack of work by the contractor was 7 consecutive weeks in 20 years. At the end of the day whether your union or non you are still working for a private business who is trying to be profitable and if your going to keep continue to work for that company you have to be conscientious, responsible, and accountable to show up and do your best work which is no different for either side of the table. The training, benefits and support is where I see the difference take place, again though this is my insight from my little slice of the country.
I can add one of my coworkers is a non union electrician and he went to a trade school for electronics he went to ITT TECH AND paid an ungodly amount of money for it and it's not transferable either now alot of companies want for management spots a BA in some kind of enphasys in management.
Hey Dustin, That trade school video would be awesome. I’m a high school sr and I have some hand tool experience (general tools, drills, screwdrivers, pliers) and I can apply for IBEW 5 year electrical apprenticeship. Or I can apply to all the electrical companies in my area that are apprenticeship sponsors and say I want to start an apprenticeship, I have the tools you outlined in your video on Electrician U and try to get hired in. I’m a really hard worker, I’m on time and don’t miss days of work, I’ve done some general construction, a little concrete work, landscaping jobs, I have very little electrical knowledge but I really want to get into this trade. What’s your opinion as a guy that owed a company when hiring new guys like me? I have a electrical system and recent code book to look over (outlines how circuits work and some general DIY electrical and code) before I start calling around I want to learn what I can. Sorry for a long comment but keep up the awesome channel, you seem like a really cool dude!
@@hustlegaming5340 I’m a year and a half into a non-union apprenticeship and loving every minute!! Working everything from 12v to 480v. Not live of course haha.
@@joneastling3336 aye wish me good luck when I finish high school and I have a quick question. Does construction class mean I had hands on experience with tools for electrician ?
@@hustlegaming5340 I honestly don’t know, I didn’t take the trade school route I cold called companies and I’m very happy with the one I’m at. If the company wants a fresh guy they will teach you everything. We had a guy who didn’t know how to use a hammer. Having some tool handiness don’t hurt tho.
I'm located in Knoxville tennessee, and the local TCAT promises apprentice level 1 diploma, level 2 certificate, and helper certificate in 12 months. For me, it seems to expedite the process a bit. I've been wiring my whole life, but kind of doing a career change from turning wrenches at the moment, so want to learn everything as professionally as possible and not spend 4 years as an apprentice. We'll see how it goes. The state is paying for it all :) but at 34, its time to do something different! I did attend Nashville Auto Diesel college in 03, and at that time, they didn't even provide ase certs. It was pretty much a scam. I paid a lot of money to just sit and watch power point presentations. This time around, i did my checking to make sure this place was accredited and met the state credentials.
Hey man I'm from Knoxville too and thinking of taking that program at TCAT. I actually went by there today and picked up some paperwork and schedules and stuff. Haven't pulled the trigger yet but I'm probably going to do it. Especially if TN Reconnect is going to pay for the tuition side of it. I'm also up for a career change. I had a buddy who went to Nashville Auto Diesel several years back and basically said the same thing you did. Don't know if you'll ever see my comment, but just in case you do - how is the TCAT course? Would you recommend it?
In California you need to go to trade school so you can get your ET card to become an apprentice. California has the highest regulation then any other state because we have earthquakes.
I start trade school for electricity tomorrow so I'll let you know how it is in a couple weeks lol. I'd probably pick the routes you're talking about if I didn't have all of my classes and books paid for with my GI bill. Just makes sense for me to do trade school at the moment though.
Hows it going man?I'm planning to join the military and when I get out use my GI bill to become an electrician. Is it worth it?can you tell me a bit about your experience?I'd appreciate any help man
The trade school isn't that bad at all. Never had a foundation in this type of stuff so I'm learning it from scratch. We're learning stuff like wiring 3 way switches, 4 ways, gfci, ohm's law, and going over NEC chapters so far. Once you pass the class, it takes away from one of the years you have to be an apprentice (all trade schools are diff tho). I'm enjoying it so far haha. Have any specific questions just let me know.
@@stephenstrange5663 i have a question.. I'm getting out of the military soon and I'm considering using G.I. bill to go to a electrical trade school for 7 months (14k in total) then earn my diploma and apply to the union. Is that a good idea or should i just try and go straight into the union? Note* i have no experience in any electrical stuff
Well, almost every trade school in my area and that I’ve heard of does something called lab time. So technically trade schools do give you hands-on training and experience.
Thanks for this awesome info, thinking of going into the trade school first to get experience but sound like just getting the job and learn on the job is way better! Is 40 years old to late to get into this trades career?
In New Jersey which is the state requires you to go to a trade school and as well as 4 years of field experience to become eligible to take the journeyman’s exam
I’m still going to trade school at my local community college which is a 2 year program. It really helped me understand a lot of the theory in electrical and understanding the mathematics. I didn’t pay a dime for trade school other then my books since financial aid covered the rest. I have Friends from Work that come straight from private trade schools and they tell me they paid 10-20k for their 8 month “education” 😂
@@Kysparky it's free believe me. for only 1 year tho then you're paying on your own after that. they only do that if you graduate from high school without having to do another extra year of high school. so if you graduate high school with only 4 years the school will support you by giving you finicial aid. but only works for 1 year so use it wisely. so far I've been watching this guys videos and hes saying it should only take up to 1 year to become an eletrician so I guess I'm gonna give it my best shot to become one. wish me luck guys
Sorry I made the same question in your mail box but I could find the answer in here. You are totally right . To be payed to learn . Yes that is the better choice. An addition If you still want to get a degree after your apprenticeship ok because you are already earning moning from your job . Thanks Dustin
remember i talked to you about being an electrician in the past man and well went from fire alarm to electrician glad i did sadly i moved back to California and well i did have to go back to trade school but worth it love what i do and thank you.
Hey bro Im 19 from California, Getting into the union is very competitive down here. I’m looking to go to trade school but still undecided.. any advice?
My thing is, trade schools are openly accepting applicants, while the local apprenticeship program slots are few and far between. So if I'm having to wait to get a spot, I might as well start learning in the mean time. Ideally, I would've preferred to jump straight into an apprenticeship program, but that doesn't seem to be an option at this point. So instead of just waiting around for a spot to open up I decided to start my electrical education elsewhere.
Same exact scenario for me
My biggest issue I came across in trade school was some of the instructors. Putting a master electrician in a classroom environment and trying to teach this stuff can be a disaster. There's students who pick it up easily and some who don't. We had a few kids who had learning disabilities in my class and really wanted to get into this field and our instructor used to just ignore them when they asked for help.
Dam that is so Foul
@@WhereWhatWhenWhy agreed
Exactly my experience it was chaotic and a waste of time and $25,000 it's literally one of the biggest regrets in life
I start school Monday and I have a learning disability as well. Hope this isn’t the case. I’m really interested in this field
I attended a trade school, and I started working and making good money before I graduated.
Where you live?
Am an African, I studied at Don Bosco institute of technology.. And the school is located at 157 cities in the world. The most important thing is that once you attend a trade school you have a upper hand in terms of skilled labour. And your can go for a license test and get your license. Do more research and don't just follow a single info in other not to be misled.
What is good money to you ?
Yes what is good money
lojibaybee thats wut im sayin
I can honestly say that trade school was a real good choice for me. My first semester, my class roughed in 3 houses and got through article 250 in our code class. Second semester, was all commercial wiring. Bending 1/2, 3/4, and 1" EMT. We also had several motor control labs which I thought was awesome. I then went on a summer internship and can honestly say I knew a lot more than the 3rd and 4th year apprentices I worked with, especially about the NEC. My second year was all about control wiring. We worked year long in only lab classes writing and installing PLC's on project, writing ladder logic, irrigation systems, and so forth. I was very fortunate to go to a community college who's electrical construsction and control program was voted top 10 in the nation. Did me a lot of good!
Which school is that if don't mind sharing
Yea i wanna know what school too
NECC - Norfolk, NE
@@zachhaburchak3306 Community colleges usually have good trade programs legit instructors etc. Its the private trade schools which are questionable. The apprentices usually tale their classes at local CCs.
Wait apllying to 30 companies and still get nothing? I thought society is low on electricians thus they overpay them to encourage more?!?! What's going on here is the world that broken ?!?!
Or maybe if I go to trade school It be just as easy as getting hired of mcdonalds?
trade schools in my experience have failed me but I see the benefit to them your teachers are retired tradesmen who if you show your worth it will go above and beyond helping you with connections and always having work but all in all the the education you get from those 2 years are things i could have easily picked up on the first few months of work
Trade school was one of the best decisions i've ever made. also, if you are interested in going union, at my local you skip the entrance exam and go straight to an interview plus you leave with a degree.
Which local is that ?
@@josuemagallon495 Local 11
So after trade school do u become a helper or what position do u start off as
@@clublights-4980 You start off as an apprentice. I received 2500 apprentice hours towards my journeyman license after i graduated from trade school. Which puts me at roughly the start of a 3rd year apprentice level.
did u attend a community college for the trade program or private? and how long was it?
I went through the IBEW apprenticeship 35 years ago, great choice for anyone.
B Murphy How much do you make in a year?
FreshBeats I think you make 35k after apprenticeship and around 50k after trade school
Jake B that sucks, I wanna be making around 80k...
@@sheriffaboubakar9720 get a stem degree note that's the hardest degrees.
What type of programs are at IBEW?
I'm in trade school @ Alfred State college of technology, almost done with 2nd semester. We've learned all the theory up to series and parallel LRC circuits, we are learning residential wiring 2nd semester. We are currently wiring circuit panels, branch circuits, half inch EMT conduit bending, running NM cable and fishing wire, wiring switches, receptacles(normal duplex, split recpetacles, gfi including how to protect multiple receptacles with a single gfi run off the load side), afci, lights, fans, baseboard heaters, etc. And doing all of that in compliance with NEC 2017. I'm sure I'll end up starting as a basic apprentice anyways but my school is 100% paid off with 0 debt and I will be able to at least walk into a job site when I get out of school and not be an absolute greenhorn who can't contribute anything meaningful.
Bro I’m about to start the 4 year and I’ve been doing this unlicensed electrician shit and I get what ur saying. U gonna walk off and know shit
I go to trade school. We have books that talk about these stuff. But trust me, you go through these very briefly. There's a lot more to learn about wiring circuit panels etc. than from what they'll teach you in school. This guy is definitely making trade school sound better than it actually is. LOL. You'll learn way more stuff from actually being out in the field in just a couple months than you'll do in a couple years in trade school. I suggest you find a job as an electrician helper or something ma dude. Stop wasting your time waiting for your school to end before you start looking. Half the things you're boasting about now you won't even remember by the time you graduate.
I just started 6 months ago as completely green to this electrical stuff. I used to work in the hospitality business (restaurant in specific). I came in knowing absolutely nothing. However, after 6 months of on the job training and exposure; I can definitely say that I’ve learned a ton. I think it’s all about applying yourself and putting yourself around the right people. I’ve been very fortunate to be paired up with 2 of the better electricians within my job site and they’ve taught me a bunch. One had no school and strictly experience; the other is a journey man freshly graduated from a 4 year trade program and got his license about 6 months ago. The one that went to school told me from experience that he learned more from on the job training. Also, he let me know that if you go to a trade school, they usually help you find a job and they keep up with your progress on when and what knowledge you need to get your license. However, the one without his license and only experience; knows the codes for the most part but doesn’t know where to find the info from the code book. Both has its benefits, but you got to find the path that works for you. For me, going to school would be a waste of time considering I have kids and already have a job as an electrician. So, I’m already receiving very fruitful and everlasting knowledge. Also, I’ve already been exposed to so much since our job site is a brand new high school and I was placed on the job at the beginning, when we were digging for trenches and to lay pipes for power. The crazy part is I’m getting paid a scaled wage and also learning. It’s all about the people you end up surrounding yourself with. I’ve heard stories of other electricians that don’t know much because they were paired up with someone on the job site that didn’t want to teach, was lazy, or communication issues; usually language barrier. The future is yours, it’s up to you. If you had the time and wanted extra knowledge or reassurance for the work then I would say go to school. On the other hand, if you know someone that would offer you an opportunity to become an apprentice and get paid while doing it then I would say take that route!
You will be and are an absolute greenhorn.
oh my god i go to alfred state and im considering switching to the tech school for electrician, was it worth it for you? would you reccommend it?
In Georgia we don’t have a choice if we want to get our journeyman’s. Good thing is 99% of contractors pay for your school.
I live in Georgia and have been looking at schools in your opinion what's the best one that you know of
@@zGSkism Same I'm in Georgia too
Riverside Ca here. Taking my journeyman test TODAY.... Not one hour spent in a classroom. Was told by my journeyman all i need is the code book. I'm going to get my JW card. Graduating after 4 years. Time to make that Jdub money
TheJustReyes Hey man that’s great! I am in Riverside as well how is it going for you so far?
@@zGSkism I'm a senior in high school and live in Georgia, I'm about to go to Lincoln tech. My second choice would be iec Atlanta electrical training, they provide apprenticeships as well. It's been so hard to find a trade school for electrical here in Georgia, those are the only 2 I've found that are credible and good. Hope this helps :)
I can definitely see where you are coming from. I went the two year trade school route, but ended up finding a job in industrial where they really want to see a degree if you don’t have years experience on the job in commercial or even residential wiring. Nothing compares to working though. I learned more about motor control and PLCs the first 2 months on the job over two years at school.
Same here dude but instead I am going to trade school just to get some kind a degree and after that get some mechanical engineer lol I already making good money. By the way Industrial electrician is the way to go
I’m in a trade School but I’m
Hearing that I won’t build hours to my journey man license if I work at a industrial plant.
@@jonnywick4402is an apprenticeship a good place to start for the Industrial electrician pathway?
IEC. Look it up, it's what I'm doing. Class once a week for 4 hours WHILE doing your apprenticeship with an electrical company.
Best of both worlds.
Also, if you're green it's very difficult to find a company to hire you. That's why I joined iec, they give you a list of about 40 contractors and one is sure to hire you if you're with the school.
Cesar Hernandez I was thinking about joining IEC. Would you say it’s a good program?
I applied n been hired by a great company about 4 or 5 mo. ago. I start class September
Joseph Pena if you're new to the trade then definitely yes. It's the only way you'll get on scale jobs. If you already have a couple years under your belt then it's really up to you.
Are you out of Ohio?
Iec schooling in Utah is a joke stay away from it
The Ibew has a 5 year apprenticeship not 4 and you actually have a “trade school” you go to for free for those 5 years while your working.
darthcollosus depends on your state
Yeah but a lot of union apprenticeships are going to a 4 year condensed program.. most are 5 though
I just applied for the ibew apprenticeship in Memphis, Tn
Steven Sides I'm looking to do the same also in Memphis TN. How long did it take them to get back with you?
Steven Sides did u get in ?
Im 18 at the moment and Im doing a one-year pre-apprentice program at my local college. Prior to this, I had 2 or 3 months of actual work experience in electrical for a co-op I did in high school, I ended up having to stop because of covid but I definitely learned a lot. Needless to say, depending on the company the bossman might not always be super patient especially if you've never used a tool in your life or even understand anything about electrical, most days you'll be walking around like a chicken with its head cut off completely clueless. Trade school helps you build the confidence you need to know what you are meant to do and how to do it when you get a job. Have fun trying to get an apprenticeship anywhere without any experience at all, especially in Canda where I'm from labouring for a company is a good idea for a bit until you feel comfortable asking for an apprenticeship
Hey bro I’m 17 right now and going to graduate in a couple months what was your process to get into that pre-apprentice program
@@MoneyL-sl4ej I just applied to my local college online .. the recommended classes for my program was grade 12 university or college math, computer enegineering, and English ... though it helped me to take physics, also a construction course helps too so you can get familiar with the tools
I went to trade school back in the early 90's. Having a 2 year degree closed more doors than it opened as far as getting a job in the field. The education you get at a technical school barely scratches the surface and by the time you graduate, you're already behind because the technology and code requirements change so much.
If you can get paid to learn a trade.... why not go that route.
Ive disliked school from elementary to highschool. I went to BCIT to do level 1 electrical foundation and hands on training ended up getting 90 percent and I got distinction on my certificate. I’m used to gettting 60-70 percent in school so once I put in some effort into school I realized what I can actually achieve. It was really helpful to me. I got a job the day I graduated. Also in British Columbia most company’s only hire level one graduates from BCIT.
The 1st year or school cost 4.5k and my parents paid for it with the savings they started for me when I was born, blessed white 19 year old canadian boy I know
Finally someone that actually knows the value of trade school as I do. Some people are now being misled
# Optimuz yeah man it’s incredibly worth it. You don’t want to be he joe schmuck electrician you want to be the best one you can be. Anyone can pull wire lol I’m going to do my red seal (4 yrs) then I’m going to do specialized courses aswell. I’ll have all these credits which made me more valuable which make me more money.
TRADE SCHOOL IS WORTH IT!
There are widely varying opinions on the matter, and each school is extremely different. Its great to hear that you went to a school that gave you value and education rather than just charging you and not teaching you the necessary skills to succeed in the trade. I hear a lot of stories like yours but they are really about 1 good to 10 bad. I'll look into BCIT and see if I can get some information about it, seems like a good program!
Journey 2 Master thanks for the reply man, you always reply to my comments which is much appreciated! BCIT is the top trade school/college in Canada, so I’m extremely fortunate to be able to go. Man if only I could sit down and have a chat with you and pick your brain
What kinda white?
The only one of my electrician friends that went to trade school makes $85/hr with full pension/benefits etc. Next highest is $62. Same job, different Bay Area municipalities. Not that it means anything, just mildly interesting.
Waly Lama wait really? so based off your knowledge of your friends would you say doing the electrical trade in the bay area is a good idea?
@@GabrielGonzalez-ej6tp yes, for sure. The Bay Area is hurtng for tradesmen of all disciplines. I'm a 38 y/o mailman and am going to start back at the bottom to get into the trade. I'm from up there tho.
Do you know what trade school he went to bro? I’m a college student from the bay looking to enter the trade as well.
@@JoseLopez-vy6ui IBT
Waly Lama 85hr in the Bay Area is about $5 an hour.
I agree with you, but viewers should consider the economy and in which state they live in. Depending on that it will determine in which route to take, just my opinion. Trade school worked for me! in the case that I was able to go to community college and received an AA degree. I believe it showed some companies that I was interested in the field and took the time to go to school. In a year I’ve been through three companies and this last company finally noticed my determination. All I have to say is we are all different and there is correct route
Jeddy Eslava so you did community college and trade school simultaneously?
@@GabrielGonzalez-ej6tp trade school he said
The 6 months as a full time student really worked out. I got all my school hours over with and I’m eligible to take my license exam. Hard parts over with, just go to work everyday! It worked for me, but it’s not for everyone! But I commend anyone trying to better there life through education. Thanks Master Electrician for letting me share my experience. Keep up the videos
I’m about to start a 6 month full time school program as well. I’m looking forward to it.
@@Tony27654 hey, 7 months later. Update?
@@JOSETV1 I finished the 6 month program and got my ET, card 8 certifications and I’m on track to finding a good job.
@@JOSETV1 I think it was 100% worth it
@@Tony27654did you find a good position? Also when you go to school does that mean when you get a job you get to skip being an apprentice? Do you get to start off making more money?
Trade school is NEVER a bad decision IF the hours you complete are accredited by NCCER! You just have to make sure you do your research! Especially if it’s free! A lot of people in trade schools are already in the field! The student who has ZERO prior electrical experience is the smaller percentage usually!
Did a 7 month condensed trade school, about 5 hours , 5 days a week … it was cool being there with other new electricians and making new friends and doing the hands on labs, and learning the NEC and other important basics like motors , PLC etc. my only gripe 10 years later is I had to pay 15 grand … seems like starting an apprenticeship in a local union would’ve been much more practical (and less expensive). But hey, live and learn . Nobody was there to tell me this.
Was looking to do a 7 month or 10 month program near me as well. Wanted to know what did the trade school do for you besides learning some stuff?
Did it help with finding a job? Also do you need it to get licensed?
Thanks in advance
Whats ur career now?
@@AlejandroMedinaGamez sorry for such a late response , yes they helped me get a job right after I finished the program. Pretty sure most of them have a job placement program
@@hedvent2692 just got licensed as a journeyman this year , and got in the local Union but still just waiting on the books, now with a company as a service journeymen electrician non-union for now
@@stevenprebegstart school Monday, seeing comments like this after I applied kind of sucks. Wish I tried to get into an apprenticeship program, but after all I’ll owe about 8 grand after all and I graduate in 10 months.
First and foremost, thank you for all these videos that you put time & effort on. Very knowledgeable and useful. Been wanting to get into the trade for quite some time now. Have tried both union & non union apprenticeships but have failed to get accepted due to not passing the math testing. The closest trade school in my area (CET) is about an hour away and is all day (8-3pm). The school costs about $13,000 on a student loan. With child support up my behind and needing to work, I just wouldn't be able to do it. I've been fortunate enough to gain some experience doing commercial (5 months) and once the job was done that was it. From reading different comments and hearing your input, I've come to the conclusion that cold calling would be my best bet. I still have to buy a few more tools but after that, I'm just going to call every C-10 I can find and see if they need a helper. The good old fashion way of knocking on doors should bring along something.
you are exactly right! offer to work one whole 40 hour work for free! you have a great attitude! they will probably supply you with tools. all you need are steel toed boots and a peanutbutter sandwich.
Its not the case in fl at all. Its pretty much mandatory here and your company pays for it. Its completely free including the books. You get a guaranteed raise every six months. The people who dont go into school are the first ones let go when it gets slow
A tech school here in Wisconsin has a one-year diploma program. It costs about 6000 dollars. The hours equal one year of apprenticeship. I would feel more comfortable starting with some base of knowledge before showing up at job site. From what I understand the program involves book learning and practical skills.
Trade school for me was the better option to start out with. I went for 2 1/2 years and paid around $2,000 total (due to scholarships that’s paid 80%) I worked as a non union electrician helper while in school and when I got out I got into the electrical maintenance field for a year and a half. They also paid for me to take more classes while working there. Now I’m about to start a job as a union electrician coming in as a CE7 because of how high I scored on the placement test. So now I have 2 years to be a journeyman. I bounced around not really knowing what I wanted to do when getting into college. I found out that being an electrician is my passion and due to my schooling and work experience, the amount of doors that has been opened to me is a great feeling of success. College isn’t for everyone, but neither is jumping right into a trade if they’re unsure. To each their own though. I’m 22 and in 2 years I will be a journeyman and will have 1 1/2 years of maintenance experience and 2 degrees plus 13 certificates in the instrumentation/maintenance/electrical field.
Dude teach me the ways! My cousin just told me to get into it and I’m pretty excited about it.
🫡🫡🫡
Hi. I agree with everything you said in this video. But to those who don't live in the "yeehaw states" (No Disrespect). Living in Southern California. Ideally Los Angeles CA. ALL IBEW halls are EXTREMELY competitive. You apply in January, you are highly likely to not get any update on your application until winter time. So while playing the waiting game, why not join a trade program?
In my case. While waiting for my application for the IBEW to progress, I joined a trade school. My schooling was 495$ for a January-May course. You are guaranteed an ET card thus making you eligible to start an apprenticeship at a company of your choice. There are 2 courses in the 495$ course. Meaning you'll go to school for 8 months for about 1,300$. DO NOT go to trade schools that will charge 20,000$+ for "guaranteed jobs".
Takeaways - States like Oregon,Idaho,Montana,North Dakota. Sure don't go to trade schools.
If you are in Los Angeles or New York City. Joining a trade school while waiting for your union application to process, is 100% not a bad idea.
At the end of the day. DO YOUR RESEARCH and don't pay more than 2,000$ to start your electrician career.
Hope this helps. Goodluck!
I’m in a two year electrician trade school program and its 60% hands on real life work and 40% book work
How much are you making?
Making zero while I was in the school. Finish with ur journeymen license and make really good money in my area
@@rayjohnson6912 I’m thinking of becoming an electrician, is it true they usually make 100k? I’m in the Indianapolis area btw and the trade school near me is IBEW
@@michaelsheppard87 I’m in wv. Our minimum wage is 8.75. Here apprentices start out at around 15 an hour. A journeymen can make up to 30 an hour. If you wanted to make more than that you’d have to run your own business. If you want to make really good money and don’t mind traveling, look into becoming a lineman. Those guys start out at 100k a year in my state so it may be more where you’re at. Those guys are usually on call a lot though and could be sitting down and Christmas dinner and get a call.
In california ya got to be enrolled in a school to apply for apprenticeship card
Yeah that kinda sucks but fuck it
In Australia trade school is part of the apprenticeship and the employer pays for it
They do a lot of unnecessary things in California. They do it to fatten someone's pocket. There's nothing you can learn in a school that you can't learn a lot quicker in the field.
In a plant setting, having a degree may help you, but chances are you won't just be doing electrical work.
Been going to community college for an industrial electrical and an automation/robotics program for over a year now. Have been going for free off of scholarship/grant money the entire time, zero dollars out of pocket and will owe nothing in the form of loans in the future. I have learned a ton and before I was even halfway to my degree, about 4 months ago landed a spot as a green industrial maintenance electrician, ever since my learning has been multiplied now that I'm working in the field and going to school as opposed to going school only. Making good money and will make much better in time however one thing about going this path is that since I'm an in-house maintenance electrician at a factory and don't work with a contractor or underneath a master electrician, I don't have the opportunity to eventually obtain a journeyman's license staying with this company. But, there are other lucrative opportunities unique to the industrial maintenance field, like the possibility PLC programming. we are looking into PLC logic frequently and get a lot of exposure to controls on the job.
I am enrolled in a state accredited trade school, in industrial/commercial/residential wiring program and a control engineer program. (an A.A.S) fancy words aside a trade program with an AA attached. 95% of students are younger than myself and do not appreciate the opportunity for advanced learning. C's get get degrees is the M'O. I personally come from a food industry background, (chef, sous-chef, comis-chef back-ground. no stranger to extreme long hours and low pay with no benefits) I did research and got the pell grant which pays for 97% of my schooling. And I appreciate it. I study, I work, I build circuits in my spare time, I network within the construct of my instructors. School is what you make it. (In my experience hiring people from a culinary school on average are not ready to work in the industry). the same applies even more so for electrical work. People can get injured, or get killed. i approach the everything the same way i have one chance and i will not fuck it up. i will underwhelm and overachieve. I am no stranger to the concept of work and money and lost time. The point I want to make is school is work, go to school as you would work. on time not on your phone.
Im in trade school right now, its only a 4 month program with a job fair towards the end, we do more hands on learning than we do in the books. And it is significantly cheaper than any college. Soo far im loving it. If i couldve jumped into an apprenticeship without it i wouldve. But it just wasn’t happening
How much did it cost
I started my career in a small shitty company while going to a two year trade school at my local community College in Los Angeles. I learn through both at the same time, eventually everything just clicked one day both in the field and in theory that I was able to comprehend what I was doing, how it works, how to make it work and troubleshoot any problems. I been in the field for almost 10 years now and can't believe how time just flew by. Like Dustin said, everyone has their own path in this field, some get it faster and some slower, I was more in between. I'm definitely thankful for the knowledge/experience I've gain and continue gaining in my career
Yes most companies are gonna look at the experience. And the trade school will also help get you a cert to work in the refineries as an electrician and trade school might help out with pipe bending( emt/ conduit ) cause if you come from resident electrician to commercial and industrial electrician you may not know how to bend pipe
I just graduated in NOV of 2018 from a Technical college. The last 2 semesters I took I was also working at a union job making 1st year apprentice pay ($11.75). I knew much more than the 1st year who was there and was as knowledgeable as the 3rd year. Only difference was experience level. 3rd year could work better than me so I learned more field work from him but the 1st year I could teach him a few things. Luckily for me I was able to use my GI bill in school so I was getting paid for going to school which made up for the crap pay from the union. Now I just started a new helper job making $15/hr thanks to my school knowledge and experience on the job. I think it depends on the situation on which path is better.
Trade school is not totally unecessary. Great thing about trade schools is you meet others with the same common goal which equals to NetWorking. If you go to trade school, get to know your classmates and be friendly with them. Exchange numbers and go from there.
Expensive phone numbers from guys in the same spot as you.
Just finishing my last "semester" in an ABC apprenticeship. I started as a 42 year old 1st year, so now at 46, I will be graduating in September. You are never too old to learn a skill or trade. I have actually met an apprentice that was over 60 years old. He did not complete the program unfortunately, but always said it was one of the most informative and exciting times of his life, although just a bit too exhausting! This will be my 4th "career, and I have already scheduled my test date to take my C-10 (California's electrical contractors exam. Equivalent to a Master electrician in other states.) I have had prior experience in both electrical and other aspects of construction that qualify me as far as journey level experience. The apprenticeship is an amazing opportunity if you can get in. I waited almost 3 years after applying to be accepted, and actually start. I strongly encourage anyone to avoid the trade school trap, at least here in California, because any certifications that you might receive are totally worthless here. You must go through a state accredited program in California. It weeds out the yay-hoo's.
Thanks man that was something I needed to hear at this point in my life. Thank you for your comment
kiev myers will you marry me
Thanks for the motivation!
I think trade school is like any other school. If you take it seriously and apply yourself, then you will get a lot out of it. I'm currently in the middle of school and you can already see who will work and who is wasting their time. I'm at APEX in Queens (New York City) and they're practically plucking students for jobs because there is so much work here. Personally, I look forward to actually being in the field but the information that we're learning is incredible. The newer generation of electricians are learning to think more along the lines of blue collar scientists. We study theory in classes and then build what we learn in shop. With all the new technology that is exponentially increasing, we're learning fiber optics and busses and things of that nature now as well. Smart home programming and all the fun new security hardware for commercial and industrial circuits? Having a class room to sit and think about that stuff helps.
I agree 100 percent! I went to berk trade school in queens New York (a few blocks away from apex trade school) i didn’t engage in useless convo that the classmates were bringing up. I stayed to myself, studies, and applied myself. I also have a background in rough carpentry, and furniture making before i went to trade school 3 years ago. I graduated as the top student, and the knowledge i soaked up is still being applied till this day. Now as For the classmates who joked and play around during the whole time we were there..... let’s just say by the end of the course, some of them couldn’t follow the schematics, ground the metal boxes properly, or use the pipe bender.... if you apply yourself, you can learn tons of useful information and practical skills.
Do For Self was it a good school?
@@gentimarke8868 it was beyond good. The instructors worked close with us. By the time we graduated, we were able to come into company’s as helpers/assistants, but with the knowledge of a journeyman
Do For Self Thank you. I’m looking forward to learning more and maybe applying to this school.
Do For Self when is the right time to apply?
im in trade school and its 25% theory and 75% hands on. When we graduate we have 2 and a half years of experience towards gaining our lisence and they help you get a job after. Idk what trade school you have around you but it sounds like it definitely worth it. Its only 7 months too. sounds like its worth it to me. it only costs $6,000 after financial aid.
Same at berk trade school here in new york same thing, only 7-8 months, 25 percent theory 75 percent hands on . Yup mines about 6k to after financial aid. And good job placement after..
@@grandcanyon2 Ok, im going to berk.. Lol I was a bit worried when I watched this video.
@@ashman749 funny you should type this, just got a text from my forman, we got work tommrow. Decent pay 23 a hour with less than a year and a half of exp.
Remember while your in school, to call companies up do research check for any apprenticeships. Sometimes you get a call 2months to 3 years later depending on the company. Most non unions will pay you 15-16 a hour with 6 months experience or less. but if you find the right company even if you got no experience you can be payed 18-24 a hour.
@@ashman749 its 8-9months at berk, only very few finish at 7 months maybe 1 percent.
@@grandcanyon2 Thanks for the info.
Great videos keep up the good work!
Myself and many others appreciate the no BS honest answers you give.
Thanks my friend!
Join an electrical program at a community college. It is free if you qualify for a fee waiver. They will help you apply for apprentice card. Apply for an apprenticeship with the union while you are in school. The schooling will give you an advantage over other applicants. You should be done with community college by the time the union calls you back to start working.
I went to a trade school myself. My advice in a nutshell is that if your going to go to a trade school, do your research and check out the trade schools around you and look for a good one.
The electrician course that I took was only 2 semesters long. Last I knew most trade schools electrician courses are 4 semesters long. Not that a 2 semester course is totally useless but when it's half the time of the typical course it's not hard see that there is a lot of stuff that will be either rushed through or not covered at all.
It felt like there was too much time where we were reading and studying rather than doing actual hands on work. What hands on work that we did do it mostly revolved around the residential field. After I graduated I got employed by a electrical company that worked mostly in the industrial field. Often I found myself barely knowing what to do or not knowing what to do at all.
The way I heard it the schools top priority with the class was to try to get as many of the students to pass their Journeyman Exam. A big chunk of our second semester was nothing but getting ready for the exam. 2 out of 8-9 of the students passed it.
In the end I would say the course wasn't worthless, but it did definitely leave a lot to be desired.
After the military I went to trade school to be a wind turbine technician. During the course of 3 months we learned everything to be certified for wind, telecom and solar. GI bill covered it and they placed all of us in a job of our choosing. After being employed upon graduationt the pay was awesome and a month or two in I was sent to school by my company to become a tower commissioner. What that means is I did most of the electrical work and troubleshoot problems on scada. I had no previous electrical work and that stuff was HARD at first lol I got out of it since i was NEVER home and always traveling. Its been 3 years and I am looking to go back into the trades and I dont know whether to go elevator union or electrical union.
What’s better a private trade school or community college?
Im from Canada and i dont think we even have trade school... All we have is Apprenticship Programs. This was very interested to listen to. Thanks for the vid Dustin
A lot of companies where im at and looking to move to, pay for your school based on your grades. A-100% B-90% C-70% D-0% One day a week at night for four years and you do your APE hours working for the company full time. Here in CO you need to have 8000 hours in the field anyway so four years before you can get your JW. And it helps a lot with learning some of the stuff you may not learn in the field to help you pass the Journeymans exam. IEC and CITC are the only ones companies pay for and seem to be the best. Most electricians that ive worked with also went to school,
I went to trade school when I got into the field at a company I wasn't paid much at first I did not see the value in trade school but as I gain experience in the field the trade school put me a step ahead above the rest of the technicians out in the field because of the classroom book knowledge experience which I could easily apply in the field because of my prior years of experience
So I'm going to trade school, it's a once a week 4 hour class for four years from 5:30-9:30, so not only am I learning the trade in school, I'm getting on the job experience too.
Are you being paid?
I’m 18 just graduated high school I’m trying to go to one too.
@@joseambriz5897 yeah I am
Fortunately my high school had a program where you could go to tech. school for half the day your junior and senior year for free instead of taking some of the other bs electives. It was a two year program in Electrical Technology. I graduated eligible to take my journeyman test but didn't because I shipped to bootcamp when I was still 17 (you must be 18 to get your license) Honestly our instructor told us we had enough code knowledge to pass the test but that we shouldn't sell ourselves as Journeyman because of our lack of job experience. However I did feel I was adequately prepared to start cranking out work on the job. We learned how to bend and install conduit, wired all kinds of circuits hands on, ohms law, theory, different types of switches, ampacity, voltage drops, relays and some basic motor control. My instructor was amazing and had over 30 years of experience and even published electrical books. I'm an Electronics technician in the Marines and killed it in tech school because of the course I went to. I wouldn't have taken the course if I had to pay for it but I certainly learned a lot about the trade and good electrical theory
what's the salary for an electronic technician in the marines ?
mongo mike Same as any other job in the military l. Everyone gets paid the same. It depends on rank
Greetings Dustin,
Quite an interesting take on Electrical Trade Schools. However, I more than likely have a different view of them considering I started my career back 30+ years ago by attending a trade school like also in High School. I think the usefulness of such a school is very relevant only to what someone expects to achieve by attending. Most of the Trade Schools I have been apart of (typically NEC related aspects) tend to have a well defined foundation program that is designed to give the student the basics they need to build on their career at graduation. For example, my program (back in 1987 and 1988) was 2 years, 5 days a week and we had mock installation rooms where we actually did put our hands on many different aspects of the electrical industry. I can without a doubt say that if it was not for that program (Charlottesville-Albemarle Technical Education Center) I would not be where I am today (where ever that actually is). Are all trade school created equal? absolutely not but nothing really is but if you are a young person looking to get into the electrical industry many of the training programs today will allow on the job placement as part of the program in order for you to spend time at the training campus but also in the "real world" as well. Just for context, while I attended my 2 year program we studied all the basics ( diagrams, circuit layouts, theory and so on) and then went into what we called "lab" for half the day and put the training to the test. Yes, my friend we did strap on the tool belt and tool in the process.
Not all trade schools again are created equal but there are some good ones out there who do have a program that can teach not only the fundamentals needed to be successful but also the hands on portion. While not learning it all (we never stop learning) we at least can afford ourselves the "basics" so that when we do get out of the program we look slightly more attractive to the prospective company we are seeking employment from than the average joe. Now, is it costly to do some pre-training..well it can be but for some folks it is their only way to break into the industry and possibly get a leg up on a very competitive industry. Is it the right choice for everyone, such as yourself maybe not but there are many young people who are looking for a career to better their future and this is one avenue that at least upon graduation, can help them rise slightly above the crowd versus just throwing caution to the wind and trying to get a job. Now, if you are in a case where you are making a career and already have a family then the on the job training is clearly the way to go as making money to learn is important. So in conclusion there are different situations for a reason to attend a trade school and everyone has to make their own decisions and we all have opinions so in the end to each their own. FYI- I would hire someone with at least a basic background in the theory or at least an expectation of the trade versus someone green.....and I did for years as a contractor but then again we all have to start somewhere.
Keep up the GREAT WORK and the AWESOME VIDS....you are making us PROUD!
Great insight, I agree with all of that. I've seen both sides of it from hearing good and bad stories and I do see the value in schooling if the right programs are in place to mix working (lab) with book knowledge. Also ensuring that you get credit or something of material value to put on a resume when finished. However paying an outrageous tuition for an education you can be paid for by just starting an apprenticeship is a no-brainer in my opinion. I do tell people that if they can't get into an apprenticeship then yes school is definitely a viable option, but if they have the choice between one or the other I recommend the apprenticeship hands down. Definitely appreciate you sharing your story. That's a great thing to read for anyone interested in taking the school option. You've made me decide that I need to contact a school and do an episode with them to see what they offer - rather than just offering my opinion!
I’m currently attending trade school and have been for over a year. My experience with it is minimal you don’t learn a crap ton of hands on because that’s the stuff u get in the field but I will say the trade school looks good on a resume and does help you get your foot in the door but otherwise just try and get an apprenticeship through a company and work while attending the night school. I’m blessed enough to have loving caring grandparents who are paying for my trade school tuition so that helps me tremendously and I will say I have learned a lot about electrical math, ohms law and about the NEC codes...I recommend keeping a handy 2020 Uglys book somewhere to help with the math as well as understanding a lot of other things the Uglys book helps break stuff down. But I agree with everything in this video it’s true what he’s saying the trade school looks decent on a resume so your not super green but all I look at trade school as is a foot in the door. In all reality 4 years of trade school can be learned with 1 year in the field that’s the truth.
Where do you live dude? I live here in Canada, BC. I want to get into the Electrician trade, but I have no experience at all. Honestly, I don't want to go to a trade school because I have bills to pay and I want to learn while getting paid and work my way up even if it's a low salary. Going to apply and see my luck.
GringoleboZebulon Small country town in Michigan. The way I look at trade school is it looks good on a resume showing you not as green as they come in terms of knowing nothing. It does help with a lot of the electrical math, code book and with some hands on training but mainly it’s a foot in the door. If you can’t afford it at the moment definitely recommend going an trying your luck at a place looking for apprentices that way if u still wanna do school most likely your company will pay for it and if u finish the school it knocks off like 2000 hours for your journeymens.
I agree somewhat with what you said. I work as a multicraft maintenance mechanic in Ohio. As part of the maintenance mechanic apprenticeship, we have to take Industrial Electric I, II, and III.
i will say at my trade school we did bookwork and hands on wiring motor control circuits. We learned alot about ladder logic, parallel and series circuits, AC circuit analysis, DC circuit analysis, vfds and PLCs. Learning ladder logic is crucial, especially when understanding the logic in PLCs and programming it.
Now they might teach that in the IBEW but if alot of IBEW local work is construction, youll likely never get into it, but unless youre in service, you wont develop good troubleshooting skills. Same for the IEC if youre primarily doing residential work, without changing jobs you wont get the exposure to commercial or industrial environments. It all depends on what you want to do
I went to trade school and it teaches you a lot of things a lot of journey man and Master Electricians forgot, so it helps in that regard. Still experience is key and what a lot of Electrical contractors are looking for, they are some real gritty old fashioned guys who want you to learn the way they did. I’m on the job search it’s harder to get an apprenticeship, but graduating an acredited school got me an OSHA 10 card which helps for apprenticeship, and it knocked off 2 years to test for journeyman. In the end if you don’t get hired for an apprenticeship a lot a fortune five hundred companies are starving for new people I’ve denied electrical draftsman, and autoCad jobs, just because it’s something I don’t wanna do. I’m hell bent on being a Master electrician. I also did a degree in HVAC because the military paid for it, so dual degrees! Should work out.
Im in my first month of apprenticeship right now deciding to go to trade school ....
I’m 21 Right now, I’m looking to get into a local trade school for electrical, originally I was going for welding but there isn’t a lot of work for welding in my area, my grandparents were IBEW building fuses and I actually work with someone right now who is a retired local 103 electrician and it definitely inspired and influenced me to go for the trade.
Great video another video talking with trade schools will help us decide more decisions and will help us get into an electrician the best way
I attended a trade school in Los Angeles (Trade Tech Community College with low fees) and it is an excellent school. The guys who put in the effort got good jobs fairly quickly when they graduated. I landed an electrical maintenance job 3 months prior to graduating with a fortune 500 company. Yes, I had to go through their 4 year apprenticeship program, but the company told me they primarily hire graduates from certain trade schools. This company hires people who are trainable and proven they can solve complex problems. Because of trade school, I make a very comfortable income with job stability. Some trade schools suck, but there are others that offer real world training that set you on the path to success. I tried to get into a union, but since I do not have a brother, cousin, or uncle in the union, I got passed up by people who did. After 4 years, I was still at the back of the line. Apprenticeships are a must, it’s getting your foot in the door that’s tough. Two prospects apply for an electrical apprenticeship position, one with no experience, the other who completed a reputable trade school, guess who gets his resume placed at the top of the stack.
Hey Jaime. I'm 35 and looking for a career change and will be going to talk to a counselor at LA Trade Tech about the electrical program. From what I've been able to gather it's a good program and it seems here in Los Angeles employers deliberately seek out students from LA Trade Tech. Would you suggest it for someone like me? Is the apprenticeship the same as the Associates degree?
Having a certificate to show your a journeyperson will help you get a job when jobs are scarce. Definitely go in my opinion.
All experience is good experience in my opinion. It's all deposits into the bank account of your knowledge
My school is called MTTI in Massachusetts. It’s 80% hands on and 20% class work it’s only 7 months. 6 months in school and a month of an apprenticeship. After that the 4 years start for journeyman. They give tools if you keep a certain quota. Mostly teach residential and commercial but also show a glimpse of solar. I believe it worth it, 18 students per class and 2 teachers so you get maximum assistance. Classes run night and day classes. It’s about 18,000 but less expensive than college
Yes, go to school!
From IBEW 1976 to today. The trade has been very good to me for all my life, lot's of money and never went without work.
I highly recommend industrial and automation, but that just me today.
So much to learn in the trade, you will be learning for life! GO TO SCHOOL and make more money!
I started well before I ever even knew there was a trade school. In my (rather large) company it’s a throw out to keep you busy and pay less when work is slow. It is pay for school though so idk. Depends where you’re at.
I am only 4 months into a trade school and honestly I already regret it. I feel like I havent learned anything and I am stuck paying them 20 k the rest of my life. I went to UEI in Bakersfield and honestly I wish I went to SJVC because even my instructor said they are ahead and more knowledgeable after 2 months into his class. I mean it's better to skip trade school and do on the job learning, but if you are gonna go that route, skip UEI
Been watching you’re videos since being an electrician was just a career I wanted to pursue. I’ve been working as a CW for a few months now, and I start my apprenticeship at the end of August. Thanks for all the advice and information you have shared with us.
Here in Los Angeles I think you might need at least 150 class hours from a state approved school to get your trainee card, after getting your trainee card you can apply for an apprenticeship program in the states registry of licensed contractors that are qualified to provide you legitimate OJT hours that go towards your Journeyman qualification.
Even after getting your trainee card and finding an apprenticeship program, you have to stay enrolled in the trade school until you are certified.
abstractfacts I stay around downtown Los Angeles. Even if we hit up the union, they’ll tell us that we need to attend a trade school first?
You only need an OSHA 30 & ability to apply work at a local general electrical contractors online as an electrical apprentice/helper. No trade school required because you’ll still end up making minimum wage and most probably be non-union.
Did trade school and apprenticeship. And neither CAN TEACH you confidence. Everyone is on prescription drugs or alcohol to cope with the social aspects of the job. Like me, I can break my back. I can do installs and some service calls. But some days... im just feeling ... fubar.
Won't deny that at all - most (not all) tradesmen in general are a little more "morally flexible" and substance use as well as substance abuse are seldom talked about bones that hold together the body of the trades. (But I've also worked in restaurants, corporate sales offices, flown airplanes....trust me, they're all on this tip - they can just afford better shit, and are better at hiding it)
Oh wait...weren't we talking about trade school? lol Right...I feel you on the confidence too. No matter what kind of trade-schooling you have, you show up on Day 1 at your first company and strap up, you'll find out real quick about that confidence. Cheers my friend-
1:50 You called every company on the planet...in your area... lol
Here in CO you need 8,000 hours of field time at least 4,000 of that being commercial/industrial. And 288 hours of school time/ 2 years before you are eligible to test out for your journeyman’s.
I'm hooked on ur channel buddy!!!! I'm pursuing a career as a electrician and ur vids have been gold to me!!!
Most states require a certain number of Classroom Hours, and most companies sponsor you now and will either pay for you up front, or reimburse you based on your grades. Also, I don’t know about the community college side or CITC, but IEC is under $600 a semester, it’s $400 a semester if your company is an IEC member. And I know for a fact IEC and CITC both do two days a week (everywhere I’ve been), one day is classroom the next day is a work/lab day where you’re working with your tools and you wear your bags for the time you’re there.
I’m someone who is having trade school paid for because of a layoff. I’m in a 15 month fast track for an associate degree in electrical. We cover a little bit of everything from residential to commercial. We cover PLC’s, AC& DC theory and electronics. It gives me basic knowledge in a lot of things but I do not master any of them. We use basic tools and learn to use a meter. My school trains you more for an entry level in an industrial setting.
I think it can be good or bad for someone. You have to make the most out of what you’re learning. I didn’t know what the trades could off me in high school. 13 years later I’m figuring it out. If I was 18 again I’d try to get into an apprenticeship program instead of school
I graduate in 2 months I’m hoping to find a job that pays enough. I’ll update my success or failure for job placement after I graduate
Dude if someone is willing to pay for you to go it's a GREAT idea. My whole shtick is that you have to pay and you don't get the quality dense experience. But shit man if somebody paid for me to go I'd be there in a heart beat. All education is good education imo
Journey 2 Master you’re right. All education is good education. I have noticed that the trade school I’m in is all about the money and less about your education. You really have to mess up to not get your degree. The school looks better if a student graduates vs failing out. My AcDC consisted of memorizing the answers for the tests.
They offer to assist paying for it at the residential electric company I’m at. I’m a helper and I talked to several journeyman who went to the classes and they said it was a lot of open book tests and teachers that didn’t want to be there at 9pm. I’m choosing to skip it and study on my own and take the journeyman test once I get my hours in
If I had a company willing to pay for it I'd go - unless it was stupid expensive. It's not a waste of time or knowledge going to a trade school, it's the money that I have a problem with. But if you're fortunate enough to have the GI Bill or parents that will pay, or a company that will pay - Dude....GO FOR IT!
Journey 2 Master yeah i hear ya I just can’t afford 5 grand up front to cover the classes and books. I did buy a couple of the books you recommended in a video and have been reading them
Here in Idaho, I was informed when I got my apprentice card, that it is a requirement to attend trade school and have so many hours of on-the-job training. Something along the lines of 2000 school hours, and 6000 work/training hours (give or take) before you can even test to be a Journeyman. But thankfully enough the employer (not union) I found pays for schooling and does the training.
Where at? What's the name? I'm in nampa.
I was lucky enough to attend trade school for 6 months, we were given tools and worked shop classes 8 hours a day building and installing all types of projects. Honestly was the best decision I’ve ever made most unions here in NYC take years to get back. And a guaranteed certification afterwards.
Which trade school? I live in nyc & want to join a trading school
@@ricardogrande6176 apex trade school queens New York, 6 months and you get a certificate after also they help you acquire your OSHA 30 card which is needed if you want to go into construction.
@@ricardogrande6176 I definitely recommend checking out a trade school idk about anywhere else but here in New York some trade schools will set you up with tools and projects to get you ready for real world situations. It’s what you make out of it at the end of the day. They will help you get an interview but it’s up to you after that.
@@dannycamacho2664 thank you ! That’s the exact trading school I was looking into. I live near by & seems the most convenient for me. I appreciate the reply. I will definitely keep checking it out 👍🏼
Did the trade school help you land a apprenticeship after? I was also looking to attend apex but not sure
Trade school in my area is 20 grand and class times are in the middle of the day almost impossible to take the classes while working full time but it is the only way to get hired in my area besides the union
Ya sounds like you've got limited choices on what path you can take. Union will take care of you though if you can get in
Apprenticeships are much more thorough, but few companies offer them anymore... Trade School is getting almost as costly as a college these days... Also, they are mostly theory, and not actual job practices, and as a result, do not guarantee you employment...
Trade schools in general are basically educational institutions that don't guarantee all that is needed and or required to work in the field and then something out of some sort of other types of tools, experiences, training, applied knowledge, credentials, skillsets, theory and practice on career related technical education based on all other accommodated resources that aren't always useful when necessary with all due respect indeed.
I went to a trade high school; normal high school classes, with a focus on a shop of your choice. 10th-12th grade was hands in expirance 10th grade was resi, 11th commercial, 12th was industrial; plus theory, print reading, etc. 12th grade consisted of two weeks of school, and two weeks on the job with a company. My final was testing out of 1st year apprenticeship, and 16 years later, still in the trade. Didn't cost me a dime.
That's badass man! I wish all high schools offered something like this...either that or I wish there were more trade high schools in more places and lots of people knew about them. Thanks for sharing!
I went through the Associated Builders and Contractors school in Michigan 27 years ago. I was also working as an apprentice at the same time. The combination of on the job training and classroom work was invaluable in my development as an electrician. Michigan now requires that all new apprentices be registered with the state labor board and take a 4 year accredited program before they are eligible to sit for the journeyman's test. I agree that attending trade school without the jobsite time doesn't make sense unless it's your last resort. Having said that, I also feel that skipping the trade school completely is a serious mistake.
I’m thinking about joining the program. I’m completely green. Do you think it’s a good idea to pay for the classes? They also said they have a list of companies I can call to get a job.
Dang it sucks i didnt hear this from anyone untill now. I'm going to a trade school paying 7k for a year, we are learning stuff like blue print reading, NEC codes, how to bend pipes. Now it feels like I'm waiting my time
I enrolled in a accelerated program for 6 months. It was the best decision of my life. It actually should how serious I was going forward with my career to some employers. The trade school I attended touched on everything from ohms law to blue prints in a short amount of time. There was a lot of hands on experience from labs, not to mention a 1600 sq ft, tenant improvement which included wire pulls, pipe work, and title 24. In a short amount of time, and of course the NEC. If you would like to know more from my story, comment below.
A year damn... I did a 6 month first year program to finish 1st year
enrik valle enrik valle thanks you so much for the reply my friend, my schools curriculum is like that.
did your classes turn out to be beneficial when you started working on field? Like did you feel ahead of others? did you start your program first then joined the work force? Because that's what I'm doing, iwant to learn as much as i can first and then get into the work force.
enrik valle I'm starting trade school August 6 as a electrician. We pretty much will be hands on, pipe bending, wiring, fire alarm system, etc. I just hope it's worth it..
@@SvnakeGaming how much are you gonna pay and to what school will you go?
I'm a first year apprentice in the union outta boston, schools free you pay for books but it's great you go to school one day a week 8hrs and work the rest of the week I have been in for about 6 months and have learned a good amount both on the job and in school...
Now if you are not picked to get into a union the only idea or choice you have is a community college and make sure the AAS is transferable to a 4 year college so you can upgrade it to a bachelor's degree for a management position if needed . I have known people who go to trade school or technical schools and are locked because the only thing they can be is a tech , myself I just looked into transferring my 2 year AAS to a college that will accept it to add another 60 credits for a BA dont know what it will do but I have heard for a management idea a BA will be better than just having an AAS
I plan on going to trade school and gain some hands on experience but I plan on getting a Union job as an electrician.
I started with a contractor in may. The owner is on the board for IEC out here and got me all set up I start Monday. And all the hours I worked the last 3 months are being applied to my ojt hours
Hows the IEC im thinking of applying in San Antonio TX september 2020. Do you go in wirh no experience at all? And what did you need to tale to apply?
Thank you for being an honest person I take very serious. What are you saying you have a blessing day
very good video i was fortunate n lucky to learn ole school had learned from on the job training never went to no trade school best way to learn is hands on been in field 15 years n i love it
As always thank you for taking your time to post videos about a trade that we all always. I’m a proud local 134 union member and I can tell you outside of my initial 300$ tool purchase I have not paid another dime for the skills, knowledge and abilities I gained through a union apprenticeship. The first 9 weeks were unpaid but beyond that I was paid well for all the on the job training and schooling I attended there after. Like Dustin I can only speak to my experience, but what I have experienced is that a union apprenticeship training program provides you with training and proficiency in the big 3 facets of our trade, which is residential, commercial, and industrial. What this training deters is the apprentice who becomes a journeyman who only is proficient in one aspect. And you cannot beat the benefits that the IBEW provides. This is just my respectful opinion.
Thank you for the comment my friend, I still think about going union sometimes because I do see the benefit in it. I'd just like to get the experience and be able to tell people with confidence what the pro's and cons of both environments are. I know the union treats you right, no doubt about that. How many years have you been in the union?
20 years this month which is very hard to believe. Obviously some areas of the states are more pro union than others. Myself being from an area that is and I don’t know how that distribution of work falls in a state like Texas between union and non but I can tell you in those 20 years the longest I ever sat home because of a lack of work by the contractor was 7 consecutive weeks in 20 years. At the end of the day whether your union or non you are still working for a private business who is trying to be profitable and if your going to keep continue to work for that company you have to be conscientious, responsible, and accountable to show up and do your best work which is no different for either side of the table. The training, benefits and support is where I see the difference take place, again though this is my insight from my little slice of the country.
Didn't make into the union when I applied, I'm going to trade school next January for a 7 month program.
I can add one of my coworkers is a non union electrician and he went to a trade school for electronics he went to ITT TECH AND paid an ungodly amount of money for it and it's not transferable either now alot of companies want for management spots a BA in some kind of enphasys in management.
General rule of thumb is to avoid any for profit college. Go for state or local schools that are non profit and gov funded.
Hey Dustin,
That trade school video would be awesome.
I’m a high school sr and I have some hand tool experience (general tools, drills, screwdrivers, pliers) and I can apply for IBEW 5 year electrical apprenticeship. Or I can apply to all the electrical companies in my area that are apprenticeship sponsors and say I want to start an apprenticeship, I have the tools you outlined in your video on Electrician U and try to get hired in. I’m a really hard worker, I’m on time and don’t miss days of work, I’ve done some general construction, a little concrete work, landscaping jobs, I have very little electrical knowledge but I really want to get into this trade. What’s your opinion as a guy that owed a company when hiring new guys like me? I have a electrical system and recent code book to look over (outlines how circuits work and some general DIY electrical and code) before I start calling around I want to learn what I can. Sorry for a long comment but keep up the awesome channel, you seem like a really cool dude!
just do it! sounds like you are ready.
how it going now bro?
@@hustlegaming5340 I’m a year and a half into a non-union apprenticeship and loving every minute!! Working everything from 12v to 480v. Not live of course haha.
@@joneastling3336 aye wish me good luck when I finish high school and I have a quick question. Does construction class mean I had hands on experience with tools for electrician ?
@@hustlegaming5340 I honestly don’t know, I didn’t take the trade school route I cold called companies and I’m very happy with the one I’m at. If the company wants a fresh guy they will teach you everything. We had a guy who didn’t know how to use a hammer. Having some tool handiness don’t hurt tho.
I'm located in Knoxville tennessee, and the local TCAT promises apprentice level 1 diploma, level 2 certificate, and helper certificate in 12 months. For me, it seems to expedite the process a bit. I've been wiring my whole life, but kind of doing a career change from turning wrenches at the moment, so want to learn everything as professionally as possible and not spend 4 years as an apprentice. We'll see how it goes. The state is paying for it all :) but at 34, its time to do something different! I did attend Nashville Auto Diesel college in 03, and at that time, they didn't even provide ase certs. It was pretty much a scam. I paid a lot of money to just sit and watch power point presentations. This time around, i did my checking to make sure this place was accredited and met the state credentials.
Hey man I'm from Knoxville too and thinking of taking that program at TCAT. I actually went by there today and picked up some paperwork and schedules and stuff. Haven't pulled the trigger yet but I'm probably going to do it. Especially if TN Reconnect is going to pay for the tuition side of it. I'm also up for a career change. I had a buddy who went to Nashville Auto Diesel several years back and basically said the same thing you did. Don't know if you'll ever see my comment, but just in case you do - how is the TCAT course? Would you recommend it?
In California you need to go to trade school so you can get your ET card to become an apprentice. California has the highest regulation then any other state because we have earthquakes.
Any recommendations for San Diego? Good Fast program
In a way u kinda right but u need that schooling it'll click later but once that light bulb is on only u can cut it on or off
I start trade school for electricity tomorrow so I'll let you know how it is in a couple weeks lol. I'd probably pick the routes you're talking about if I didn't have all of my classes and books paid for with my GI bill. Just makes sense for me to do trade school at the moment though.
Hows it going man?I'm planning to join the military and when I get out use my GI bill to become an electrician. Is it worth it?can you tell me a bit about your experience?I'd appreciate any help man
The trade school isn't that bad at all. Never had a foundation in this type of stuff so I'm learning it from scratch. We're learning stuff like wiring 3 way switches, 4 ways, gfci, ohm's law, and going over NEC chapters so far. Once you pass the class, it takes away from one of the years you have to be an apprentice (all trade schools are diff tho). I'm enjoying it so far haha. Have any specific questions just let me know.
@@stephenstrange5663 i have a question.. I'm getting out of the military soon and I'm considering using G.I. bill to go to a electrical trade school for 7 months (14k in total) then earn my diploma and apply to the union. Is that a good idea or should i just try and go straight into the union? Note* i have no experience in any electrical stuff
Well, almost every trade school in my area and that I’ve heard of does something called lab time. So technically trade schools do give you hands-on training and experience.
Thanks for this awesome info, thinking of going into the trade school first to get experience but sound like just getting the job and learn on the job is way better! Is 40 years old to late to get into this trades career?
Michael L it’s never too late to start something new
In New Jersey which is the state requires you to go to a trade school and as well as 4 years of field experience to become eligible to take the journeyman’s exam
So in my case I needed to go to trade school .. curious to hear what other states requires
anyone from Florida have a take on this?not sure if i should do school or apprenticeship
i'm currently looking at Tampa JATC. I believed there's a couple other around Florida. they pay you to go to school and get your apprenticeship.
@@koda927 Did you end up going to Tampa jatc? I was planning on going to one in Tampa too
I’m still going to trade school at my local community college which is a 2 year program. It really helped me understand a lot of the theory in electrical and understanding the mathematics. I didn’t pay a dime for trade school other then my books since financial aid covered the rest. I have Friends from Work that come straight from private trade schools and they tell me they paid 10-20k for their 8 month “education” 😂
Since when is financial aid free? You may not be paying now but you will one day...
What’s your major
Brandon Ragadio if its a pell grant you dont
As long as you finish
@@Kysparky it's free believe me. for only 1 year tho then you're paying on your own after that. they only do that if you graduate from high school without having to do another extra year of high school. so if you graduate high school with only 4 years the school will support you by giving you finicial aid. but only works for 1 year so use it wisely. so far I've been watching this guys videos and hes saying it should only take up to 1 year to become an eletrician so I guess I'm gonna give it my best shot to become one. wish me luck guys
Sorry I made the same question in your mail box but I could find the answer in here. You are totally right . To be payed to learn . Yes that is the better choice. An addition If you still want to get a degree after your apprenticeship ok because you are already earning moning from your job . Thanks Dustin
The IEC in Houston Texas was paid for by the company I worked for and was 4 years. Great program and was worth the time.
Badass dude, that sounds like a company that values quality right there.
remember i talked to you about being an electrician in the past man and well went from fire alarm to electrician glad i did sadly i moved back to California and well i did have to go back to trade school but worth it love what i do and thank you.
Hey bro Im 19 from California, Getting into the union is very competitive down here. I’m looking to go to trade school but still undecided.. any advice?