Electrician At Retirement

tsmith

Folks,

My first post, but coming to the professionals for advice.

I'm in my 50's and will be retiring from a white collar job in a few years. I've been giving considerable thought about what I want to do when I retire. The last thing I want is to sit around. I'm in good shape, healthy and want something that keeps me moving, outside, thoughtful and active.

One more point: i"ve always done my own reconstruction work, and I'm very proud of doing "professional" electrical, plumbing and carpentry. I'm good at it and careful to do quality work. I trained as electronics tech in the Navy, so I'm pretty good with electronics.

So, to the question: I'd like to become a part time electrician when I retire. Since the usual route is start with apprentice work, I can't imagine any company would want to take on an "apprentice" in his 50's. My experience, even if my work is good quality, is pretty basic.

What are your thoughts on getting into the business at this age? What kind of training would help me out, and what would you recommend as a certification process that would make sense? And, is there anyone who'd hire me, or would I be, in effect, hanging out a shingle?

Thanks for your thoughts - I appreciate it.

tsmith

Magnettica

From what you have described, you seem to know how to do the work and believe in doing quality work. Will u come to work and be on time everyday? With all three of those qualities you'll move up quickly at any company. Plus, the employer knows he can count on you to show up. Believe it or not, that is an obsticale in our field. I would suggest familiarizing yourself the National Electric Code because even though you know how to make things work, the work might not be getting done the correct way.

Good luck!

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jrclen

Go for it. I don't know about your location, but around here there are many people working for Electrical Contractors who are not licensed nor apprentices. They work with licensed electricians who ensure they do things correctly. If you do the job, your age is not a problem. Good luck.

jrclen

That made me chuckle right there Magnettica. I have been familiarizing myself with the National Electric Code for around 40 years now. And I'm still familiarizing myself with it.

mickeyco

Don't waste your time reading the NEC get it on audio CD.

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Some people climb mountains. I take out the trash. But we both do it for the same reason.

Magnettica

We all have to start some time.

Wow, 40 years is a long time. You must know everything by now!

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jrclen

Ha ha. Not even close. Sometimes I think the longer I've done it the less I know. Still learning.

DBack Elec

Good one! Mickeyco

tsmith

Thanks for the kind words. I'll also check tradeschools for training. Want to do it right if I'm going to do it.

GSE

If you want to do it right, the private trade school is not the answer, it will take your time and money and leave just about where you are now, no job and no certification.

To do it right you need to find a electrical contractor and enter am spproved apprentce program, the contractor can apply for credit for some of your previous work, before you start the program, that will speed up the time you need to spend in school and on the job, depending on the type of experience you have.

I was not going to reply, until I seen Navy training in electronice, the best trainning on this planet, so you may stand a chance of doing what you want.
Good Luck

Try to find a contractor in your area, that will take you on.

JohnJ0906

The thought of that voice reading anything at all is enough to make me stick a drill bit in my ears...

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John from Baltimore
"One Day at a Time"
All replies based on the 2008 NEC

mickeyco

In high school I dated a girl that sounded like her (shudder), she was blessed in ways other than vocal, I wasn't sure if anyone would pick up on that.


I pulled the joke on a friend (with a better image) and had him going.

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Some people climb mountains. I take out the trash. But we both do it for the same reason.

Celtic

Oh my GAWD, it's 210.12(B)!

+ YouTube Video

I dunno...which is worse?
The Nanny or Janice from "Friends"?

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nap

In our local, we had an apprentice that started as a 2nd year (in the schooling) due to his knowledge when he was 53 years old. The fact he had a PhD and had owned a survey company and had been a college professor did not stand in his way one bit.

I would caution you though. Please do not take this wrong but if you are speaking of a field electrician, the work can be very strenuous. If you are not used to hard physical labor on a daily basis, it may be more than you want.

I remember when I first started my apprenticeship. It took me a year or two to toughen up enough so I didn't go home so exhausted I simply crashed on the couch. I was amazed at how much physical work it actually was and I had worked many blue collar jobs before that. Yanking around a spool of 500 MCM is a lot of work, let alone 4 of them.

Depending what you are doing, you may be climbing a 12 foot ladder a hundred times a day. (Makes really good looking calf muscles though)

Not saying it can't work out or you shouldn;t do it, merely be aware of what you are getting into before you do it.

Personally, if I were your age, I would rather become a pro fisherman. It is a lot of work but somebody has to do it.