Finding an apprentice/helper position

4076 Views 25 Replies 10 Participants Last post by dielectricunion, Aug 7, 2014

dielectricunion

Discussion Starter · Jul 24, 2014

Anyone have suggestions on the best way to go about looking for a job in the electrical field? My experience is mostly a range of independent remodeling work, some time working for a total hack GC, and working for a small carpentry shop.

I have done a fair bit of residential electrical in Chicago (I know - this is totally frowned upon), and studied the NEC when I have free time.

Last year I moved to Bloomington IN. I looked into a community college here that offers electrical course programs but between paying tuition and taking time out of my schedule, I probably wont be able to afford to live.

The AHJ here for electrical licensing/permitting is Monroe county and they use NEC 2008 with Indiana amendments.

Anyway, I would really love to work toward a job as an electrician. I know as an apprentice, the pay will suck and it will most likely take a long while before I can legitimately call myself any kind of electrician.

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TxElectrician

· #3 · Jul 24, 2014

Try going by the electrical supply house and ask the counter guys if they know anyone looking for help, or if they would allow you to post something on their door stating you are looking for work.

Don't overstate what you think you know, but tell of your willingness to work hard and learn. If you're not afraid of a shovel, or to climb into an attic, it shouldn't be too difficult to land a job. Good luck!

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TxElectrician

· #6 · Jul 25, 2014

CarpenterSFO said:
What's the law say about apprentices in Indiana? In California the rule is essentially that electrical work has to be done by the contractor or by someone in a real apprenticeship program, so there's a healthy demand for apprentices.

I'd sure emphasize that you're interested in being an apprentice, not just a helper, or you could find yourself carrying spools of cable around for the next 5 years. An apprenticeship program has dates and targets.

Good luck.

Texas Dept of Licensing and regulation states that an apprentice shall work under the direct supervision of a wireman, journeyman or master. No rule here for having to be in an approved apprenticeship.

Might have something to do with the weak union presence here.

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TxElectrician

· #16 · Jul 25, 2014

jb4211 said:
It's my understanding that "officially" there is only one type of electrician. I'm referring to the official title. A licensed electrician needs to know how to install your light switch and provide power to a new shopping mall and everything in between.

Now I know people specialize, but the knowledge for the actual license requires that? Am I right?

I know a few actual electricians, but they're all college graduates with electrical engineering degrees. And they only do commercial/industrial. I actually don't know any residential licensed electricians. Not one.

We have several different electrical license's, and each require differing time in the trade, along with different testing material. The only license that is jobsite specific is the residential wireman. They are allowed to work under the indirect supervision of a master, and run jobs, but only on residential projects 2 story or less. If they are on a commercial job their RW license serves as their apprentice license.

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