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Should I become an electrician?

  • 07-01-2018 5:37pm
    #1
    Alphabigcock
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 19 ✭


    Ok guys, im 25 years old and have yet to find something that I want to do for the rest of my life. I'm currently in college studying Bioscience but it is unbelievably boring and not stimulating in the slightest. I worry that if i finish out this degree that I'll be in a job that is mundane, boring and with no sense of job satisfaction. The only upside would be stability and good money.

    On the other hand being an electrician seems to be very interesting. I took up an apprenticeship as an electrician a while ago for a short period with a very small company. The problem was that the company barely did any electrical work whatsoever so I was always stuck with the plumber who wasn't a very nice man at all to say the least. I applied for a job opening and have an interview tomorrow morning for a well established electrical company.

    So I had an offer from college and decided i'd go with that instead as I wasn't learning anything with that company. Even though Bioscience isn't the best i'd still choose it over plumbing any day.

    When I was doing the apprenticeship I felt like a man. it felt good. I had pride in what I was doing and I actually felt that one day I'd be useful. Now I don't. Squirting rats in the ass doesn't make me feel like a man and I cant see myself taking pride in my job. I really want to get back to the tools but what scares me is the fear of being unemployed due to the economy as I heard this can be a big problem with being an electrician.

    I applied for a job opening out of curiosity and have an interview tomorrow morning for a well established electrical company.


    So my question to you is. 1.) are electricians really unemployed that often?

    2.) What kind of roles can I move on to as I get older? as in, is there a career path you can switch too when the body becomes too old for the work?

    3.) wtf should I do with my life.

    Thanks guys.
    Tagged:


Comments

  • #2
    Elemonator
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,271 ✭✭✭Elemonator


    Don't totally disregard Bioscience. If you are in later years, I'd finish it out. It'll give you more options to fall back on, you can near totally disregard your Leaving Certificate results as graduates have an easier time getting places in other degree, masters and PhD programmes rather than the mature student option, and finally I believe that it will limit your job options as some jobs and maybe graduate programmes just want someone with a college education and any degree.

    I only say this in case you decide to become an electrician and you don't like that either. I would personally pursue it if I wished after my degree., unless I truly hated my degree programme. Research alternative careers with your degree, there must be more fields out there.

    With regards to electrical apprenticeships and your question about roles after qualification, have you looked into an apprenticeship role in the ESB? Many go into managerial work and I know of one that after became a maintenance electrician manager in a drugs company.

    Both are very transferable jobs internationally.

    Best of luck!


  • #3
    pablo128
    Closed Accounts Posts: 6,219 ✭✭✭pablo128


    I have 2 brothers who are qualified sparks. 1 is 41, and has only ever been out of work for a few months even in the recession. He applied for a mortgage years ago with a healthy deposit and was refused as he was in the 'building' trade. He only got a mortgage in the last year as he is in a steady position and not relying on contracts on sites.

    The other bro is 30. He is now working as a cleaner in a hospital. When I challenged him last year why he was wasting his time as a cleaner, he simply told me he is guaranteed a wage every week instead of going from contract to contract. However his working life pretty much began during the recession.


  • #4
    Alphabigcock
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 19 ✭Alphabigcock


    Well the problem is that I'm only in my first year and Its a 4 year programme :/. The problem is that I'm in the position now that I'm not young enough to be messing around anymore and need to pick a career ASAP and its seriously stressing me out.


  • #5
    divillybit
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 562 ✭✭✭divillybit


    I work with electricians on an almost daily basis.. Its a super trade to have. Theres alot of companies that need maintenance staff like electricians to wire plant items or troubleshoot electrical issues.


  • #6
    Alphabigcock
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 19 ✭Alphabigcock


    Wow that's pretty disheartening to hear about your second brother. Could he not look for jobs with electrical companies or as a maintenance electrician somewhere?


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  • #7
    d.pop
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 271 ✭✭d.pop


    Can't give you any advice re Bioscience but a degree generally opens a lot more doors than a trade.
    That said a good tradesman is rarely out of work and of all the trades an electrician has probably the most avenues open to you later in your career.
    Electrian's are also typically the better paid of the trades, assuming you are good and not another house basher...
    If you are close to finishing your degree I would finish it and then see about an electrical apprenticeship or do electrical engineering by night off the back of your science degree.
    End up with 2 degrees electrical and bioscience maybe start making terminators or something...ðŸ™႒
    Seriously though it's a tough one, either avenue has pros and cons.
    Good luck with whichever.


  • #8
    Alphabigcock
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 19 ✭Alphabigcock


    Thats actually a role i'd prefer to have. Less travelling around and such. I applied for an apprenticeship to a pharmaceutical company looking to hire maintenance apprentices too so I'm keeping my fingers crossed for that.


  • #9
    Alphabigcock
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 19 ✭Alphabigcock


    lol @housebasher. Thanks man, If i do decide to make terminators ill make sure you die last


  • #10
    pablo128
    Closed Accounts Posts: 6,219 ✭✭✭pablo128


    Alphabigcock wrote: »
    Wow that's pretty disheartening to hear about your second brother. Could he not look for jobs with electrical companies or as a maintenance electrician somewhere?

    Maintenance electrician is the holy grail for most lads in fairness. And someone else said the pay is good which I would agree with. Roughly 20 an hour plus whatever allowances if on sites.

    I dunno. The younger bro just got disillusioned with it all. I think he got turned off by waiting on his company to ring him during the recession with a bit of work now and again. I don't think that would be an issue nowadays with things picking up.


  • #11
    Alphabigcock
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 19 ✭Alphabigcock


    pablo128 wrote: »
    Maintenance electrician is the holy grail for most lads in fairness. And someone else said the pay is good which I would agree with. Roughly 20 an hour plus whatever allowances if on sites.

    I'd imagine so, seems like a nice handy number, out of the elements and job benefits too!
    pablo128 wrote: »
    I dunno. The younger bro just got disillusioned with it all. I think he got turned off by waiting on his company to ring him during the recession with a bit of work now and again. I don't think that would be an issue nowadays with things picking up.

    I can see where he's coming from. But 4 years is a long time to become qualified in something just to disregard it later on. But as long as hes happy then thats the main thing I believe.


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  • #12
    meercat
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,809 ✭✭✭meercat


    My advice would be to do something you want to do. Life will be better if you’re enjoying going out every day.
    Having said that,any good tradesmen will always be in demand and qualified electricians can diversify into multiple areas. Follow your heart


  • #13
    mycro2013
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 350 ✭✭mycro2013


    Go in to the interview with an blank canvas. Do not mention your last apprenticeship if it comes up say it was work experience. Employers don't want to take on apprentices who may leave after a short duration.

    Sometimes doing a trade with a smaller operation is better as your are required to do all duties. As with all jobs you will have to work with people you dislike and tradesmen are no different to other sectors.

    The company with whom you are having an interview with tomorrow may have a continuous education program and may pay for further education.


  • #14
    Alphabigcock
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 19 ✭Alphabigcock


    That seems to be the recurring theme that I keep going back to. I genuinely don't think i'd be in college studying what I am if it wasn't for the paper chase. How anybody can just settle on what they want to do makes me so jealous. I can never make my mind up.


  • #15
    randy hickey
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,935 ✭✭✭randy hickey


    Seriously?
    Is nobody gonna mention the elephant in the room?


  • #16
    Alphabigcock
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 19 ✭Alphabigcock


    mycro2013 wrote: »
    Go in to the interview with an blank canvas. Do not mention your last apprenticeship if it comes up say it was work experience. Employers don't want to take on apprentices who may leave after a short duration.

    Thats exactly what I plan to do. This interview will hopefully be a resource in finding out if its what i want.
    mycro2013 wrote: »
    The company with whom you are having an interview with tomorrow may have a continuous education program and may pay for further education.

    Thats a very good point actually. Is there any questions that you recommend I should ask them about this?


  • #17
    Alphabigcock
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 19 ✭Alphabigcock


    randy hickey wrote: »
    Seriously?
    Is nobody gonna mention the elephant in the room?

    My username is eh... randomly generated..


  • #18
    El Tarangu
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,620 ✭✭✭El Tarangu


    If you are still in first year, you are what, one semester down?

    Another three and a half years will be a long time studying something that you don't particularly like/don't see yourself using.

    I would give the apprenticeship a shot.


  • #19
    randy hickey
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,935 ✭✭✭randy hickey


    Alphabigcock wrote: »
    My username is eh... randomly generated..

    Well I think we both know where your preferred career path lies, you've known it all along on a subliminal level, and it satisfies your concerns in question two of your original post, i.e. you will never be too old.

    Embrace your future, go forth and excel in the Porn Industry!



    P.S. Don't forget us when you go global, like that Paddy Cosgrave fecker.


  • #20
    Tell me how
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 22,581 ✭✭✭✭Tell me how


    Sounds like you're looking more at the industrial electrician side of the trade. Keep this in mind if applying for apprenticeships as companies who say they do industrial work could be limited to cable/tray insulation rather than panel work. If going to apply for roles as maintenance apprentice, make sure qualification will allow you to do RECI work if you wish to.

    I started as electrician 20 yrs ago, then maintenance work while I did degree part time and worked using that since. Am currently doing Masters. Have never been unable to find work, thankfully, but I know a lot who struggled as sparks during the recession.

    If deciding to go the electrical route, finish your first year in college so you could pick it up again in future from yr 2 should you wish.

    The money as a maintenance electrician is not bad, but in most cases would need the shift premium to bring up to degree qualified level with 3-5 yrs experience and it will top out at that unless further training, roles and responsibilities are considered whereas the degree earnings will rise further.

    All that is just like, you know, an opinion, man.


  • #21
    Alphabigcock
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 19 ✭Alphabigcock


    El Tarangu wrote: »
    If you are still in first year, you are what, one semester down?

    Another three and a half years will be a long time studying something that you don't particularly like/don't see yourself using.

    I would give the apprenticeship a shot.

    exactly. making the leap from the comfort of the college is the issue. But is it really worth it to spend the next 3 and a half years with this uphill struggle?


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  • #22
    Lleyn elec
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 81 ✭✭Lleyn elec


    What other work have you been at if you are 25? That's one question you will defiantly be asked.
    Remember apprentices are used as cheap labor by companies and the last thing you want is to end up spending four years just putting up tray etc in a large company, if you want my advice try and find a company of about 15-30 employees that works in light industrial and commercial jobs (OPW work, schools hospitals light industrial) that way you have a fair chance of being involved in all aspects, such as wiring, panel wiring, containment, second fixing, data, fire alarms etc.
    If the company just does domestic work don't even think of working for them.

    I'm a part time REC and work full time as an electrical engineer tbh most lads I served my apprenticeship with have all moved on from the trade, some like myself still use some of the skills they learned day to day others don't...one lad retrained as biomedical engineer!


  • #23
    thadg
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 275 ✭✭thadg


    There is no point in somebody deciding for you, you have to want it yourself. A qualified electrican has alot of options after 4 years, eg maintenance /industrial/ house bashing/ fibreoptics/ cctv/alarm / access control etc or it would open a door for the wind turbine industry which is growing fast. in 17 years i have never been out of work, stay away from houses, and you will be interested more in the trade

    best of luck on your decision


  • #24
    the_pen_turner
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,540 ✭✭✭the_pen_turner


    I'm a chippy but have worked for a spark a lot on and off . mostly pulling in cables, chasing, filling ,tray, trucking etc.
    it is great work . I enjoy it.

    it is light work mostly
    mostly inside but often in attics
    you nee very little tools (1000 euro will buy you a basic set of everyday tools if you work for some else)could be 20,000 to be a chippy
    well paid(one of the only trades that actually allows you to charge properly)
    great ability to progress into cctv, data cabeling, etc.
    regulations are only making more work for a spark


  • #25
    2011
    Moderators, Home & Garden Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators, Regional East Moderators Posts: 12,634 Mod ✭✭✭✭2011


    I started my 4 year electrical apprenticeship in 1991 in my early 20s. From the day I started until September 2006 I was not out of work a day. During this time I worked as an electrician, electrical foreman and instrumentation technician mostly in Ireland, but abroad too (by choice). I worked mostly in the industrial sector on construction, commissioning and maintenance.

    Good points:
    1) If you are any good there is no end to the work even during a recession.
    2) Good money particularly in pharmaceutical industry.
    3) Lots of opportunities to up-skill and learn especially if you like instrumentation.
    4) Easy trade to travel with particularly for those with industrial experience.
    5) The value of the apprenticeship is what you make of it. It can open a lot of doors for you, it certainly did for me. I have never been out of work in my life.

    Bad points:
    1) Can be repetitive and boring at times.
    2) Domestic work is not mentally challenging.
    3) Not nice to be on your tools when in your forties! I certainly wouldn't fancy working as an electrician for the rest of my life. It's a young man's (or woman's) game.

    In 2006 I was completely burnt out so I quit and pursued a different career within the electrical industry. The experience I gained as an electrician has always stood to me and continues to help me in my current role.

    My advice: If you feel that this is for you make sure that you serve your time with a industrial contractor, not a small domestic one. Not only is the training superior, better paying but you will be far more employable. Domestic electricians can spend more time moving furniture, lifting carpets and crawling around attics than doing actual electrical work! I know because I have wired my fair share of houses. There are plenty of good companies looking for apprentices at the moment too. You could also post on the electrical forum to get opinions form other electricians.


  • #26
    Alphabigcock
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 19 ✭Alphabigcock


    Lleyn elec wrote: »
    if you want my advice try and find a company of about 15-30 employees that works in light industrial and commercial jobs (OPW work, schools hospitals light industrial) that way you have a fair chance of being involved in all aspects, such as wiring, panel wiring, containment, second fixing, data, fire alarms etc.
    If the company just does domestic work don't even think of working for them.

    Luckily enough, the company this interview is with do just exactly that! and the previous company i worked for did just the opposite. feel like i dodged a bullet there.
    Lleyn elec wrote: »
    I'm a part time REC and work full time as an electrical engineer tbh most lads I served my apprenticeship with have all moved on from the trade, some like myself still use some of the skills they learned day to day others don't...one lad retrained as biomedical engineer!

    Can I ask what route you took to become an Electrical engineer?


  • #27
    Alphabigcock
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 19 ✭Alphabigcock


    thadg wrote: »
    There is no point in somebody deciding for you, you have to want it yourself. A qualified electrican has alot of options after 4 years, eg maintenance /industrial/ house bashing/ fibreoptics/ cctv/alarm / access control etc or it would open a door for the wind turbine industry which is growing fast. in 17 years i have never been out of work, stay away from houses, and you will be interested more in the trade

    best of luck on your decision

    Thanks man, glad to hear its worked well for you so far.


  • #28
    Alphabigcock
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 19 ✭Alphabigcock


    the_pen_turner wrote: »
    I'm a chippy but have worked for a spark a lot on and off . mostly pulling in cables, chasing, filling ,tray, trucking etc.
    it is great work . I enjoy it.

    it is light work mostly
    mostly inside but often in attics
    you nee very little tools (1000 euro will buy you a basic set of everyday tools if you work for some else)could be 20,000 to be a chippy
    well paid(one of the only trades that actually allows you to charge properly)
    great ability to progress into cctv, data cabeling, etc.
    regulations are only making more work for a spark

    Nice to hear somebody from another trade have something good to say about another trade lol thats very rare. Thanks man


  • #29
    garancafan
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,034 ✭✭✭garancafan


    Nice one 2011. That's what I call advice.


  • #30
    Alphabigcock
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 19 ✭Alphabigcock


    2011 wrote: »
    I started my 4 year electrical apprenticeship in 1991 in my early 20s. From the day I started until September 2006 I was not out of work a day. During this time I worked as an electrician, electrical foreman and instrumentation technician mostly in Ireland, but abroad too (by choice). I worked mostly in the industrial sector on construction, commissioning and maintenance.

    Good points:
    1) If you are any good there is no end to the work even during a recession.
    2) Good money particularly in pharmaceutical industry.
    3) Lots of opportunities to up-skill and learn especially if you like instrumentation.
    4) Easy trade to travel with particularly for those with industrial experience.
    5) The value of the apprenticeship is what you make of it. It can open a lot of doors for you, it certainly did for me. I have never been out of work in my life.

    Bad points:
    1) Can be repetitive and boring at times.
    2) Domestic work is not mentally challenging.
    3) Not nice to be on your tools when in your forties! I certainly wouldn't fancy working as an electrician for the rest of my life. It's a young man's (or woman's) game.

    In 2006 I was completely burnt out so I quit and pursued a different career within the electrical industry. The experience I gained as an electrician has always stood to me and continues to help me in my current role.

    My advice: If you feel that this is for you make sure that you serve your time with a industrial contractor, not a small domestic one. Not only is the training superior, better paying but you will be far more employable. Domestic electricians can spend more time moving furniture, lifting carpets and crawling around attics than doing actual electrical work! I know because I have wired my fair share of houses. There are plenty of good companies looking for apprentices at the moment too. You could also post on the to get opinions form other electricians.

    Wow very informative reply! Can I ask how you went about pursuing another career within the electrical industry? because this is my plan once I get older.


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  • #31
    salmocab
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,455 ✭✭✭✭salmocab


    Alphabigcock wrote: »
    Wow very informative reply! Can I ask how you went about pursuing another career within the electrical industry? because this is my plan once I get older.

    I'm in the same boat roughly as 2011 served my time and have worked for the last 18/19 years in various types of electrical work. The apprenticeship itself is good and after the second year the money is okay. Ive done extra bits and pieces like getting a QC number which is good. I now work in the data centre industry and the money is good compared to normal sparks rate (which is decent money but youll never be a rich man). I got into this via a guy I used to work with and you will find after a few years that its a surprisingly small industry and you see the same people over and over so you get contacts along the way.


  • #32
    Alphabigcock
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 19 ✭Alphabigcock


    salmocab wrote: »
    I now work in the data centre industry and the money is good compared to normal sparks rate (which is decent money but youll never be a rich man). I got into this via a guy I used to work with and you will find after a few years that its a surprisingly small industry and you see the same people over and over so you get contacts along the way.

    Did you have to do any additional courses to do this line of work?


  • #33
    pablo128
    Closed Accounts Posts: 6,219 ✭✭✭pablo128


    Alphabigcock wrote: »
    That seems to be the recurring theme that I keep going back to. I genuinely don't think i'd be in college studying what I am if it wasn't for the paper chase. How anybody can just settle on what they want to do makes me so jealous. I can never make my mind up.

    If you have a big interest in the trade, your days will fly. I followed my dream and became a mechanic. But with no union the pay wasn't great. I eventually got a pain in my bollox after 11 years of mediocre money and jumped ship. I now work in a warehouse related to the motor trade and get more money. At the same time my bro who is still working as a sparks has no desire to change. He's happy with the work and the pay.

    Another brother is a plumber and he is the same. He has an interest in it and is paid well.

    If you genuinely have an interest, I'd say go for it.


  • #34
    Zimmerframe
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,670 ✭✭✭Zimmerframe


    My advice for what it's worth, is try and figure out what kind of "sparks" you want to be.

    There are so many "trades" which now fall under the umbrella of "electrician", and some companies expect you to be all of them combined, other companies may let you stay in your specialised field.

    eg you could be an electrician, who would spend 90% of their career on a laptop programming plc's, vsd's, hmi's etc.

    Another electrician may spend 90% of their career cutting and joining metal of some sort eg. cable ladder/trays conduits etc.

    The above two examples are so far apart, that it's difficult to say that they are both electricians.

    Then there are examples like instrumentation or high voltage electricians.

    The one thing for certain, is if you are any good, you will not be out of work.

    As per 2011 advice, if you are starting an apprenticeship, choose your first employer carefully, i.e if you want to do instrumentation or programming plc's then don't start with the guy who only "wires houses", especially as you are 25 years old. thus you will be at least 32/33 when you are applying for your first real job with some experience behind you.

    You will be a "qualified" electrician at 29, but depending on where you trained, you may be qualified to do "damn" all.


  • #35
    2011
    Moderators, Home & Garden Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators, Regional East Moderators Posts: 12,634 Mod ✭✭✭✭2011


    Alphabigcock wrote: »
    Can I ask how you went about pursuing another career within the electrical industry?

    I became a full time student and obtained a degree in electrical & control engineering. I have been working as an electrical and instrumentation design engineer ever since.


  • #36
    the_pen_turner
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,540 ✭✭✭the_pen_turner


    I will ecco the above.
    I know an electrition. he served his time working for a large commercial guy but spent all his time doing tray and conduit ahead of another team that did the termination and fault finding etc. as a result he is a top conduit guy but couldn't wire a board. he only ever did it in training to pas the tests.

    I would recommend training in commercial but working for a guy that does both domestic and commercial.
    you will rather commercial due to not having customers and their crap to deal with. but having experience (skills and tolerance) to work domestic. commercial can be very stop start so being able to fit in small domestic jobs can really help you out


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  • #37
    Lleyn elec
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 81 ✭✭Lleyn elec


    Alphabigcock wrote: »
    Can I ask what route you took to become an Electrical engineer?
    2011 wrote: »
    I became a full time student and obtained a degree in electrical & control engineering. I have been working as an electrical and instrumentation design engineer ever since.

    I went the same route as 2011 went back to college full time.


  • #38
    salmocab
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,455 ✭✭✭✭salmocab


    Alphabigcock wrote: »
    Did you have to do any additional courses to do this line of work?

    Not really but there are courses available, they really wanted someone who had a broad working range. My last job before this was with a large contractor but working with the QA/QC department, so I had a background that involved doing testing and verification and doing the paperwork involved in that as well as other works that the sparks I was on site with wouldnt have been involved in.

    There are always opportunities available and the trade is a good grounding to go on and do something else related. There are about 25 sparks in my place but plenty of them are now working in specialist positions or management.


  • #39
    Electric Gypsy
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 240 ✭✭Electric Gypsy


    Just said I'd bump this as I'm thinking about being an electrician too. I don't like the idea of working contract to contract though, as I see here. I'm 34 now and work as a bus driver. I like the job bus I don't particularly feel like I'm challenged enough, or that I've a sense of purpose. I just want to know what options I'd have as regards doing night classes, while working. Also, with the vast amount of knowledge out there on the internet, could anyone guide me to good place that I could self-learn?



  • #40
    Maewyn Succat
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 506 ✭✭✭Maewyn Succat


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121357059#Comment_121357059

    I hate to be the bearer of bad news but no amount of night courses will enable you to become an electrician. It can only be done through a 4 year apprenticeship.

    You may be able to get other electrical qualifications through part time study but for any of them worth doing you need to be prepared for at least a few years of study. Bear in mind these will be more engineering type courses with practically nothing in the line of practical skills that an apprentice electrician would gain through an apprenticeship.



  • #41
    Electric Gypsy
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 240 ✭✭Electric Gypsy


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121364519#Comment_121364519

    What percentage of that 4 yr course is actual work done on site helping other electricians, in comparison to work carried out in the class room.

    Having been through college, it's painful having to sit through huge amounts of classes that are either:

    • taught in an unnecessarily long winded way
    • are about stuff you already know
    • or are about stuff you don't need to know

    Is an electrical apprentice any different?



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  • #42
    Maewyn Succat
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 506 ✭✭✭Maewyn Succat


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121380047#Comment_121380047

    The electrical apprenticeship is split up into 7 phases. Phases 2(22 weeks), phase 4(11 weeks) and phase 6(11 weeks) are spent in college while the rest of the 4 years are spent on site with the employer. There is also quite a bit of practical work in college especially during phase 2.

    How much experience have you had with electrical work?

    In my experience very little of the stuff is taught in an unnecessarily long winded way and most of the information is relevant to the trade. Its a vast trade so if anything the apprenticeship only scratches the surface of it.



  • #43
    Zimmerframe
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,670 ✭✭✭Zimmerframe


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121380047#Comment_121380047

    As I said above in a post from nearly 6 years ago, it's such a diverse trade, you can pretty much do anything, so some of your questions are difficult to answer.

    First point , nothing is taught in an unnecessarily long way, you may or may not have a "boring teacher" or you may be a very quick learner, you have been through college, so you should know about teachers and you should have figured out the latter.

    Second depends on how much you already know, only you and eventually your employer/assessor can answer that.

    Third point, most of the "stuff" is designed to get you "qualified" so there is no option there, you do need to know it.

    I always feel within a short period the direction to head, should become clear. eg if you are more mechanically minded, you may prefer cable tray, containment, the physical installing of panels etc etc. That guy/gal may be salivating at the new Milwaukee threaded rod cutter or the green laser level.

    The next guy will be looking at end ferrule crimpers, and drooling over the schematic drawings.

    It takes all sorts, no particular facet is better than the others, it's what rocks your boat. Some guys vanish, when there is a circuit fault, others relish in trying to find it. Some can handle the pressure of the boss asking "how long ? " before you have even opened the toolbox, others get into a panic and in the end, don't know what day of the week it is.

    When you are on site helping electricians, it depends on the electrician/company. It may be pulling cables through attics for 4 years, it maybe panel building, programming plc's etc. So in an ideal world, if you can decide your direction first, then decide the company/electrician to steer you there.

    One thing for certain, if you are interested you will never be bored, or sick of learning. It's continually evolving and the biggest challenge is "keeping up"



  • #44
    Electric Gypsy
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 240 ✭✭Electric Gypsy


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121381320#Comment_121381320

    I have no experience.

    I do know that some people suggest that those who study FAS courses weren't that intelligent in secondary school, or that they'd have come from LCA in the leaving. In comparison I have an MSc (one year taught masters) which would be a level 9 I think. But I don't get the impression that I would find such an apprenticeship any easier than my third level stuff... which I could bullshit my way through a lot of. I know that must sound like a stupid question, but I still have to ask!

    Where'd be a good place to start self learning online? And also, does the apprenticeship go into the actual science of it much? Because if I were to study it I'd like to come at it from both angles.

    Post edited by Electric Gypsy on


  • #45
    tabby aspreme
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,085 ✭✭✭tabby aspreme


    There's no point self learning to be an electrician, you cannot work as an electrician unless you complete an apprenticeship



  • #46
    Electric Gypsy
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 240 ✭✭Electric Gypsy


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121385817#Comment_121385817

    But I mean, even if I never got to work as an electrician, I'd still like to understand it. That's what I mean?

    If I were doing an actual course on it, I'd be following up on the in-class topics later on the internet in some way, in order to reinforce it and it see it from a different perspective.



  • #47
    Maewyn Succat
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 506 ✭✭✭Maewyn Succat


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121385737#Comment_121385737

    I think you are underestimating the practical skills required to work as an electrician. These cannot be learned online. You could learn all of the technical aspects of electrical work but if you don't have the practical skills you would never be able to work as an electrician.

    The apprenticeship doesn't go deep into the science of it. That would be more to do with electrical engineering. Maybe this is what you would be more interested in?



  • #48
    Electric Gypsy
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 240 ✭✭Electric Gypsy


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121388222#Comment_121388222

    I think I'd like to do both. I've had enough theory in my years of education. You pass exams but you don't feel like you've an actual skill.

    And I guess the best way of doing both would be to do the apprenticeship while doing some self learning of the theory online.



  • #49
    Maewyn Succat
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 506 ✭✭✭Maewyn Succat


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121400961#Comment_121400961

    When you say you would like to do both how do you plan to do this?

    An apprenticeship is 4 years as is a level 8 degree in electrical engineering? There are options for qualified electricians to do degrees part time after they have completed their apprenticeship which is a good option.

    Does any of your theory in your years of education relate to electrical engineering/theory?

    What type of electrical work interests you most?



  • #50
    Electric Gypsy
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 240 ✭✭Electric Gypsy


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121403037#Comment_121403037

    No, I studied biosciences.

    I don't know what type I'd be into. What types are there?!



  • #51
    Maewyn Succat
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 506 ✭✭✭Maewyn Succat


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121403098#Comment_121403098

    Was there much maths in your studies so far? Electrical engineering is very heavy on maths and I've seen some people get tripped up on the maths in the Electrical apprenticeship.

    As an electrician you could be doing anything from wiring houses to maintenance in a factory or power plant. I can't recommend staying away from wiring houses enough though.

    Electrical engineering is a vast field:

    https://targetjobs.co.uk/careers-advice/engineering/what-jobs-can-you-do-electrical-engineering-degree



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