Show this video to your friends who need a career that isn't going away

[Flash953]

I'm a career electrician at an Oil refinery. Journeyman Electricians are worth there weight in gold everywhere in the US. My college degree did not prepare me at all for this work. You get an apprenticeship through JATC and the IBEW Electrical Union. You get paid and you go to school at night. After 4 to 5 years you take a Journeyman's test. Let the games begin!!!!

[captain queeg]

1. I wish more Americans would go this route

For some reason nowadays a college degree is still seen as a necessary step for a decent career. I really don’t think a college degree gives you much practical knowledge. I’m not denigrating a college degree, but it’s not necessary career wise.

[pfitz59]

2. I'm a proud graduate of Navy Electricians Mate "A" School

Rose in rank to EM2 (SS). Then moved on to other adventures.

[NJCher]

3. In nj

They have to take a certain # of college hours. I think the professional association or union pays for it.

I always used to get these guys in my interpersonal comm or speech classes. I always liked having them in class. They were sincere students, not just taking the class because they had to.

[mac2766]

4. I competed at the national level a few years ago...

It wasn't the same organization, but it was still a national competition. Our team won state in Florida, then went to Louisville for the nationals. We placed 15th. It was a descent time. A lot of hard work. All contestants were required to be enrolled students in a program related to the field that they were competing in.

I left my long time IT job after 20 years and went back to school. I have 2 IT related degrees and now a vocational certificate. I'm working as an electrician today, and have been for 4 years.

In Florida, you don't have to go through an apprenticeship program or even hold a journeyman card at all to be able to test for your Electrical license. There are strict requirements though. A minimum of six years in the field, and a series of examinations. I'm hopeful that I'll be able to get my license by the time I'm 60. Working for an electrical contractor doesn't pay much and there are no benefits. The work is very rewarding - especially when you can resolve a problem for a customer. I've already seen what some "electricians" do for customers. It's satisfying to repair a potentially unsafe electrical issue for a customer. They are very appreciative. Especially those that have been shocked.

The NEC is a wonderful organization. I doubt that people fully appreciate what the electrical code has done for them.

Of course, I can only speak for the electrical field.

[Flash953]

5. That's pretty cool. Too bad we dont have more compettitions like this

I'm about 60 as well. I have done a lot of industrial but no residential. I understand what you mean when you solve problems for people and they are appreciative. Good on you Man!!!