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| Subject - help with searching for a job | |
| ryan1 |
How does a new guy to the industry get his foot in the door? I'm finding that nobody wants to hire a guy with no experience. most employers want either a licensed Electrician or at least a 3-4th apprentice. It's sort of discouraging to keep getting told NO NO NO. I dont know what i'm going to do. |
| lctrc789 | I would keep trying, keep in mind a lot of people are out of work, and very slow right now. The ones that will get hired are the experienced ones, Have you got any smaller contractors that are hiring, that is a place to start. Don't know where you live but you may have options suchs as residential,a way to get foot in the door. or a smaller contractor, that does both residential/commercial. A local union is another way depends on how strong you feel about that and how strong a union is in your locality. Does your state require licensing? |
| ravengotu | Where are you located as good helpers are as good as a good journeyman...California always needs electricians... |
| anne | Do you have a stable work history? Little sick time taken? Do you have skills which might relate to trades other than electrical? Many employers seek out those who are knowledgeable about many areas rather than one - a "well-rounded" person. Show potential employers you are eager and energetic. "What you lack in experience you may make up for with education, and other positives." Believe it or not, some employers don't look for the "most experienced" guy - and that's not just because of pay...they don't want someone who is going to come into their company and "step on someone else's toes"....and they may want someone who will follow and learn their way of doing things - not someone who's "set in their ways". Create a resume -- or have someone do one for you. Resume's can help you look good on paper - can you get a written letter of recommendation from someone? Think positive - be positive... good attitude and a bright outlook can make up for a LOT! Don't forget about your local city and county maintenance departments -- they like to hire locally and also look into your state's website and the federal government website. There are many occupations related to the electrical field too...Maybe you need to "expand" your search just a little? Check out the governments Occupational Outlook website and this page specifically for the electrical trades: http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos206.htm Hope that helps! |
| kbsparky | You might want to seek out a one-man operation, and ask him if he needs "help" ... That way, you can learn as you go, and the owner has an extra set of hands available to get the jobs done. That's how I learned this trade -- by working for an old-timer who worked alone most of the time. He took the time to teach me this trade, and I did the "dirty work" allowing him to become more productive with his time. I ended up working with him for 7 years, until he died. We were so close at that time, that I was asked to be one of his pall bearers at his funeral, which I was honored to perform. -Ken |
| Mike Delaney | Say a prayer. |
| CooCooMike | too bad about the old timers like they say" he forgot more than you will ever know" i love to work with people like that with a wealth of knowledge just waiting for a person to pass it on to |
| Ryan_J | Somebody will hire you with a cool name like Ryan. :) |
| ladyestrogen | Like Mr. Mahoney said, maybe you should try the local IBEW (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers). They are usually happy to see someone like you if you are willing to enter the apprenticeship program. There is an IBEW Yahoo Group on the web or look up sites for IBEW in Google. An apprenticeship is a great way to break into the trades. -Ladyestrogen |
| Kyllini | I'm an Electrical Contractor / Mechanical Engineer (non-practicing) in Ocean Twnshp NJ. My business was located in Essex county for over 10 yrs, doing primarily (but not exclusively) government work. I moved 6 months ago to Monmouth county NJ & am re-establishing my business down here, focusing mostly on residential and commercial work. I have a total of over 20 yrs experience in the field, so a position with me should be considered secure. I'm looking for a right hand man/woman experienced in residential & or commercial electrical wiring, repairs and installations. I'm also looking for apprentices with some experience. The right people will grow with the company, and receive substantial compensation & advancement & possible profit sharing. The company is also planning on diversifying with an I.T. department (design/installation & sales), & supplemental electrical sales. Anyone from central Jersey (or within an easy commute) interested in what I have to offer, please go to www.safetyelectricinc.com (employment section) and e-mail your info or call me (John) at the # given. Nice & rare opportunity for the right person(s). Position(s) are currently open. Don't wait too long. |
| wandering sparky | quote: Unfortunately , they get pushed out of where they need to be and get sidelined. I learned so much from those guys with 20+ years in the trade. Most of the had the patience to really take the time to teach someone the trade. I know when I'm working with a green apprentice , I have to ask myself "what would so-and-so say or do?". Now , too many want it it done fast. Funny how there is always time to go back and fix it, but never enough time to do it right the first time. |