2 answers
Ethan
Student
Antwerp, Ohio
2
Questions
Updated
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What should I do after attending a trade school for electricity? What should I do if I don't really feel like entering a college since its a trade and you want to go out and make money soon as possible?
I’m a sophomore in high school working on a career project. I am really considering entering this trade in the near future, and I would appreciate any insights that can help me with my project and inform my future decisions.
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2 answers
Brian Dreher
Security and Access Coordinator
7
Answers
New Britain, Connecticut
Updated
Brian’s Answer
Depending on your local requirements. After high school the next steps would be trade school and an apprenticeship. The electrical trade is a great trade to get into. There are so many directions you can go. Commercial, Industrial, Residential, line worker. Then there are specialties like Data/Communications, Fire alarm, energy efficiency, Security, Audio Video and many more. It’s all about finding your niche, I believe specializing and become if an expert in the area you enjoy is the key. It’s not all 80 hour weeks banking that OT, unless you want it to be. I’m a Journeyman electrician and found my path to be in Access and Security. I made a really good wage as a programmer/Project manager for a Building Systems contractor and now have a great in house job at a University as the Access and Security Coordinator. Union benefits, very flexible schedule, amazing medical and a pension. It’s all about finding what parts of the trade you enjoy and then figuring out the best way to turn that into a good living you want wether it’s money, work life balance or anything else the trade can offer.
Look into an apprenticeship
Then education requirements. Apprenticeships may pay for it.
Find you niche
Brian recommends the following next steps:
Jeff Desmarais
Principal Engineer
1
Answer
Barnstable, Massachusetts
Updated
Jeff’s Answer
First and foremost, the electrical trade is massive! There is nothing but opportunity if you are willing to work hard, learn, and put in the time. This trade includes everything from the high voltage transmission and distribution down to installing low voltage communication lines. In short, it can take you anywhere you would like to go. The first trick is to position yourself in an environment or industry that allows you to observe and have hands on experience with as many facets of the industry as possible. This will allow you to find a niche that is both enjoyable and interesting. I was fortunate enough to end up in a small colocation company that opened my eyes to mission critical environments. This generated a wealth of knowledge and understanding of complex electrical system, network deployment, control systems, and environmental monitoring. Going this route instead of signing up with as residential apprentice allowed me to take on additional roles and responsibilities within the company advancing my career in the fields I wanted to pursue.
I cannot make this statement any more important, the main driver in learning and implementing in this career path has to be you. Make sure you are asking questions, taking notes, and reviewing the concepts that others are taking time to teach you. This will be your schooling and it needs to be treated as such. Take the time at this age to invest in good decisions that will only position yourself for success and opportunities. Consistency and hard work will set you apart in any field if you are accountable and execute the game plan.
Based on the question, College is a great tool to have if you are going to use what your major is. That being said, understand that college is a substantial investment and a lot of companies have tuition reimbursement plans that allow for a fulltime job while working towards your degree. A lot of companies look for a 4-year degree as a prerequisite, immediately eliminating you from a position if you are going to continue past the trades. I would highly recommend completing your degree however you choose to do so. Just note, the older you get, the more responsibilities come into play that make that goal seem out of reach.
I’ll leave you with this, prior to your interview, study the company and what they can potentially offer you to grow. It is not completely about the pay scale when you are starting out. Also, make your ambitions known to the interviewer to setup a path for success and expectations for growth.
No one ever says congrats on the work, only the results!
I cannot make this statement any more important, the main driver in learning and implementing in this career path has to be you. Make sure you are asking questions, taking notes, and reviewing the concepts that others are taking time to teach you. This will be your schooling and it needs to be treated as such. Take the time at this age to invest in good decisions that will only position yourself for success and opportunities. Consistency and hard work will set you apart in any field if you are accountable and execute the game plan.
Based on the question, College is a great tool to have if you are going to use what your major is. That being said, understand that college is a substantial investment and a lot of companies have tuition reimbursement plans that allow for a fulltime job while working towards your degree. A lot of companies look for a 4-year degree as a prerequisite, immediately eliminating you from a position if you are going to continue past the trades. I would highly recommend completing your degree however you choose to do so. Just note, the older you get, the more responsibilities come into play that make that goal seem out of reach.
I’ll leave you with this, prior to your interview, study the company and what they can potentially offer you to grow. It is not completely about the pay scale when you are starting out. Also, make your ambitions known to the interviewer to setup a path for success and expectations for growth.
No one ever says congrats on the work, only the results!