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What tips do you have for and new apprentice?

High school senior.

careeradvice careergoals careerpath electrical skillbuilding professionaldevelopment highschoolsenior skilled-trades training handsonlearning apprenticeship entrylevel apprentice career-tips
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Liam’s Answer

When you are young and have the ability to stay out on your own terms, make money like you never have before, and experience life a little bit more, you have the tendency to try to live a little more and study a little less. This is just human nature. You want to get the most out of life now that you have freedom and money. I won't say don't live, but remember to study. I have seen too many people that get out on the job and they have what it takes to move up in the trades but they stay out late and socialize too much and then don't continue in the program or grow further in their career.
The trades are tough. I have never met an electrician or someone from similar trades that has had their life completely handed to them. You are working for your money and you are studying to know more than the guy next to you. You will have difficult times at some time so prepare now. Save money, set aside study time, plan on getting laid off (because you will be laid off at some point), don't spend your money on fancy items you don't need, and stay politically aware. You will be your biggest self advocate so know where you stand as a person in the world and make yourself stable first, then buy toys. You should socialize with who you like, but also people that can help you advance in your career.
Don't let your first job making $25/hr define you as a professional indefinitely. Figure out the best stance for you to become strong as an individual and as a team so you can make sustainable money and save for the future. Start making this plan now.
Thank you comment icon I am really grateful you took the time to answer this question. Austin
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Rafael’s Answer

Hey Austin, congrats on going the apprenticeship route, skilled trades are an awesome career path! My biggest tips are to show up every day ready to learn, ask tons of questions, and never act like any task is beneath you because the small stuff is where you build your foundation. From my own career, one thing that always set me apart was being the person who documented processes and took good notes, because when you're the apprentice who actually remembers what was taught and can reference it later, people trust you with bigger responsibilities fast. Also, stack certifications whenever you can because in my field getting certified early on opened doors to better roles and higher pay, and the same applies in electrical work with things like your journeyman license and any specialty certs you can grab along the way. Finally, focus on building solid relationships with the experienced people around you since they've already made the mistakes you don't have to, and that mentorship is worth more than anything you'll learn from a textbook. You're starting at the perfect time, just stay consistent and hungry!
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