3 answers
john
Student
Gulfport, Mississippi
1
Question
Updated
387 views
Informational Interview For an Electrician?
1. What made you want to become an Electrician?
2. What are the tools and skills you need to learn to become an Electrician?
3. How would you feel about reporting to a person younger than you in the Electrician field?
4. How much do you expect to earn starting in an entry-level position as an Electrician within the next five years in Hattiesburg, MS?
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3 answers
Robert Lewis
Job Foreman/Journeyman Electrician
1
Answer
Fayetteville, North Carolina
Updated
Robert’s Answer
Great questions! I actually was a landscaper and part of a mowing crew, I broke my ankle and when it healed I couldn’t go straight back to work there. My cousin got me an interview with his boss doing residential and the more I did it the more I learned. I love doing electrical because it has structure and rules, but, there are a lot of things you have to figure out on your own and being creative.
Being a good electrician requires a good work ethic. If you remain open, teachable and willing you will have no problem excelling in this field. When you start you will need Lineman’s pliers, wire strippers, regular flathead, Phillips and a large flathead plus a pair of channel locks. That’s a decent starting tool set and as you go you will see other upgrades and tools you prefer.
I don’t mind reporting to younger people as long as they are willing to hear you out. There’s a lot of things you don’t get to see as you plan out things, so you have to be able to accept there are other ways. I was already in my 40’s when I did my apprenticeship.
From what I see on the low end in your area salaries start around 27k a year.
Check for apprenticeships in your area.
Do an internet search for electrician and electrician apprentice salaries where you are willing to
Being a good electrician requires a good work ethic. If you remain open, teachable and willing you will have no problem excelling in this field. When you start you will need Lineman’s pliers, wire strippers, regular flathead, Phillips and a large flathead plus a pair of channel locks. That’s a decent starting tool set and as you go you will see other upgrades and tools you prefer.
I don’t mind reporting to younger people as long as they are willing to hear you out. There’s a lot of things you don’t get to see as you plan out things, so you have to be able to accept there are other ways. I was already in my 40’s when I did my apprenticeship.
From what I see on the low end in your area salaries start around 27k a year.
Robert recommends the following next steps:
Gurpreet Lally
CareerVillage.org TeamCommunity Manager at CareerVillage
78
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
Gurpreet’s Answer, CareerVillage.org Team
Hey John,
While you wait to hear from a professional in this field, I wanted to reach out with responses from other student questions that you might find helpful.
Jon Fireman responded to this post (https://www.careervillage.org/questions/615433/information-interview-for-electrician) and said
" For skills - communication (listening and talking) are important. You need to fully understand what your manager or customer is asking you to do. Not just superficially, but deep down. There may be technical issues or installation problems (holes in the wall, etc), that they are not aware of. That explaining and talking through, may lead to other ways of implementing the job. Or at least no surprises. A willingness to learn and admit that you don't know something. Or if you thought you knew how to perform a job and then you realize you don't, to stop and talk though what needs to be done. Mistakes can lead to injury or equipment damage. Of course you need a certain level of mechanical skill. While trade school or learning on the job will teach you many things, being handy with tools goes a long way.
An additional thought on teamwork. Often you are working with other trades or around other trades. Plumbers and HVAC duct folks always seem to be competing for the same holes through the walls. Or cutting holes through the carpenters beams. Being able to negotiate with them just makes the day go smoother."
I would also check out this post (https://www.careervillage.org/questions/324226/what-are-the-requirements-to-become-an-electrician) to learn more about the requirements to become an electrician
While you wait to hear from a professional in this field, I wanted to reach out with responses from other student questions that you might find helpful.
Jon Fireman responded to this post (https://www.careervillage.org/questions/615433/information-interview-for-electrician) and said
" For skills - communication (listening and talking) are important. You need to fully understand what your manager or customer is asking you to do. Not just superficially, but deep down. There may be technical issues or installation problems (holes in the wall, etc), that they are not aware of. That explaining and talking through, may lead to other ways of implementing the job. Or at least no surprises. A willingness to learn and admit that you don't know something. Or if you thought you knew how to perform a job and then you realize you don't, to stop and talk though what needs to be done. Mistakes can lead to injury or equipment damage. Of course you need a certain level of mechanical skill. While trade school or learning on the job will teach you many things, being handy with tools goes a long way.
An additional thought on teamwork. Often you are working with other trades or around other trades. Plumbers and HVAC duct folks always seem to be competing for the same holes through the walls. Or cutting holes through the carpenters beams. Being able to negotiate with them just makes the day go smoother."
I would also check out this post (https://www.careervillage.org/questions/324226/what-are-the-requirements-to-become-an-electrician) to learn more about the requirements to become an electrician
Robert Olah
Electrical Construction and Maintance.
16
Answers
Dundalk, Maryland
Updated
Robert’s Answer
It was the family business. I was making great money as a helper starting at 12.
The possibility of making great money while working persuaded me to do it.
The tools you need to learn will vary widely with the type of job that you will be working on. The main ones are Pliers, screw drivers, wire skinners, and a voltage tester. There are numerous tools that you need to learn how to use. They are used by other trades too. Generally, you will need to learn any tool that is made, if not only to repair it for the operator but for yourself.
Reporting to a younger person can be a point of contention. If he is the Boss, then he is the Boss but if he acts like a fool then you treat him like one.
Like they say "Do as they want, and you screw them every time.
The Boss should be aware of the skills of his people. Treat them with respect, these people have many years of experience and can make or break a job.
As for the last question, sorry but I don't have answer for that. you should be able to research this information through your state wage department.
The possibility of making great money while working persuaded me to do it.
The tools you need to learn will vary widely with the type of job that you will be working on. The main ones are Pliers, screw drivers, wire skinners, and a voltage tester. There are numerous tools that you need to learn how to use. They are used by other trades too. Generally, you will need to learn any tool that is made, if not only to repair it for the operator but for yourself.
Reporting to a younger person can be a point of contention. If he is the Boss, then he is the Boss but if he acts like a fool then you treat him like one.
Like they say "Do as they want, and you screw them every time.
The Boss should be aware of the skills of his people. Treat them with respect, these people have many years of experience and can make or break a job.
As for the last question, sorry but I don't have answer for that. you should be able to research this information through your state wage department.