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You’re gonna be nervous, there’s nothing you can do about that, necessarily. Just get a goods night sleep tonight, wake up early and get to the airport at least 20 minutes early your first day. Do you know exactly where you’re going, where to park, where to physically show up?
They know that you don’t know anything. Stay off your phone, pay attention, and stay safe. If you don’t know what to do in the moment, ask somebody what they need. Look around and see if anything needs to be cleaned. An empty box is trash, but it can also hold other trash before it finds its way into the dumpster
If you can, bring a pencil, a sharpie, a small notebook, and a pair of gloves, just in case they don’t have a pair for you (they should)
Also, ask your boss what he’d like to see from you. Sure, you have no experience right now, but if he were to set your pay closer to that $20 instead of $16 per hour, what would he like to see to make that happen? Your willingness is more valuable than your experience at this point. Be willing to work, be willing to learn. And stay safe!
Few years ago I had an apprentice that was 20 at the time. He’d put his phone in his lunch box, and it only came out on breaks. I never asked this, he just did it. He was great in everything else, but this phone discipline was what I miss the most. He will always be the one that got away. The great white buffalo.
I had to tell my son,
There is nothing other then life and death that requires you to look at your phone
Good kid, hard worker
My boss losses his mind when I don't answer the phone...
Sometimes I do it on purpose.
Said to him 1 day
So you want me to have my phone in my hand all day or working
Gave him the material list
Fuck off, leave me alone
This is the way if you can't resist using it for only work purposes.
Then you still have it available for emergency calls, though it may take a minute extra to turn on.
I'm one of the few able to strictly use my phone for work. Many managers have tried, many have failed, to find me actually fucking around on it instead of taking photos for reference/finding parts/updating the bossman.
The thing about the phones is that I use my phone for A LOT on the job. Invoice/job management stuff, material list, taking pictures, etc. I get a lot of looks from older customers when I’m “on my phone” while my “Boss” is talking to them, as if I’m doing something I shouldn’t be, when I’m typing up their invoice and doing the back end work they don’t see.
(Edit: spelling for the old lady in the comments
Smartphones are amazing tools. You can take photos, have reference documents, use a calculator, communicate with colleagues… but man are there a lot of distractions in there too
Don’t turn that thing off ever, ringer full blast waiting for the foremans or a journeyman’s next call to either go grab someone something or go sweep up this for someone or asking where whatever was put away. Better than the foreman screaming there name like a madman tryna find the apprentice hiding in the porta john.
I'm not an electrician, but if my boss calls, I take my phone to my truck just so I have an excuse why I didn't answer. He used to call me 20 times a day, disrupt my work, then wonder why it was taking so long.
You don't watch YouTube tutorials on a construction job site... You watch others, pay attention, and do what the boss says. If you need to watch YouTube tutorials you do it on your own fucking time at home. If I ever caught an employee watching YouTube on a job that would be there last day, end of story!
>Do you know exactly where you’re going, where to park, where to physically show up?
This is actually so underrated. When I was an apprentice and nervous as hell, it really helped even just driving by where I was gonna be working so I didn't have to stress about trying to figure out where to go day of. Especially with larger sites, it can be pretty intimidating as a greenhorn.
Thanks, I am actually supposed to start @ $20 an hour.
they hired somebody who didn't show up today, also I was supposed to start a different job cooking tomorrow. I told the recruiter that so he offered me $20
Honestly just nervous as fuck lol
If I’m roughing something for a week. There ain’t much to clean up from wood shavings. End of said week probably stripping and prepping all boxes/ receptacles.
We typically clean/sweep when the process is done. Otherwise “Oh?! So and so missed this hole, and this, so gotta drill again. Oh now I gotta sweep this room for ‘x’ amount of time!” Seems unproductive when you can do it all at the end of the rough. Again. Which is done initially. If I’m somewhere that’s a new build, yeah gonna be a week probably of us working straight then cleaning/sweeping for a couple hours. When the GC comes in talking shit, like, cmon. You want me to bill you for more? Cause we had to pause at the end of everyday for the week? Cmon.
Exactly. Never just stand around. If there’s nothing to do then clean and organize. Also keep your hands out of your pockets, and walk with a purpose. I hate guys that lumber around and drag their feet.
They have the same fucking tools in a restaurant…have you not heard of a bacon stretcher?….picture a newb dishwasher asking everyone if they know where the bacon stretcher is?
I once wired a capacitor into a Copenhagen can (stitched thin safety wire around the base of the can for the other leg of the cap) and set it on the maintenance chief's desk. Told him not to touch it because it was full of electrons.
He did exactly what you think someone would do. Didn't get chewed out because I *did* warn him...
I had an apprentice come back dragging spools of wire on the emergency stretcher once. He's the only one who failed the task successfully. He got a raise.
That’s pretty much any trade lol. I’ve been in carpentry for over a decade and shit talking eachother is how we make it through the day. OP, don’t take anything personal, and listen when you’re being taught. Don’t be afraid to ask questions either. It takes seconds to answer a question, but sometimes days to fix mistakes. You’ll be fine.
Yeah there's basic stuff like always have a tape measure and a screw driver on you, just in case the foreman asks to borrow it or something, but the real important tips are stuff like this.
It sucks sometimes, but the trades have a very different work culture than service/office jobs. A good amount of the guys you will work with will be rude, abrasive, or just actual jerks. Part of being an apprentice is not letting it get under your skin. You're going to fuck up, you're going to receive criticism you don't feel like you deserve, and so on. Just let it be water off a ducks back, and remember not to be That Guy to your helpers when you turn out some day.
This is the biggest thing, just laugh with them. Most of the guys who will try pick on you are divorced cunts who never got enough attention at home. Fuck em
Just try to stay busy and stay off your phone. Don’t ask when break is more than once.
Easiest thing you can do is not walk like a zombie. Sounds obvious but it’s a dead giveaway for a shitty worker when they walk slowly everywhere. Keep it nice and brisk.
You’ll learn everything you need to know there. Just pay attention and you’ll be fine.
That's the thing. The bar is very low. If you are used to moving with a purpose you'll be doing better than about 70% of the other people you work with. Because 50% of the battle is showing up and 20% of it is giving a shit.
I've worked both, and I can tell you that the skills you needed as a line cook ABSOLUTELY transfer. If you weren't a shitty cook, you won't be a shitty apprentice.
You might not be smart enough to be an electrician and still be a successful cook, because I've worked with a lot of line cooks who couldn't follow the recipe for a can of soup. But as far as work habits, the only one you don't already have is to stay off your goddamn phone.
It was too high! They hired someone else to rewire and I have never seen such a mess in my life but got it all wired properly and traded some cash and chiropractor care.
If you aren’t interested in the trade now is the time to start. Ask questions, and learn. Don’t be the guy that doesn’t learn. Do your best to buy tools, tools are 1/2 the job. Bring your lunch it will save time and money over the long haul. Show up early everyday. Unfortunately helpers are best seen and not heard. Do your best to not to make small talk while learning. It can be hard to run your mouth and tools at the same time. Don’t spend excess time in the bathroom. Stay off your phone. Stay off your phone. Stay off your phone. Welcome to the trade.
This is so fucked lmao you might as well replace the word helper with cook and it's the same as all my restaurant experience, thank you I appreciate the advice
As a helper in any trade the advice is the same.
The difference is made by you the helper or cook.
Just as you could advance from cook to chef over several years, you can advance from helper to journeyman to master over the same several year period.
Helper is the bottom of the ladder, you get lots of crap work to do to prove that you are ready to become a full apprentice, then you will start learning the fundamentals of the trade.
Like everyone else has said, put away your phone.
Hustle.
Ask questions
Take notes
Tuck in your shirt, pull up your pants, and wear your belt to keep your pants up.
This ain’t a fashion show.
You'll be alright. Safety should be your biggest concern. Just do what they tell you and if you don't understand ASK. We understand you don't know what the hell you're doing. They WILL fuck with you. Don't get all pissy about it or it will get worse
Just keep your eyes and ears open and be ready to learn. You’ll be moving material around the site, retrieving tools and material, and helping someone who knows what they’re doing get things done.
All you have to do is pay attention and do what they ask you to do, no one expects the brand new helper to know what they’re doing.
Just have a good attitude and do what you're told. Thats all you need for the first couple days. After that just make sure you keep doing what you're told and ask questions if you don't know what to do. Don't worry about why for now.
For the love of God, figure out how to read a tape measure. There's basic guides online. Ibknownit sounds stupid, but I really thought I knew how to read one before starting electrical
Not just read. Figure out how to use the physical tape as well. Lots of dumbasses out there can't measure anything without a buddy to hold the dumb end.
No worries man, a busy kitchen is wayyyyy harder than a helper. Be early, ready, ask questions when unclear, if corrected don't take it as critism.
Learn as much as you can.
Have confidence in your ability to learn and do not pay attention to the irrelevant peripheral bullshit. For some reason there is a compulsion to tear down the new guys. It has nothing to do with you personally, so just confidently remain unfazed by immature bs. Do what you’re told and ask questions when you’re not sure
Also, leave your extracurricular activities for quitting time. Don’t try and stay faded while working. This will give you an edge over the entitled dipshits that filter through all of the trades. First of all, you’re not fooling anybody, it’s just tolerated until you fuck something up or get hurt. Then you’re just out of a job and looking stupid because it’s your own fault. Secondly, it doesn’t help you work more efficiently, that’s just an excuse idiots use to stay fucked up all day. I’m probably gonna get down voted for this priceless advice because the truth is hard to swallow.
Show up on time and be the last to leave.
Always be moving, keep your phone away and only sit down on breaks.
Ask questions and be open to learn. Ask to have your work checked.
And you will always have a job. Drink lots of water.
Wear boots, be 15 min early your first day. Have a tape measure, pen, and paper on you at all times. Listen and write it down. You cannot remember everything. Ask questions and don't get angry. If you can handle being in the weeds on a busy line you can definitely handle this. You got it !
Watch some youtube videos on sweeping, digging and what good brands of left handed wrenches, cable strechers and buckets of steam are.
Other than that show up sober and awake no one will expect you to know rocket surgery first day.
As others have said just take it easy, listen and learn. Even ask questions when things aren't too busy. Ask what you can do to help when you weren't given a task and are waiting to do something. And if you are worried you'll be too anxious. Take some supplements, L-theanine works great, that and GABA
I'd imagine one of the first things they'll do is give you some safety instructions. One thing when working around electricity is don't ever wear metal jewelry. So if you're married take off your metal wedding ring and don't take it to work. Don't wear a metal watch. If you have any big chains, take them off and leave them at home. You don't want anything on your body that's going to get caught in machinery or if it touches something electrified it's just going to make the situation worse. You don't want to have all those things on you when you go to your first day and then they tell you to take them all off and then you need to worry about where you're going to keep them safe
You’ll probably feel lost for the first week or so. Probably be running around gathering material or cleaning. Pay attention the whole time, what the guys are doing, tools and materials they’re using, how they do things. I wouldn’t even take my phone out of my pocket. When you start helping your Jman, try to know what he’s going to do next and have tools/materials ready for him.
One of the most important things to remember is to stay off your phone.
And try to stay busy. Even if you have to ask the lead man what needs to be dome a couple times a day, do it. Having initiative goes a long way in our trade. And, WELCOME SPARKY
Pay attention, show up on time, stay off your phone, show interest, try and see what’s going on and know the next step before someone has to tell you.
Do that and you’ll be twice as far ahead as the average guy starting.
Watch some videos. Try to familiarize yourself with names of tools and materials. Any knowledge, even if it is vague, will be helpful and show your desire to learn. Be a sponge. Never have to be told how to do something more than once. Anticipate the next move. When you finish something, ask for more work right away.
Get a small note pad, and keep it in pocket. Use it. Given a list of things to do? Write them down. Double check you got everything written, repeat the list back if need be. Admit you are stupid, then prove yourself wrong. That's so much easier and better than admitting you are "perfect" or "the best", and then be proven wrong. Writing stuff down shows responsibility to doing things asked.
If you can find a way to record stuff like, the list of things to do, or how to do something, do it, but carefully. Some people and some companies don't like videos being made of them.
Don't try to learn everything, immediately. Learn 1 or 2 easy things, and learn them well. Then... move on to learning another thing. Then another. Becoming good at one thing, then another, takes longer. BUT! Less mistakes. It also builds confidence. Confidence and less mistakes means the job is doing good, that means everyone is doing good, that's better for everyone. If you are starting something from beginning, very little know how of things... you'll never learn everything all at once. So don't try.
Leave phone in pocket. If a phone is a must to have on you, find a way to silence it for everyone but the boss, company, and people working with you.
Use powder in socks and shoes/boots, and in underwear. Bring a change of clothes with you in car, or leave in locker, or backpack, etc. Change shirt if wet, dirty, gross. Change socks often. Don't stink of B.O., make being around you easy, not difficult. Swapping a sweaty shirt at lunch break, makes you look nicer, and more responsible.
If you don't know something, ask. There's always going to be assholes, deal with it. Nobody learns anything from a guy screaming "you screwed up!" But people can learn, and learn better and faster by showing what was done, how it's wrong, and how to do right. If you are stuck with an asshole that's always yelling, tell the boss you aren't learning your job, because you're only being told it was wrong. There's so many ways to do anything wrong, and there's only a couple ways, or less... to do it correct. By not explaining what was wrong at minimum, and what is the right way... then that guy is wasting company time and yours. Even the dumbest person in the world can be taught how to do something, and taught well. You don't need to know everything about your trade, as long as there is someone showing you how to do it right. If they can't do that, bring it up to management. If you don't, then you are now wasting company time as well.
Teaching everyone a job, is good. Teaching everyone how to do the job of the guy above you, is better. Teaching everyone how to do their job, and the job above them, and the job above them, means everyone can make do if a guy calls out. The job can still move forward. That's better for everyone.
Don't talk back or have an attitude and follow directions easy job. A helper is lotterally someone who shadows the expert as it were and moves materials or grabs and hands tools as directed
Advice? Don't get high as soon as you get up in the morning. Pay attention, do what you're told to do, be prepared to take some BS for being a greenhorn, and dont cry real tears. You'll be fine.
Welcome. You're the bus boy now. Your job is menial and stupid. Your goal is not to be the best bus boy in the house, your goal is to be fast and efficient enough that you have a few minutes here and there to start learning prep.
Unless you overvalued your skill level egregiously (which most ppl do) then honestly you’ll be fine. Just come in motivated and willing to work, learn and pay attention to details and there’s nothing more that should be asked of you. Everything else is on the individual hopefully training you.
Handling construction and electrical materials - your gonna Carry heavy stuff around
Keeping (keeps) work area clean- you will sweep up and tidy the site up during the day
Understand and obey safety requirements - you'll wear a hardhat if need be, steel toe boots etc.
Follow instructions and directions - you will listen to the boss and do what they ask, ask for clarification if you're not sure what they are asking for
Work with standards of accuracy - you will listen well to their direction and do them well, you will measure twice and cut once
Its just them being clear and writing up the job description fairly well.
Don't be nervous just put effort in and ask questions if you're unsure. Stay busy through the day, if there is nothing else to do ask for something else or offer to help where you can.
Just do your best and you'll be fine.
I went from running kitchens for a couple decades to jumping into electrical...
Be prepared to work hard but SLOW down. This isn't the dinner rush, things have to be right or bad things happen.
I've found the work immensely satisfying, I make more than twice what I did running my ass off in a kitchen, I only wish I'd done this at 18 instead of 40 (I'd be retired now)
Keep an 11 in 1, a pair of channel locks, a tape measure, penlight, knife, and a sharpie on you at all times. This will go a long way by showing everyone that you are always prepared and ready to work. Pay attention to what the senior guys are showing you, ask questions, and do what you are told. Taking the initiative to clean up or do something that you know needs to be done without anyone asking says a lot about you and your character.
Looks like it's for a beginner level job with no experience expected.
If you want to exceed in that position be there 15 mins early, be eager and willing to learn. And be helpful.
Don't be late, don't complain, don't play on your phone. There expecting to have to train you just remember attitude and work ethic is the one thing you can't teach. So concentrate on those in the beginning more then anything.else
I've spent my entire life alternating between construction and cooking, it's the same thing.
Do the best you can, people will tell you what you're doing wrong, learn from your mistakes and do it a little better next time. There's no shame in the fuckups, that's just breakage and it's part of the plan.
Just like cooking, no one expects you to slam it out of the park on day one. They don't expect you to master on month two. As long as you are progressing, you are going to be fine. Most importantly, follow all instructions from the people in the know, because they know. There is a rhythm to how things are done, even if they don't make sense.
When all is said and done, are you are an asset that makes everything go, or are you a liability that is slowing people down?
I was a line cook, KM who came to the trade at 28. I have no advice about how to avoid feeling like a huge goddamn fool because that has never left me. But there were a lot of things I loved about the kitchen that kinda made me predisposed to electrical. Especially when it comes to the all of the different ways to skin a cat. Everybody has their own take on that classic plate, so to speak. It’s easy to get wrapped in the work..I I think you will find a lot of parallels
Learn the different tools and materials quickly, try to stay out the way if there's a scramble by the journeyman to something quickly. And just work safely. You won't be expected to know much at all, but you'll be expected to learn quickly. So don't show up half asleep, show up clean and showered, look the part!
Were you honest about your level of experience at the interview? If you were, then they hired you knowing that you were going to need a significant amount of training. Don't be afraid to ask for help with anything you haven't done before. Just try to focus on learning and make sure that the work people put into training you pays off.
Is it just a helper position? So going nowhere? Or is it a paid apprenticeship? That will actually lead to something? Cause if it’s just a job then it might not be worth it and u should find a company willing to invest time in u.
youre basically just gonna be a little helper for a while and probably be expected to get some basic tools. whatever you do be ready to help, dont complain, hands out of pockets, no phone, good attitude
Just pay attention and do EXACTLY as you are told, don’t touch anything unless asked to (it might be live) and you will be fine. Everyone has first day jitters
If you’re not sure about something, ask them to clearly clarify what they mean when they ask you to do something. Don’t think you know, know you know. You’re gonna make mistakes, try to learn from them quickly and don’t take it to heart. My first day as an electrician I cut the windings wires on at £5k motor. I was ready to just walk away there and then thinking I wasn’t good enough.
You got this, nothing to worry about.
Show up 15m early with boots and any additional PPE you need.
Stay off your phone, save for your lunch and breaks. Leave it in your car if you can. It's the easiest way to piss someone off that's taking a chance on you. Seriously. Whenever I ask any of my trade friends: "how's that new kid working out?" the first thing they say is whether or not they are on their phone.
Have a good attitude. Shits gonna be heavy and there's gonna be cleaning.
If someone asks you to do something, make sure you understand what it is and if not clarify then and there. That's a lot better than coming back 5 mins later and interrupting someone.
If you're interested in the trade, ask a few questions (but not too many, and not when someone's in the middle of something). Anymore than 1-2 for a full day is probably too many. (This is another thing my trade friends mention about their new guys.)
Enjoy your first day, and stay safe!
Okay so step one have eyes up learn what the goal is for every job don't worry it takes time. If it's dirty clean it if they tell you to get some thing do it quick if you can. On site first day 20 min early every other day at least 15 early. No phone during work time no face book reddit or any other shit. Spend 1 hr tonight learning the tools if you don't know them already after that learn the most common parts. And if your close to electricity keep your fucking hands in you pocket touch nothing until you know what your touching. Good luck it's a great starter job to learn from.
Don't touch live wires, be aware of your surroundings, and watch out for all the stuff laying around that you can trip over, stuff you can bump into and crap overhead that can fall on you. If something seems off or unsafe, question it. Hopefully your employer is serious about safety.
You shouldn't be tasked with anything complicated or inheritantly dangerous, but construction sites are inheritantly full of potential hazards so situational awareness is your top priority day one thru your last day ever. Ask questions, stay hydrated and be observant.
Honestly kitchen work imo is a really good job before doing electrical. It teaches you to be efficient and fast paced. Im glad that's what I did beforehand.
1 - you’re going to be carrying stuff
2 - you’re going to be picking up trash
3 - you have to wear PPE at all times. Don’t use tools, stay off ladders and don’t step on boards marked “hole”
4 - Do exactly what they tell you to do, with some urgency if you want to impress.
5 - Do things exactly how you are taught, time to learn not be creative.
6 - finish what you start, exactly as you are told.
Work with urgency, be respectful, and above all BE SAFE! PPE at all times.
Good Luck!
Put very simply, there’s no need to be nervous at all. Just show up and do exactly what you’re told to do and you’ll do great. If you really want to shine, be proactive on organizing and cleaning.
Wear a cute thong boy 👀🤣
Jk but you’ll just be cleaning the construction site, unloading material deliveries, organizing parts, helping out coworkers moving and possibly installing things.
Say: I'm new and never done this before
Don't try and hide it cuz you won't know wtf they're talking about. Also, contact your local ibew hall and talk to them about becoming an apprentice
I rode around with a service electrician for 2 weeks was pretty good until I had to run 15 ft of wire under a house in a condensed crawl space with pipes in my way , was able to get the wire across but he also wanted me to staple it across the floor above me I started to get uncomfortable and claustrophobic so I got out and explained that I got as far as I could given that I have never done that before could he give me pointers or something but instead he got irritated and told me he didn’t need me at that point not saying he was wrong , was I too inexperienced? Or could he have showed me this once how it’s done
As someone who started with no experience or education it’s not that hard. Just listen to everything you’re told and don’t be afraid to be careful. Also don’t underestimate the power of good notes.
If you can read a tape measure and use a shovel all day and follow directions without attitude you'll be golden. Though usually hiring asap positions are complete dog shit. Also don't be afraid to speak up if something feels unsafe
Bro as a previous apprentice be early by 15 everyday. Don’t stop moving if you don’t know what to do ask. Don’t talk back. Dont be on your phone. Always work when your jman is moving. You’re going to be nervous bro it’s natural. Switching sites eventually you’ll get nervous too. Just try to be the guy everyone wants to work with. Make yourself irreplaceable in a replaceable world.
Get drunk tonight, few monsters in the AM. Vape all day, get beats going in you're headphones.
But for real random sparkey helper jobs are the easiest I did
I was a helper and only worked as a Barista mainly before that. I didn’t even know what some of the tools were called. Took me a year and a half to get in. Now I’m about to take my JW test in September. You got this! Don’t be afraid to ask questions.
Step 1: listen to instructions and don't go looking for a wire stretcher
Step 2: apply like crazy to join your local union and go through the apprenticeship, open shop is the worst and you'll make way less money than union and be encouraged to do worse work
Something I’ve always told new people is that “you can be dumb, but an incredibly hard worker I’m okay with that. You could be smart, but also lazy I’m okay with that too, but for the love of god though, don’t be dumb and lazy.”. Show up on time, be proactive, and be helpful. People will respect you as time goes on.
As someone who went from being a cook to being an electrician, ask everyone for advice because you will notice people have different ways of getting things done and the more ways you know how to accomplish a task the better, another thing I’d suggest is slow down, this isn’t the kitchen anymore, think twice, ask questions, learn to use your tools well, a lot of this trade is knowing how to finesse a task…and always show a little bit of hustle, you don’t have to be a shop rocket, but also don’t be that guy on his phone 24/7 , just be humble and absorb knowledge as much as you can
I started as a helper just three months ago. There's going to be a lot you don't know. Don't get overwhelmed, just take it a day at a time and pay attention and learn. Learn the terms they use. Learn the tools. Learn the materials and connectors. Learn where things are kept and keep things organized and easy to retrieve.
Go home and google or watch a Youtube video going over something you saw but didn't fully understand.
Mistakes or misunderstandings are inevitable. Just be ready to learn from them rather than feel upset or ashamed.
While there's a lot you can't do yet, there's a lot you can do to show you're a good helper to have around. Follow instructions, ask questions, don't argue back cuz you think you know a better way or fail to follow instructions because some little detail they ask you to do doesn't seem that important. Show up on time. Have your basic tools on hand in a tool pouch. Be professional and follow the golden rule of any workplace which is "don't make my boss look bad". Good luck!
You will only be doing exactly what they tell you, if it doesn't make sense, just ask for clarification, always! You don't need to worry about anything else
Bullet point #4 Following specific instructions and directions.
I will add, if the directions are unclear, it's best to ask rather than to guess and get it wrong. Guessing and getting it right gets you nothing getting it wrong make you look the fool.
Do what your supervisor/manager/foreman/boss says to do.
That being said, don’t do it if you reasonably suspect the order is illegal or dangerous.
Look, listen, and keep your mouth shut. This is the best way to get a job and keep it.
As the FNG you pick up any trash you see whenever you don't have anything else in your hands. Hands should always be full with tools, trash, materials or supplies.
Always be aware of your surroundings, it's easy to get tunnel vision but try to relax and just absorb everything. Soon it will be natural to know everything going on around you without actually paying attention.
If someone asks you to go do something personal for them, do it, then discuss with your supervisor to insure it is part of your job description. Yes this includes getting coffee for them, if asked to get coffee for the group, that's usually the FNG's job.
Always stay safe, if it seems scary, double check to make sure you understand everything about being safe.
It's some good advice in comments; Stay alert; PAY attention; **AND DON'T BE AFRAID TO ASK QUESTIONS--IT COULD SAVE YOUR JOB- OR DEPENDING- YOUR LIFE **..
**GOOD LUCK AND LEARN **
Keep a cool head and work hard, focus on safety and having the back of the guy beside you. Pay attention to the name of tools and what they’re used for, learn the names of different tools and materials and where things are located on site. Don’t stay in the portajohn for 30 minutes, stay off your phone. Show up a few minutes early every day.
When it comes down to it, if you can problem solve, think for yourself and be a team player, people are going to want to keep you around and it’ll help you maximize your pay.
Work hard but don’t rush. Stay safe and learn the parts and tools. 3 types of foreman in this industry. One’s that love to teach, one’s that despise it and one’s that don’t give a damn. Lol hopefully you get the former. Usually a phone in my field is fine as long as your not socializing all day. It’s now your ugly’s, nec,and instructor when your foreman isn’t around. Good luck.
This is something I would do. Show up early, like 15-20. Be humble, and have some thick skin, you don’t really know anything, and that’s ok, just watch when you can watch, LISTEN when things are being explained (don’t be that dude that needs to hear it 2-3 times before he remembers what is expected of him). Try not to have an “I know…” mindset. You aren’t there to impress with your knowledge, you’re there to be an attentive and moldable helper. That being said, don’t ever be afraid to ask questions, especially if you aren’t getting the task at hand. Don’t bring every tool you own day one, bring the basics.
As has been said, a cell is a great tool but also has lots of distractions on board. Put your boss in there and your superiors. Give them a different ring tone. Answer only their calls. Make your phone message telling all others you are at work, and you will get back to them after work.
If you are given a task to do and you don't know how, make a QUICK lookup to see if you get help. When you go see the boss, ask him if what you have found is what they want.
Always seek learning in every task as there is always something to learn. Be on the ball all the time and do not drag around even if it is hot outside and you are working in the sun.
Give it all you have. If you make it to getting your license, being an electrician is an important job. Take pride in what you do. In the future, when you see a helper struggling, remember where you came from.
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You’re gonna be nervous, there’s nothing you can do about that, necessarily. Just get a goods night sleep tonight, wake up early and get to the airport at least 20 minutes early your first day. Do you know exactly where you’re going, where to park, where to physically show up? They know that you don’t know anything. Stay off your phone, pay attention, and stay safe. If you don’t know what to do in the moment, ask somebody what they need. Look around and see if anything needs to be cleaned. An empty box is trash, but it can also hold other trash before it finds its way into the dumpster If you can, bring a pencil, a sharpie, a small notebook, and a pair of gloves, just in case they don’t have a pair for you (they should) Also, ask your boss what he’d like to see from you. Sure, you have no experience right now, but if he were to set your pay closer to that $20 instead of $16 per hour, what would he like to see to make that happen? Your willingness is more valuable than your experience at this point. Be willing to work, be willing to learn. And stay safe!
What he said about the phone. Turn that fucking thing off!
Few years ago I had an apprentice that was 20 at the time. He’d put his phone in his lunch box, and it only came out on breaks. I never asked this, he just did it. He was great in everything else, but this phone discipline was what I miss the most. He will always be the one that got away. The great white buffalo.
I had to tell my son, There is nothing other then life and death that requires you to look at your phone Good kid, hard worker My boss losses his mind when I don't answer the phone... Sometimes I do it on purpose. Said to him 1 day So you want me to have my phone in my hand all day or working Gave him the material list Fuck off, leave me alone
This is the way if you can't resist using it for only work purposes. Then you still have it available for emergency calls, though it may take a minute extra to turn on. I'm one of the few able to strictly use my phone for work. Many managers have tried, many have failed, to find me actually fucking around on it instead of taking photos for reference/finding parts/updating the bossman.
The thing about the phones is that I use my phone for A LOT on the job. Invoice/job management stuff, material list, taking pictures, etc. I get a lot of looks from older customers when I’m “on my phone” while my “Boss” is talking to them, as if I’m doing something I shouldn’t be, when I’m typing up their invoice and doing the back end work they don’t see. (Edit: spelling for the old lady in the comments
Smartphones are amazing tools. You can take photos, have reference documents, use a calculator, communicate with colleagues… but man are there a lot of distractions in there too
Don’t turn that thing off ever, ringer full blast waiting for the foremans or a journeyman’s next call to either go grab someone something or go sweep up this for someone or asking where whatever was put away. Better than the foreman screaming there name like a madman tryna find the apprentice hiding in the porta john.
For the love of god leave the phone in the car
I'm not an electrician, but if my boss calls, I take my phone to my truck just so I have an excuse why I didn't answer. He used to call me 20 times a day, disrupt my work, then wonder why it was taking so long.
What if he needs it to watch YouTube tutorials on?
Ok, tutorials and the r/electricians thread on Reddit. And porn. But everything else….NO.
"How to remove dialer and phone line monitoring on 30 year old panel the 22 year old in product support never heard of."
You don't watch YouTube tutorials on a construction job site... You watch others, pay attention, and do what the boss says. If you need to watch YouTube tutorials you do it on your own fucking time at home. If I ever caught an employee watching YouTube on a job that would be there last day, end of story!
Pretty sure it was a joke...
My boss would be bitching if I ever turned my phone off.
Leave it in the car.
>Do you know exactly where you’re going, where to park, where to physically show up? This is actually so underrated. When I was an apprentice and nervous as hell, it really helped even just driving by where I was gonna be working so I didn't have to stress about trying to figure out where to go day of. Especially with larger sites, it can be pretty intimidating as a greenhorn.
I did a dry run the day before.
This is it, thread closed.
Cannot stress that enough, stay off the phone
Thanks, I am actually supposed to start @ $20 an hour. they hired somebody who didn't show up today, also I was supposed to start a different job cooking tomorrow. I told the recruiter that so he offered me $20 Honestly just nervous as fuck lol
good. that means you GAF.
You’re about to carry around very heavy spools and clean like crazy
Yup. Also, put foot here and pull this string until I say stop.
Be realistic, electricians don't clean.
That's what the helper is for.
It's what the drywallers are for
Yeah, I mean they already have that big ass trashcart compared to our cardboard box trashcan
I thought they were to hide pee bottles in the walls
I've never seen a drywaller clean once
Never seen a sparky pick up a broom
If I’m roughing something for a week. There ain’t much to clean up from wood shavings. End of said week probably stripping and prepping all boxes/ receptacles. We typically clean/sweep when the process is done. Otherwise “Oh?! So and so missed this hole, and this, so gotta drill again. Oh now I gotta sweep this room for ‘x’ amount of time!” Seems unproductive when you can do it all at the end of the rough. Again. Which is done initially. If I’m somewhere that’s a new build, yeah gonna be a week probably of us working straight then cleaning/sweeping for a couple hours. When the GC comes in talking shit, like, cmon. You want me to bill you for more? Cause we had to pause at the end of everyday for the week? Cmon.
Exactly. Never just stand around. If there’s nothing to do then clean and organize. Also keep your hands out of your pockets, and walk with a purpose. I hate guys that lumber around and drag their feet.
Whatever you do don’t get the wire stretcher lol
The board stretcher though is key
Don’t touch my pipe stretcher or I’m gonna start yellin
They have the same fucking tools in a restaurant…have you not heard of a bacon stretcher?….picture a newb dishwasher asking everyone if they know where the bacon stretcher is?
Everything needs stretched these days
Here empty out this hot water from the coffee maker, just pull this lever (it is piped directly into the buildings plumbing)
Keep ours with the tile bender
Have you ever seen the fluorescent light bender? Legend has it the first apprentice still looking for it…
Make sure you use gloves if you have to get some ohms from the bucket of ohms
I once wired a capacitor into a Copenhagen can (stitched thin safety wire around the base of the can for the other leg of the cap) and set it on the maintenance chief's desk. Told him not to touch it because it was full of electrons. He did exactly what you think someone would do. Didn't get chewed out because I *did* warn him...
This is genius🤣 voltenhagen!
Be suspicious if they ask for some flight line, too.
I had an apprentice come back dragging spools of wire on the emergency stretcher once. He's the only one who failed the task successfully. He got a raise.
Run and grab the skyhook for me
Don’t do anything they say that all new guys have to do. XD
The wall shrinker might work though
Where's my left handed fish tape at?
Always on the new guy...ELECTRICAL RULE..😃
Or the bucket of ohms...
And remember all electricians do is talk shit to each other don't take anything personal.
That’s pretty much any trade lol. I’ve been in carpentry for over a decade and shit talking eachother is how we make it through the day. OP, don’t take anything personal, and listen when you’re being taught. Don’t be afraid to ask questions either. It takes seconds to answer a question, but sometimes days to fix mistakes. You’ll be fine.
Yeah there's basic stuff like always have a tape measure and a screw driver on you, just in case the foreman asks to borrow it or something, but the real important tips are stuff like this. It sucks sometimes, but the trades have a very different work culture than service/office jobs. A good amount of the guys you will work with will be rude, abrasive, or just actual jerks. Part of being an apprentice is not letting it get under your skin. You're going to fuck up, you're going to receive criticism you don't feel like you deserve, and so on. Just let it be water off a ducks back, and remember not to be That Guy to your helpers when you turn out some day.
This is the biggest thing, just laugh with them. Most of the guys who will try pick on you are divorced cunts who never got enough attention at home. Fuck em
Just try to stay busy and stay off your phone. Don’t ask when break is more than once. Easiest thing you can do is not walk like a zombie. Sounds obvious but it’s a dead giveaway for a shitty worker when they walk slowly everywhere. Keep it nice and brisk. You’ll learn everything you need to know there. Just pay attention and you’ll be fine.
Coming from being a line cook for the last 10 or so years you guys are setting the bar very low
That's the thing. The bar is very low. If you are used to moving with a purpose you'll be doing better than about 70% of the other people you work with. Because 50% of the battle is showing up and 20% of it is giving a shit.
I've worked both, and I can tell you that the skills you needed as a line cook ABSOLUTELY transfer. If you weren't a shitty cook, you won't be a shitty apprentice. You might not be smart enough to be an electrician and still be a successful cook, because I've worked with a lot of line cooks who couldn't follow the recipe for a can of soup. But as far as work habits, the only one you don't already have is to stay off your goddamn phone.
Should have lead off with that line. With your background you'll be fine moving over to a different trade.
Bro just follow orders and pay attention and you’ll be straight, electric isn’t hard at all
Until you have to trouble shoot a hot common in a 80 year old house🤪
yeah we just put the cover back on and walk away. that bill is too high for the typical customer
It was too high! They hired someone else to rewire and I have never seen such a mess in my life but got it all wired properly and traded some cash and chiropractor care.
My trick is I always poop my pants first day at a new place. It’s sets the stage and asserts dominance. Everything else is simple enough.
Worst case is that it sets the bar so low that you can't help but overperform against their expectations
It’s never as scary as it seems dood
Most of the guys you work with will be cool but some are insufferable assholes and one or two might try to have gay sex with you.
Not if I fuck them first
Something yells me you're going to fit right in...
On that note, don't maintain direct eye contact for too long. It's an invitation to bang.
You'll be a-ok
It's only gay to be the guy taking a dick!
If you aren’t interested in the trade now is the time to start. Ask questions, and learn. Don’t be the guy that doesn’t learn. Do your best to buy tools, tools are 1/2 the job. Bring your lunch it will save time and money over the long haul. Show up early everyday. Unfortunately helpers are best seen and not heard. Do your best to not to make small talk while learning. It can be hard to run your mouth and tools at the same time. Don’t spend excess time in the bathroom. Stay off your phone. Stay off your phone. Stay off your phone. Welcome to the trade.
This is so fucked lmao you might as well replace the word helper with cook and it's the same as all my restaurant experience, thank you I appreciate the advice
As a helper in any trade the advice is the same. The difference is made by you the helper or cook. Just as you could advance from cook to chef over several years, you can advance from helper to journeyman to master over the same several year period. Helper is the bottom of the ladder, you get lots of crap work to do to prove that you are ready to become a full apprentice, then you will start learning the fundamentals of the trade. Like everyone else has said, put away your phone. Hustle. Ask questions Take notes Tuck in your shirt, pull up your pants, and wear your belt to keep your pants up. This ain’t a fashion show.
You'll be alright. Safety should be your biggest concern. Just do what they tell you and if you don't understand ASK. We understand you don't know what the hell you're doing. They WILL fuck with you. Don't get all pissy about it or it will get worse
Just keep your eyes and ears open and be ready to learn. You’ll be moving material around the site, retrieving tools and material, and helping someone who knows what they’re doing get things done. All you have to do is pay attention and do what they ask you to do, no one expects the brand new helper to know what they’re doing.
Might have a great opportunity here. Pay attention and get things before they’re asked for 👍🏼
You aren't gonna do anything outside of your skill level, relax. Ask questions and do what you're told and you'll be fine.
Just have a good attitude and do what you're told. Thats all you need for the first couple days. After that just make sure you keep doing what you're told and ask questions if you don't know what to do. Don't worry about why for now.
For the love of God, figure out how to read a tape measure. There's basic guides online. Ibknownit sounds stupid, but I really thought I knew how to read one before starting electrical
Not just read. Figure out how to use the physical tape as well. Lots of dumbasses out there can't measure anything without a buddy to hold the dumb end.
No worries man, a busy kitchen is wayyyyy harder than a helper. Be early, ready, ask questions when unclear, if corrected don't take it as critism. Learn as much as you can.
Have confidence in your ability to learn and do not pay attention to the irrelevant peripheral bullshit. For some reason there is a compulsion to tear down the new guys. It has nothing to do with you personally, so just confidently remain unfazed by immature bs. Do what you’re told and ask questions when you’re not sure Also, leave your extracurricular activities for quitting time. Don’t try and stay faded while working. This will give you an edge over the entitled dipshits that filter through all of the trades. First of all, you’re not fooling anybody, it’s just tolerated until you fuck something up or get hurt. Then you’re just out of a job and looking stupid because it’s your own fault. Secondly, it doesn’t help you work more efficiently, that’s just an excuse idiots use to stay fucked up all day. I’m probably gonna get down voted for this priceless advice because the truth is hard to swallow.
Nah you're right 👍 lol
Show up on time and be the last to leave. Always be moving, keep your phone away and only sit down on breaks. Ask questions and be open to learn. Ask to have your work checked. And you will always have a job. Drink lots of water.
Wear boots, be 15 min early your first day. Have a tape measure, pen, and paper on you at all times. Listen and write it down. You cannot remember everything. Ask questions and don't get angry. If you can handle being in the weeds on a busy line you can definitely handle this. You got it !
Bring knee pads and lots of water
You will be sweeping and tidying up after a bunch of grown men who never learned to sweep and tidy up.
Watch some youtube videos on sweeping, digging and what good brands of left handed wrenches, cable strechers and buckets of steam are. Other than that show up sober and awake no one will expect you to know rocket surgery first day.
As others have said just take it easy, listen and learn. Even ask questions when things aren't too busy. Ask what you can do to help when you weren't given a task and are waiting to do something. And if you are worried you'll be too anxious. Take some supplements, L-theanine works great, that and GABA
I'd imagine one of the first things they'll do is give you some safety instructions. One thing when working around electricity is don't ever wear metal jewelry. So if you're married take off your metal wedding ring and don't take it to work. Don't wear a metal watch. If you have any big chains, take them off and leave them at home. You don't want anything on your body that's going to get caught in machinery or if it touches something electrified it's just going to make the situation worse. You don't want to have all those things on you when you go to your first day and then they tell you to take them all off and then you need to worry about where you're going to keep them safe
THIS —- DONT WEAR METAL —- it could kill you
That's where I came from. Best thing I ever did. Just show up, pay attention, if you don't understand ask, and give it hell and you'll be just fine
You’ll probably feel lost for the first week or so. Probably be running around gathering material or cleaning. Pay attention the whole time, what the guys are doing, tools and materials they’re using, how they do things. I wouldn’t even take my phone out of my pocket. When you start helping your Jman, try to know what he’s going to do next and have tools/materials ready for him.
One of the most important things to remember is to stay off your phone. And try to stay busy. Even if you have to ask the lead man what needs to be dome a couple times a day, do it. Having initiative goes a long way in our trade. And, WELCOME SPARKY
Be on time. STFU and listen to the Jmen. Safety first. If the ask you to get X amount of “fallopian tube” tell them to lick your nuts. Congrats!
Don’t get the wire stretcher and never look for a right sided pvc 90 lol
YouTube and fake it til you make it
If you can leave the porta potty no worse than when you came in you're golden.
My first day as an apprentice is today, it’s not bad, pretty chill
Get off your phone.
I was on lunch
Pay attention, show up on time, stay off your phone, show interest, try and see what’s going on and know the next step before someone has to tell you. Do that and you’ll be twice as far ahead as the average guy starting.
As long as you know how to carry stuff and how to pull on a wire you’ll be fine.
Watch some videos. Try to familiarize yourself with names of tools and materials. Any knowledge, even if it is vague, will be helpful and show your desire to learn. Be a sponge. Never have to be told how to do something more than once. Anticipate the next move. When you finish something, ask for more work right away.
Lmao just don't fall through the floor and stay out of people's way. They're trying to do work
Get a small note pad, and keep it in pocket. Use it. Given a list of things to do? Write them down. Double check you got everything written, repeat the list back if need be. Admit you are stupid, then prove yourself wrong. That's so much easier and better than admitting you are "perfect" or "the best", and then be proven wrong. Writing stuff down shows responsibility to doing things asked. If you can find a way to record stuff like, the list of things to do, or how to do something, do it, but carefully. Some people and some companies don't like videos being made of them. Don't try to learn everything, immediately. Learn 1 or 2 easy things, and learn them well. Then... move on to learning another thing. Then another. Becoming good at one thing, then another, takes longer. BUT! Less mistakes. It also builds confidence. Confidence and less mistakes means the job is doing good, that means everyone is doing good, that's better for everyone. If you are starting something from beginning, very little know how of things... you'll never learn everything all at once. So don't try. Leave phone in pocket. If a phone is a must to have on you, find a way to silence it for everyone but the boss, company, and people working with you. Use powder in socks and shoes/boots, and in underwear. Bring a change of clothes with you in car, or leave in locker, or backpack, etc. Change shirt if wet, dirty, gross. Change socks often. Don't stink of B.O., make being around you easy, not difficult. Swapping a sweaty shirt at lunch break, makes you look nicer, and more responsible. If you don't know something, ask. There's always going to be assholes, deal with it. Nobody learns anything from a guy screaming "you screwed up!" But people can learn, and learn better and faster by showing what was done, how it's wrong, and how to do right. If you are stuck with an asshole that's always yelling, tell the boss you aren't learning your job, because you're only being told it was wrong. There's so many ways to do anything wrong, and there's only a couple ways, or less... to do it correct. By not explaining what was wrong at minimum, and what is the right way... then that guy is wasting company time and yours. Even the dumbest person in the world can be taught how to do something, and taught well. You don't need to know everything about your trade, as long as there is someone showing you how to do it right. If they can't do that, bring it up to management. If you don't, then you are now wasting company time as well. Teaching everyone a job, is good. Teaching everyone how to do the job of the guy above you, is better. Teaching everyone how to do their job, and the job above them, and the job above them, means everyone can make do if a guy calls out. The job can still move forward. That's better for everyone.
SHOW UP 15-20 MINUTES EARLY! Take notes, as questions and stay off your phone
Don't talk back or have an attitude and follow directions easy job. A helper is lotterally someone who shadows the expert as it were and moves materials or grabs and hands tools as directed
The task is to hold the dumb end of the tape measure and clean up.
Advice? Don't get high as soon as you get up in the morning. Pay attention, do what you're told to do, be prepared to take some BS for being a greenhorn, and dont cry real tears. You'll be fine.
Welcome. You're the bus boy now. Your job is menial and stupid. Your goal is not to be the best bus boy in the house, your goal is to be fast and efficient enough that you have a few minutes here and there to start learning prep.
Unless you overvalued your skill level egregiously (which most ppl do) then honestly you’ll be fine. Just come in motivated and willing to work, learn and pay attention to details and there’s nothing more that should be asked of you. Everything else is on the individual hopefully training you.
Handling construction and electrical materials - your gonna Carry heavy stuff around Keeping (keeps) work area clean- you will sweep up and tidy the site up during the day Understand and obey safety requirements - you'll wear a hardhat if need be, steel toe boots etc. Follow instructions and directions - you will listen to the boss and do what they ask, ask for clarification if you're not sure what they are asking for Work with standards of accuracy - you will listen well to their direction and do them well, you will measure twice and cut once Its just them being clear and writing up the job description fairly well. Don't be nervous just put effort in and ask questions if you're unsure. Stay busy through the day, if there is nothing else to do ask for something else or offer to help where you can. Just do your best and you'll be fine.
I went from running kitchens for a couple decades to jumping into electrical... Be prepared to work hard but SLOW down. This isn't the dinner rush, things have to be right or bad things happen. I've found the work immensely satisfying, I make more than twice what I did running my ass off in a kitchen, I only wish I'd done this at 18 instead of 40 (I'd be retired now)
Keep an 11 in 1, a pair of channel locks, a tape measure, penlight, knife, and a sharpie on you at all times. This will go a long way by showing everyone that you are always prepared and ready to work. Pay attention to what the senior guys are showing you, ask questions, and do what you are told. Taking the initiative to clean up or do something that you know needs to be done without anyone asking says a lot about you and your character.
Shut your mouth and do what you are told.
Yes chef 💀
Everything everyone is saying is gold. Don't be afraid to ask questions and be diligent.
Looks like it's for a beginner level job with no experience expected. If you want to exceed in that position be there 15 mins early, be eager and willing to learn. And be helpful. Don't be late, don't complain, don't play on your phone. There expecting to have to train you just remember attitude and work ethic is the one thing you can't teach. So concentrate on those in the beginning more then anything.else
Bro you worked in a professional kitchen? If so, you are good to go. Don’t sweat it. Worst day in the field is like a busy Thursday. You will be fine
I've spent my entire life alternating between construction and cooking, it's the same thing. Do the best you can, people will tell you what you're doing wrong, learn from your mistakes and do it a little better next time. There's no shame in the fuckups, that's just breakage and it's part of the plan. Just like cooking, no one expects you to slam it out of the park on day one. They don't expect you to master on month two. As long as you are progressing, you are going to be fine. Most importantly, follow all instructions from the people in the know, because they know. There is a rhythm to how things are done, even if they don't make sense. When all is said and done, are you are an asset that makes everything go, or are you a liability that is slowing people down?
Get ready for a grumpy old man to yell at you for doing a piss poor job
Don't worry. I was nervous when I first started too with zero construction experience. Just pay attention, do your best, and you'll be okay.
You’ll be good. A lot of excellent workers in the trade I work came from restaraunts with literally 0 experience(me too!). There’s dozens of us!!!
Done both and I’d say I loved electrical wayyyyy more than the food industry
I was a line cook, KM who came to the trade at 28. I have no advice about how to avoid feeling like a huge goddamn fool because that has never left me. But there were a lot of things I loved about the kitchen that kinda made me predisposed to electrical. Especially when it comes to the all of the different ways to skin a cat. Everybody has their own take on that classic plate, so to speak. It’s easy to get wrapped in the work..I I think you will find a lot of parallels
Apply for an apprenticeship and skip the helper stage, you won’t regret it.
You'll be fine! It'll most likely just be grabbing tools and materials for the guys.
Learn the different tools and materials quickly, try to stay out the way if there's a scramble by the journeyman to something quickly. And just work safely. You won't be expected to know much at all, but you'll be expected to learn quickly. So don't show up half asleep, show up clean and showered, look the part!
Were you honest about your level of experience at the interview? If you were, then they hired you knowing that you were going to need a significant amount of training. Don't be afraid to ask for help with anything you haven't done before. Just try to focus on learning and make sure that the work people put into training you pays off.
Is it just a helper position? So going nowhere? Or is it a paid apprenticeship? That will actually lead to something? Cause if it’s just a job then it might not be worth it and u should find a company willing to invest time in u.
Cooking js a job that also goes fucking nowhere brother. Yes you can read correct? Says helper bro.
youre basically just gonna be a little helper for a while and probably be expected to get some basic tools. whatever you do be ready to help, dont complain, hands out of pockets, no phone, good attitude
Just pay attention and do EXACTLY as you are told, don’t touch anything unless asked to (it might be live) and you will be fine. Everyone has first day jitters
If you’re not sure about something, ask them to clearly clarify what they mean when they ask you to do something. Don’t think you know, know you know. You’re gonna make mistakes, try to learn from them quickly and don’t take it to heart. My first day as an electrician I cut the windings wires on at £5k motor. I was ready to just walk away there and then thinking I wasn’t good enough.
Grus personnel
Show up with blue collar work clothes and do exactly as you're told.
You got this, nothing to worry about. Show up 15m early with boots and any additional PPE you need. Stay off your phone, save for your lunch and breaks. Leave it in your car if you can. It's the easiest way to piss someone off that's taking a chance on you. Seriously. Whenever I ask any of my trade friends: "how's that new kid working out?" the first thing they say is whether or not they are on their phone. Have a good attitude. Shits gonna be heavy and there's gonna be cleaning. If someone asks you to do something, make sure you understand what it is and if not clarify then and there. That's a lot better than coming back 5 mins later and interrupting someone. If you're interested in the trade, ask a few questions (but not too many, and not when someone's in the middle of something). Anymore than 1-2 for a full day is probably too many. (This is another thing my trade friends mention about their new guys.) Enjoy your first day, and stay safe!
Okay so step one have eyes up learn what the goal is for every job don't worry it takes time. If it's dirty clean it if they tell you to get some thing do it quick if you can. On site first day 20 min early every other day at least 15 early. No phone during work time no face book reddit or any other shit. Spend 1 hr tonight learning the tools if you don't know them already after that learn the most common parts. And if your close to electricity keep your fucking hands in you pocket touch nothing until you know what your touching. Good luck it's a great starter job to learn from.
Don't touch live wires, be aware of your surroundings, and watch out for all the stuff laying around that you can trip over, stuff you can bump into and crap overhead that can fall on you. If something seems off or unsafe, question it. Hopefully your employer is serious about safety. You shouldn't be tasked with anything complicated or inheritantly dangerous, but construction sites are inheritantly full of potential hazards so situational awareness is your top priority day one thru your last day ever. Ask questions, stay hydrated and be observant.
Honestly kitchen work imo is a really good job before doing electrical. It teaches you to be efficient and fast paced. Im glad that's what I did beforehand.
Dont go into the union gates unless you are union or you might get your ass beat
If you don't know what you should be doing. Start cleaning.
1 - you’re going to be carrying stuff 2 - you’re going to be picking up trash 3 - you have to wear PPE at all times. Don’t use tools, stay off ladders and don’t step on boards marked “hole” 4 - Do exactly what they tell you to do, with some urgency if you want to impress. 5 - Do things exactly how you are taught, time to learn not be creative. 6 - finish what you start, exactly as you are told. Work with urgency, be respectful, and above all BE SAFE! PPE at all times. Good Luck!
That's some low fucking pay. What's minimum wage in your area ? For that price they better not expect experience lol. We pay labourers 22$
Put very simply, there’s no need to be nervous at all. Just show up and do exactly what you’re told to do and you’ll do great. If you really want to shine, be proactive on organizing and cleaning.
Wear a cute thong boy 👀🤣 Jk but you’ll just be cleaning the construction site, unloading material deliveries, organizing parts, helping out coworkers moving and possibly installing things.
Say: I'm new and never done this before Don't try and hide it cuz you won't know wtf they're talking about. Also, contact your local ibew hall and talk to them about becoming an apprentice
I rode around with a service electrician for 2 weeks was pretty good until I had to run 15 ft of wire under a house in a condensed crawl space with pipes in my way , was able to get the wire across but he also wanted me to staple it across the floor above me I started to get uncomfortable and claustrophobic so I got out and explained that I got as far as I could given that I have never done that before could he give me pointers or something but instead he got irritated and told me he didn’t need me at that point not saying he was wrong , was I too inexperienced? Or could he have showed me this once how it’s done
As someone who started with no experience or education it’s not that hard. Just listen to everything you’re told and don’t be afraid to be careful. Also don’t underestimate the power of good notes.
If you can read a tape measure and use a shovel all day and follow directions without attitude you'll be golden. Though usually hiring asap positions are complete dog shit. Also don't be afraid to speak up if something feels unsafe
Butt stuff….there’s gonna be a lot of butt stuff.
Bro as a previous apprentice be early by 15 everyday. Don’t stop moving if you don’t know what to do ask. Don’t talk back. Dont be on your phone. Always work when your jman is moving. You’re going to be nervous bro it’s natural. Switching sites eventually you’ll get nervous too. Just try to be the guy everyone wants to work with. Make yourself irreplaceable in a replaceable world.
Get drunk tonight, few monsters in the AM. Vape all day, get beats going in you're headphones. But for real random sparkey helper jobs are the easiest I did
Rule #1: a Klein IS a hammer. Rule #2: a Klein still IS a hammer, no matter what Klein tells you
Know what tools look like so when you’re asked for something you can identify it… you’re a helper they’ll teach you how to help don’t worry
I was a helper and only worked as a Barista mainly before that. I didn’t even know what some of the tools were called. Took me a year and a half to get in. Now I’m about to take my JW test in September. You got this! Don’t be afraid to ask questions.
Step 1: listen to instructions and don't go looking for a wire stretcher Step 2: apply like crazy to join your local union and go through the apprenticeship, open shop is the worst and you'll make way less money than union and be encouraged to do worse work
Something I’ve always told new people is that “you can be dumb, but an incredibly hard worker I’m okay with that. You could be smart, but also lazy I’m okay with that too, but for the love of god though, don’t be dumb and lazy.”. Show up on time, be proactive, and be helpful. People will respect you as time goes on.
Well as soon as you know a damn thing this will be an underpaid gig.
Head down work hard you’ll be fine👍
As someone who went from being a cook to being an electrician, ask everyone for advice because you will notice people have different ways of getting things done and the more ways you know how to accomplish a task the better, another thing I’d suggest is slow down, this isn’t the kitchen anymore, think twice, ask questions, learn to use your tools well, a lot of this trade is knowing how to finesse a task…and always show a little bit of hustle, you don’t have to be a shop rocket, but also don’t be that guy on his phone 24/7 , just be humble and absorb knowledge as much as you can
I started as a helper just three months ago. There's going to be a lot you don't know. Don't get overwhelmed, just take it a day at a time and pay attention and learn. Learn the terms they use. Learn the tools. Learn the materials and connectors. Learn where things are kept and keep things organized and easy to retrieve. Go home and google or watch a Youtube video going over something you saw but didn't fully understand. Mistakes or misunderstandings are inevitable. Just be ready to learn from them rather than feel upset or ashamed. While there's a lot you can't do yet, there's a lot you can do to show you're a good helper to have around. Follow instructions, ask questions, don't argue back cuz you think you know a better way or fail to follow instructions because some little detail they ask you to do doesn't seem that important. Show up on time. Have your basic tools on hand in a tool pouch. Be professional and follow the golden rule of any workplace which is "don't make my boss look bad". Good luck!
Good luck mate
Expect to be the bitch boy.
The man doing all the work no one wants to do
Be eager to learn and don’t make the same mistake twice
You are about to be a grunt. You don’t know shit, so they will have you do all of the lifting and shit work until you learn a thing or two.
All those requirements are a walk in the park. You’ll be fine dude
You will only be doing exactly what they tell you, if it doesn't make sense, just ask for clarification, always! You don't need to worry about anything else
Just show up on time with Hard toe boots, they should provide PPE and try your best. As long as you do that every day you'll be fine.
Join the Union, start at more than that per hour, on top of killer benefits.
If you don’t know what to do pick a broom and use it. Oops nevermind, if you learn how to clean up after yourself, you’ll never be an electrician.
Bullet point #4 Following specific instructions and directions. I will add, if the directions are unclear, it's best to ask rather than to guess and get it wrong. Guessing and getting it right gets you nothing getting it wrong make you look the fool.
Do what your supervisor/manager/foreman/boss says to do. That being said, don’t do it if you reasonably suspect the order is illegal or dangerous. Look, listen, and keep your mouth shut. This is the best way to get a job and keep it.
As the FNG you pick up any trash you see whenever you don't have anything else in your hands. Hands should always be full with tools, trash, materials or supplies. Always be aware of your surroundings, it's easy to get tunnel vision but try to relax and just absorb everything. Soon it will be natural to know everything going on around you without actually paying attention. If someone asks you to go do something personal for them, do it, then discuss with your supervisor to insure it is part of your job description. Yes this includes getting coffee for them, if asked to get coffee for the group, that's usually the FNG's job. Always stay safe, if it seems scary, double check to make sure you understand everything about being safe.
Ever heard of a broom?
Be on time. Don't be on your phone.
***following specific instructions and directions*** focus on this here bud you’ll be golden.
It's some good advice in comments; Stay alert; PAY attention; **AND DON'T BE AFRAID TO ASK QUESTIONS--IT COULD SAVE YOUR JOB- OR DEPENDING- YOUR LIFE **.. **GOOD LUCK AND LEARN **
This job post would be illegal in Ca. Here any apprentices must have an electrical trainee card to work and gain hours
Keep a cool head and work hard, focus on safety and having the back of the guy beside you. Pay attention to the name of tools and what they’re used for, learn the names of different tools and materials and where things are located on site. Don’t stay in the portajohn for 30 minutes, stay off your phone. Show up a few minutes early every day. When it comes down to it, if you can problem solve, think for yourself and be a team player, people are going to want to keep you around and it’ll help you maximize your pay.
DM me for some deets. I'm an airport electrical engineer. I can maybe shed a little light.
Work hard but don’t rush. Stay safe and learn the parts and tools. 3 types of foreman in this industry. One’s that love to teach, one’s that despise it and one’s that don’t give a damn. Lol hopefully you get the former. Usually a phone in my field is fine as long as your not socializing all day. It’s now your ugly’s, nec,and instructor when your foreman isn’t around. Good luck.
Expect to be asked to go to the truck and bring the wire stretcher, if your colleagues have a good sense of humor 😜
Ask your Forman for the wire stretcher. Should be in the gang box in case you cut your wire too short.
This is something I would do. Show up early, like 15-20. Be humble, and have some thick skin, you don’t really know anything, and that’s ok, just watch when you can watch, LISTEN when things are being explained (don’t be that dude that needs to hear it 2-3 times before he remembers what is expected of him). Try not to have an “I know…” mindset. You aren’t there to impress with your knowledge, you’re there to be an attentive and moldable helper. That being said, don’t ever be afraid to ask questions, especially if you aren’t getting the task at hand. Don’t bring every tool you own day one, bring the basics.
I mean it’s being an electricians helper… just make sure to leave your trash on the floor.
Wear pants that can be pulled down and up again, Quickly
As has been said, a cell is a great tool but also has lots of distractions on board. Put your boss in there and your superiors. Give them a different ring tone. Answer only their calls. Make your phone message telling all others you are at work, and you will get back to them after work. If you are given a task to do and you don't know how, make a QUICK lookup to see if you get help. When you go see the boss, ask him if what you have found is what they want. Always seek learning in every task as there is always something to learn. Be on the ball all the time and do not drag around even if it is hot outside and you are working in the sun. Give it all you have. If you make it to getting your license, being an electrician is an important job. Take pride in what you do. In the future, when you see a helper struggling, remember where you came from.
I came from the same background. Just follow directions and ask a lot of questions you will be great.
You're gonna be running parts. Do good. Maybe they'll take ya on as an apprentice. And then it's all downhill from there