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5 Tips For Successfully Completing An Electrician Apprenticeship

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As part of the certification process to become an electrician, you have to complete an apprenticeship. The apprenticeship allows you to get on-the-job training and get industry tips from professionals who have been where you are now. It is important that you take as much from the experience as possible. To help ensure you do, here are some tips for successful apprenticeship. 

  1. Be proactive. Your mentor needs to know that you are enthusiastic about learning more about the industry. He or she is more likely to go the extra mile to ensure that you have the training needed if he or she feels you are truly invested in learning. One way to show enthusiasm is to be proactive and suggest tasks or skills that you can do. 

  2. Do not be afraid to ask. Working with electricity can put your life at risk. Instead of attempting to perform tasks you are unsure of, ask your mentor. He or she can guide you through the task so that you can see how to safely perform it.  

  3. Set realistic expectations. Even if you were the star of your training program, there is still much more you need to learn. If you walk into your apprenticeship with the belief that you will have everything mastered within a couple of weeks, you could be sorely disappointed when that does not happen. Try to keep in mind that this is a learning opportunity that extends beyond a few weeks. 

  4. Acquire your own tools. It is important that you have your tools prepped and ready to go each day. If you do not have the necessary tools, it is fine to borrow them, but remember to respect the tools and the person who loaned them to you. 

  5. Follow orders. One of the most difficult parts of being an apprentice can sometimes be following orders. This is especially true when you are tasked with doing simple tasks you have done repeatedly. However, complete the tasks you are assigned. As your apprenticeship progresses and your mentor sees you are capable of handling simple tasks, he or she will give you more opportunities.  

There are other ways you can make sure your apprenticeship is successful. Consult with your trade school teachers, like those from HVAC Technical Institute, and others who have been through the process to gain more insight. Remember, the apprenticeship is just one more step towards gaining your electrician certification and fulfilling your professional goal.


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