I finally did it!

Nov 14, 2017 11:05 PM

sparkylife64

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190555

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4954

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219

This will probably disappear in user sub bit damnit I'm proud of myself!!! Lots of hard work and time but it was worth it!

FP edit: Holy crap everyone! Thank you so much for all the amazing feedback! Send funny construction memes and whatever else!

Also. I'm getting a lot of people commenting and asking for help or tips on applying for apprenticeship programs, if you are interested please message me!

Raise a glass to ya. I Finished my apprenticeship 18 yrs ago. Its been a helluva ride.

8 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

I work in demolition and run my own crew. You're light years ahead of me. Kudos, bro.

8 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

Congrats! Great job and eventually excellent money.

8 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

Just turned out in June. It’s a lot of work. Congratulations.

8 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

Congratulations! You are on your way to a six figure career and a trade that will never go away. Please stay safe, getting shocked hurts.

8 years ago | Likes 23 Dislikes 0

Gratz dude/dudette. That's a great achievement. Enjoy the higher pay and higher expectations.

8 years ago | Likes 6 Dislikes 0

Congratulations. Welcome to the club.

8 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

Good job, I've been topped out for 15 years local 665 Lansing Michigan

8 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 0

LU 640 Phoenix,AZ....As an apprentice I am always so happy for guys/gals getting their tickets. Can't wait!

8 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

Sorry...Congrats brother

8 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Welcome to the local ibew!

8 years ago | Likes 6 Dislikes 0

It’s a lot less sex than the internet makes it out to be

8 years ago | Likes 15 Dislikes 1

Well fuck......why am I even doing this then!?

8 years ago | Likes 11 Dislikes 1

You were wanting to stick stuff in people’s sockets weren’t you. Well you do, just not the type in the movies.

8 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

Congrats! Becoming a journeyman butcher is one of the high points of my life

8 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

From a fellow journeyman wireman, congrats! Now go make some money!

8 years ago | Likes 12 Dislikes 0

Trust nobody, assume nothing. These are the keys to staying alive from one electrician to another

8 years ago | Likes 9 Dislikes 0

Don't even trust yourself. Always double check.

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

is considering joining the trades... dad was a laborer for 25 years...warned me not to but im gonna try for the sparkies when they take apps

8 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

my dad was a drywaller, told me the same thing. But when I told him I was going sparky he said that was a great decision.

8 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

I think he would support me but he passed 2 years ago... Im not sure i got the math skills to do it but Im gonna give it my best shot.

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

the math isn't that bad. For most of the hard stuff there are simplified ways to get the right answer. The basics are pretty simple.

8 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Hey man at least you have a pretty grounded attitude. Some guys get too amped about it and end up shocked with the current job market.

8 years ago | Likes 9 Dislikes 1

wow thats a lot of puns

8 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Woah! Good for you. Inside wireman?

8 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

Now your ready to hate all other trades, Air plumbers (HVAC), gas plumbers, wood plumbers (carpenter), shit plumbers, drywall plumbers and

8 years ago | Likes 6 Dislikes 0

As a HVAC air plumbers made me actually laugh, I've never even thought about it like that

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Aaaaand I just realized I'm on random and not most recent.

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Classic air plumber

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Regular plumbers......also, every other sparky from any other company. Gratz!

8 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 0

Good for you. I love your blue shirt and all the do-dads hanging on your belt.

8 years ago | Likes 45 Dislikes 1

Doodads

8 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

Yep, plus one for you!

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

I'm using my gi bill to be a HVAC tech so good on ya

8 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 0

My best friend did the same thing for our program! Congrats and thanks for your service

8 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

Thank you

8 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Congratulations! As a Journeyman Plumber I commend you. I must now also immediately hate you because plumbing IS the superior trade.

8 years ago | Likes 6 Dislikes 0

Wrong, millwrighting is. We're the jack of all trades, but master of none.

8 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

Better than master of one.

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Obviously you have never seem electricians vs plumbers on YouTube sir

8 years ago | Likes 7 Dislikes 1

Keeping Cholera away is a real man's job.

8 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 1

Just started my apprenticeship, IBEW local 158

8 years ago | Likes 20 Dislikes 0

IBEW 3

8 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

IBEW local 64 brother keep with it it's all worth it. Are you industrial or residential?

8 years ago | Likes 7 Dislikes 0

Industrial, I've been working in a foundry for a few weeks. Dirty af

8 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 0

I'm also industrial and I know the feeling man lol my local is in Youngstown Ohio. Lots of old steal mills

8 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 0

Go Blue 〽️

8 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

Congrats. Just started my apprenticeship.

8 years ago | Likes 6 Dislikes 0

Congrats sparky! Now get your damn conduit off of my rebar!

8 years ago | Likes 21 Dislikes 0

Fucking rod busters LOL!!

8 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

Bahahahahha!!!!

8 years ago | Likes 8 Dislikes 1

Journeyman to journeyman, congrats. Also, test everything before digging in. Don’t be an idiot.

8 years ago | Likes 155 Dislikes 2

Ha made that mistake to many times, lol.

8 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Yes. Play with the erogenous zones a while and get her warmed up before digging in.

8 years ago | Likes 34 Dislikes 1

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

oh my..

8 years ago | Likes 9 Dislikes 1

And clean up your mess during rough in! The carpenters always have to clean up time after time because nobody else gives a shit.

8 years ago | Likes 9 Dislikes 1

Loved rough in (worked in hvac for a summer) boss man man would just be like aye go cut a whole in that fuckin wall, just dont be too sloppy

8 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

What is it with electricians that they refuse to pick up their zip-tie trimmings

8 years ago | Likes 11 Dislikes 1

IBEW 481 here. Congrats

8 years ago | Likes 23 Dislikes 0

213 :)

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Local 441 woop woop!

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Local 64

8 years ago | Likes 7 Dislikes 0

271 checking in

8 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

Hey! Another 481 brother!!!!

8 years ago | Likes 8 Dislikes 0

Local 158

8 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

IBEW Local 176

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Lu 1547

8 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 1

Local 1916 (Millwrights)

8 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Would you say you're.... amped?

8 years ago | Likes 275 Dislikes 2

Something something three phase power

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Currently buzzing with the news!

8 years ago | Likes 19 Dislikes 0

Got a real charge out of this thread

8 years ago | Likes 6 Dislikes 0

Ohm mah gawd. Honestly though he's just full of potential now

8 years ago | Likes 18 Dislikes 1

Beat me to it. The joke is hard to resist.

8 years ago | Likes 6 Dislikes 1

Ohm my god you're awful

8 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Fair go! He's volted over the resistance to remain current.

8 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Just has to keep coulomb as a cucumber while at work.

8 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

be sure to protect the family joules

8 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

Oh please, watt kinda joke is that

8 years ago | Likes 9 Dislikes 0

Woah there, you seem really charged up.

8 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

Whoa guys, save some pussy for the rest of us

8 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Looks like someone's got no touch potential!

8 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

I see what you did there

8 years ago | Likes 48 Dislikes 1

well you may be currently amped up, but try to stay grounded

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Watt* come on son!

8 years ago | Likes 22 Dislikes 0

I bet you didn't even get shocked by it.

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

"Yer a unit of power, Harry." "I'm a Watt?"

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Joule be coming round the mountain when she comes

8 years ago | Likes 6 Dislikes 1

He Ohmed you dude!!

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

I'll bet he's Joule-y

8 years ago | Likes 6 Dislikes 0

I hated all those years of apprenticeship all 5 of em

8 years ago | Likes 81 Dislikes 2

Still got one more year to go

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

For all of you confused: Generally it is 5 years in a union and 4 without. At least here in Idaho.

8 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

I'm an Idaho/Washington Journeyman, too! Where at?

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Well I started my apprenticeship last week. Based is Boise/meridian but working up by Burley. Any tips for someone just starting out?

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Since when is it 5 years? Was 4 for me

8 years ago | Likes 6 Dislikes 1

L.U. 607 Pennsylvania. Finished class 10 years ago still a 5 year program today

8 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 0

I topped out 15 years ago five-year program. 665 Lansing Michigan

8 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 0

Didn't realize there was so many of us here. I topped out a year ago and I'm already teaching 3rd year apprentice class.

8 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Was it hard to get an apprenticeship? Were you paid?

8 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

It's hard but you will get in if you're persistent. All union apprenticeships I've ever seen are paid.

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

What the damn why did you take 5 years to so that?(Electrician myself, finished in 3 years)

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

5 years???!!!! I only did 2,5 years... And 2 with school before that.

8 years ago | Likes 7 Dislikes 0

Unions have 5 years of apprenticeship, you get paid more and more per year you increase. You probably went to a technical college right?

8 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 1

No, normal apprenticeship with the same things as you said. I live in Norway tho, so might be different. I'm just a normal electrician...

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

About 3rd year it all starts going down hill, lol

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Dude same.

8 years ago | Likes 47 Dislikes 0

Would you say it was worth it?

8 years ago | Likes 15 Dislikes 0

It's all worth it when ur done with it

8 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 0

100%

8 years ago | Likes 20 Dislikes 0

I second.

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Good, so what is it that you are then?

8 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

Inside journeyman wireman. I work on hospitals, factories, schools, big shit, and yes a lot of higher voltages

8 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

I feel bad for the apprentices now having to do everything online we had the books we could all help each other out if you know what I mean

8 years ago | Likes 9 Dislikes 0

I feel bad for the people who had to write their homework, online kicks ass

8 years ago | Likes 7 Dislikes 0

It's like a year and a half through the air force.

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

did 3rd year screw you up aswell?

8 years ago | Likes 16 Dislikes 1

See mine was 2nd year that fucked me up. All the A.C. theory blah. 3rd year for me was mostly grounding and bonding and code

8 years ago | Likes 17 Dislikes 0

2nd year was awesome cuz I love math. 3rd was grading and binding the other half was like chips es and electronics. Bleh

8 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

In second year right now. Ac/dc motors and sizing

8 years ago | Likes 6 Dislikes 0

5th year here. Graduate in June. It'll be over before you know it! Barely made it through motors though.

8 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Size matters?

8 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

in my 3rd right now. A.c. theory and generators/motors are screwing me

8 years ago | Likes 13 Dislikes 0

Ah god I know that shit was miserable

8 years ago | Likes 12 Dislikes 0

I love this conversation. I don't understand any of it, and here you two are bonding over what may as well be alien language to a lot of us.

8 years ago | Likes 13 Dislikes 0

As somebody in construction management congrats on making way more money than I do!!!

8 years ago | Likes 479 Dislikes 2

I agree. I am a construction pm. But as a woman I make even less than you probably!

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 1

As someone that works in recreation, fuck you both. No offence though

8 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

As an architect, ditto

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

I'm a CM student at OU. Don't crush my dreams just yet.

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Are you guys on owner's or contractor's side? Here in the SF Bay Area, contractor PMs for large firms make $120k+. Can't afford house tho...

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Yeah right journeyman electric make about 35-55$ an hour and allllll sorts of benefits

8 years ago | Likes 34 Dislikes 1

like bow chicka wow wow!

8 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 1

Supervisors on my job make 150k year + reimbursements for meals/rooms/car and bunch of other perks

8 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

What company?

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

CCA Civil in the truth-state area, I’m not sure how it is in a more rural area, but there’s big money to be made in large civil projects.

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Ditto...

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

I was thinking the exact same thing haha

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Thinking about starting in Sheet metal in an apprentice program in WA. Do you know if they make a good wage?

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

In ky making $20/hour and as many hours as I can work. Nothing too spectacular

8 years ago | Likes 11 Dislikes 1

Go union. IBEW 369. $31.07 an hour, great insurance, and great retirement.

8 years ago | Likes 10 Dislikes 1

I joined the apprentice back in 04. When I graduated high school. Dude I have a great pension and other betting.

8 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 0

Bennies. Not betting. Anyway. Best decision I've ever made.

8 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

What about that time when you did that thing with the jet in the hot tub? That no longer your best decision?

8 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

They make like 39-41 an hour in Minnesota. Low voltage techs make 37-38.

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Pretty good for ky

8 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 1

Also construction management. I'm ok with less money the real joy comes from cleaning up after grown men

8 years ago | Likes 28 Dislikes 1

Same, sparkies are the worst, finished floors and wire bits everywhere. Don't follow suite, your not an elevator installer

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Preach it

8 years ago | Likes 6 Dislikes 0

Cute

8 years ago | Likes 7 Dislikes 2

Not really, I'm picking up food left behind by grown fucking men (30-60 years old) because they think they can just leave it in the office.

8 years ago | Likes 8 Dislikes 1

sucks. Like the parking lot is a trashcan and schools are ashtrays. Not my rules but youd think grownups could clean up themselves. Why not

8 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

I seriously want to do a "Bring your mother to work day" so they can get smacked around by their mom's.

8 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

I didn't mean anything personal I've worked with a lot of good electricians. Just subs seem worry about their job over others (no union lot)

8 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

That’s not including a Davis Bacon wage. On federal work, that’s where the real money is made in the trades.

8 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

as a DoD construction contract inspector, can confirm

8 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

State of Oregon also has Prevailing Wage on public works jobs. Sometimes those pay a bit more than Davis Bacon.

8 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

A Washington journeyman electrician wireman makes about 47/hr. 2000 hour work year give 90K pay. That’s not including OT. Y did I college?

8 years ago | Likes 168 Dislikes 0

2080 work year.

8 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

I make $20/hr flying a $1.5 million helicopter. Yay.

8 years ago | Likes 8 Dislikes 0

Go on

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

My mom has a dbl major in communications and English. She's teaching. By the end of my 2nd year of my ele apprinticeship I'll be making more

8 years ago | Likes 10 Dislikes 0

And for example, one place I want to work for gives you about 40k plus benefits then a 20k bump once you get your journeyman licence

8 years ago | Likes 9 Dislikes 0

Honestly hearing something like this makes me feel so much better about what I’m planning, withdrawing in 2 days and I start my apprentice

8 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

A union electrician in nyc.......that’s some high living, if you’re working.

8 years ago | Likes 12 Dislikes 0

Correct you get your hourly pay, Plus pension plus annuity plus health insurance plus medical fund savings or whatever you have negotiated

8 years ago | Likes 8 Dislikes 0

Local 290 is a union for pipefitters steamfitters and plumbers. They are in Oregon cali and Washington. Pay is going up to 55-60ish in 5 yrs

8 years ago | Likes 6 Dislikes 0

I played that stupid board game Life, and it always said I made more money going to schools.

8 years ago | Likes 62 Dislikes 0

Trade jobs pay well, but they *tend to* retire earlier because of the physical nature of the jobs.

8 years ago | Likes 64 Dislikes 1

True. My stepdad is a Foreman electrician & had both hips replaced when he was about 53 because of the strain from the job.

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Is this a downside?

8 years ago | Likes 7 Dislikes 0

Nope. Retired at 61 before my body broke down. Its weird but wonderful.

8 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

Not necessarily, but it is an important point when looking purely at lifetime earning potential. Take it as you will I guess?

8 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Toolmaker here. Just retired at 61. I was burned out the last few years but the trade has been very good to me.

8 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

Depends entirely on the trade. HVAC, electricians and plumbers make bank without ruining their body.

8 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

It doesn't ruin your body, but it's not easy either. Source: I am an electrician

8 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Half of hvac can be crawling around 110 degree attics. Not great for the body

8 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

I'm also an HVAC technician and haven't experienced this

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Uncle was in HVAC, and had a friend in it too. Both experienced this, not everyone has the same experience though.

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0