Actual working experience is best. But really, the book learning helps too. I have worked with too many guys who where good in their specialty but often didn't know why they did things the way they did or in a few cases, didn't even do it the best way. And they were often stuck in the specialty because they didn't have the theorectical knowledge to easily learn new things. The best way, and for the record I'm not a union guy, is to go the IBEW route. They have a good mix of hands on and book learning. But it can be hard getting into the IBEW. So do the books but make it a prioity to go for the hands on. One bit of advice for any apprentice, be the most usefull one you can so that the better journeymans with the most stroke will want you as their helper. Usually, not only will you learn more but guys who are really good don't have to attempt to prove it by treating their helpers like dirt.
