ECN Forum Forums General Topics of the Trade Non-US Electrical Systems & Trades New to the job

Hi all!

I started as an electrical apprentice about 10 months ago here in Ireland and I just wanted to find out about electrical work in other countries and elsewhere in Ireland.

Since I've stared I've been doing all sorts work and I was wondering do other electricians do the same kind of work.

I've done a good range of electrical work; industrial, domestic and agricultural; all aspects - Electrical, Tv, phone, computer, alarms. I've done a good bit of plumbing work, refrigeration, air conditioning and cold/freezer room work, repairs on all sorts of industrial machines, repairs on domestic appliances. I work on my own quite a lot especially recently, probably 70% over the last two months I’ve been doing a very large house (1st and 2nd fix) on my own including the board and connections to the main isolator. A few months back I was on my own for a good while in a large butchers shop to 1st and 2nd fix also. Over the last few days I’ve been working with my boss’ son, teaching him the little I know about the job. I’m glad my boss trusts me to work on my own and make decisions about jobs but I don’t think I’m supposed to be on my own at all for more reasons than I could list.

Basically I was just wondering do other electricians do as broad a range of work or do they usually stick to a couple of things. I’m not complaining about my work, I’m glad I get to learn about such a broad range of areas. Plus I’d like to hear any tips or advice you guys could give me. Great site by the way!

Thanks in advance for your answers.

Ross

Gidday there Ross,
Welcome to ECN!.
djk would be the man to see on matters Ireland, he's there he should know.

I'm interested to know what way things are done in other parts. I haven't been on block release yet. I'm not sure what way apprenticeships work anywhere else but here we do a certain amount of time with our employer and then we go to "college" and do theory and practical work there. For example I'm in Phase 1 where I work with my employer, for Phase 2 I go to college. This is repeated for around 4years in total, then you are qualified. Most aprenticeships in Ireland are done through a body called Fás who will pay you while you are off the job with them and look after all the exams etc.

Enjoyed the diversity of the electrical trade that is why I do this. It sounds like you are going over the scope of an electrical apprentice but if you like your job keep it; if not find other employment. I do not know how it is where you are but as far as I am concerned you cannot have to much training. Learning about different trades helps separate the craftsman from the hacks. Good luck and above all enjoy what you do. Rod

I work in a service department so I never know what Im going to run into, keeps the job interesting. We would never allow a 10 month apprentice to be on the job alone unless it was for a short time like a supply house run ETC.

I work for a Lines Company here in New Zealand.
I've served 2 apprenticeships, 1 as a Line Mechanic (Lineman) and the other as an Electrician.
No matter where you are, one thing that I would agree with, is the fact that you can't have enough training, no matter what trade you are in.
I never picked up PLC stuff until I finished my time as an Electrician.
Ross, It depends upon what you want to do, mate.

"I’m glad my boss trusts me to work on my own and make decisions about jobs but I don’t think I’m supposed to be on my own at all for more reasons than I could list."

Hmmm... Are you thinking it is more JOB, than OJT? You sound like, and fortunately may be the cautious type? And wise if you are... Under a year in the trade many would not leave you alone very much. Unless you are super fantastic at understanding and following directions, and all of your work is checked before energizing. And not working live I assume.

As for other countries, I know a few guys that I used to work with that have traveled the world doing electrical work. (Most of them also Irish.) There's a whole world out there, and a lot too learn, well past your apprenticeship.

I have been at this about sixteen years and learn new things all the time. I started as an equipment repair specialist for industrial motor controls in the military, but have done airfield lighting, ship to shore power, some low volt line work. Then resteraunts, showrooms, corperate events, phones, networking, and high-end homes with full automation. I have done a little, and a lot of most, and there's always something else to learn.

Dare, I say it, the only way to get stuck doing the same 'ol, same ol, is to have the same 'ol employer for the whole time. I think it is good to move around every few years, (especialy early on) and be selective about who you work for, and what you can learn, and gain from them in the proccess. Some apprenticeships actually require it.

Mark (e57),
Yeah I agree mate,
I didn't have that option when I was trained, but now apprentinces under the ECANZ scheme here, do 6 months (I think, Kiwi may be able to confirm that) with each employer and then move on, I say it's great as far as learning goes, and you also get to work witha lot more Electricians, who will no doubt all have different ideas on how certain things should be done.
Being trained by more or less 1 or 2 people, gives you a pretty blinkered outlook on how things can or should be done.
I'm still trying to get rid of a few bad habits I picked up.